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Sonal Srikanth's research focuses on understanding the mechanisms involved in regulating cellular nucleic acid sensing pathways. Her lab has recently identified the important role of Stromal Interaction Molecule 1 (STIM1), a component of Store-Operated Ca2+ Entry (SOCE) channels, in maintaining the resting-state stimulator of interferon genes (STING). This endoplasmic reticulum-resident cellular DNA sensor adaptor protein differentiates pathogen DNA from host DNA, with aberrant activation of STING in the cytoplasm implicated in autoinflammatory diseases. Conversely, due to its essential role in stimulating the adaptive immune response, STING agonists are being actively tested in cancer immunotherapy. A thorough understanding of the mechanisms involved in the positive and negative regulation of this pathway is critical for treating autoinflammatory disorders and cancers. Her work also examines the role of pore components of SOCE channels, specifically Orai proteins, in the regulation of T cell functions.
Department of Economics admits primarily for the PhD program.