Hegde Lab

Hegde Research Lab

We study molecular mechanisms involved in normal development and in disease states using in vitro (cellular and solution biochemistry and structural biology) and in vivo (mouse models) strategies. These fundamental studies are integrated into our efforts at developing novel therapeutic strategies via structure-aided drug design coupled with in vitro validation and in vivo pre-clinical studies.

Conserved molecular pathways involved in embryonic organ development

Using a combination of biochemical, crystallographic and mouse genetic techniques we are studying the link between biochemical activities, cellular function and the in vivo roles of proteins in the retinal determination pathway.

Targeting pathological angiogenesis in retinopathies

We are identifying mechanisms specifically involved in the development of neovascularization in conditions such as retinopathy of prematurity, diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration

The goal of these studies is to identify pathways that play a role in resistance to cancer treatments and to use this information in the design of novel targeted therapies.

Structural & Biochemical Studies of Viral Proteins

The long-term goal of this research program is to understand the structural and mechanistic details of proteins involved in the life- and infection-cycles of disease-associated viruses.