Dr. Roberto J. Botelho

The Botelho Lab (external link)  broadly studies the molecular mechanisms of organelle function and adaptation, especially in innate immune cells like macrophages. There are three main models that we study. First, we investigate phagocytosis and phagosome maturation, during which microbes are engulfed by phagocytes and sequestered within phagosomes. These phagosomes then are transformed into a highly degradative and acidic organelle called a phagolysosome by using with lysosomes. This effectively kills and digests the microbe, which then serves as a source of antigens.

Second, we investigate the function and adaptation of lysosomes themselves in response to stresses like infection and immune signals. This lysosome adaptation endows cells with a boost to help clear stresses like microbes and damaged proteins. Finally, we examine how phosphoinositide lipids help govern organelle identity, membrane trafficking and mediate signal transduction with implications towards immunity and cancer. Collectively, we employ various models including cell lines and mice models, diverse forms of imaging and image analysis, genetic tools, and biochemistry to achieve our research goals. Our lab is open to collaborations and exploring new directions.