Dr. Michael Stankewich

Biography

Michael Stankewich is an Associate Research Scientist in the Department of Pathology at Yale School of Medicine. He has a PhD from the University of Massachusetts earned in 1997. Dr. Stankewich's research focuses on the neuronal cortical cytoskeleton, specifically the role of spectrin, a large and abundant scaffolding protein. The spectrin gene family consists of seven genes that encode alpha and beta subunits. His work examines the regulatory mechanisms of spectrin, including pre-mRNA splice variants, which add complexity to its functions. Stankewich investigates how spectrin stabilizes membranes and organizes protein-lipid microdomains within plasma membranes and intracellular organelles. His research also delves into the post-translational modifications of the spectrin cytoskeleton which affect receptor targeting and trafficking processes such as exocytosis and endocytosis. He explores the characteristics of the spectrin gene family, that include diverse neuronal compartmentalization and regulation mediated by calcium/calmodulin, demonstrating the protein's essential role in maintaining membrane microdomains and ultimately influencing neuronal communication.

Research Interests