Our Research
Dr. Fujii’s research is centered on understanding gene regulation focusing on the step of mRNA translation. Our research program will unravel new layers of spatiotemporal specificity and fidelity of protein synthesis, to further understand the impact of translational regulation in development and in diseases, particularly those caused by protein aggregation such as neurodegenerative disorders.
Why Our Research is Important for Neurodegenerative Diseases
Protein aggregation has been observed in a variety of neurodegenerative diseases including but not limited to ALS, Alzheimer’s, and Huntingtin’s disease. Key questions we are seeking to understand are “What is the trigger of protein aggregation?” and “How does the regulation of protein synthesis contribute to disease onset?”. We believe such knowledge will bring us a novel strategy for treatment and prevention.
Select Publications
Molecular Cell (2018)
Decoding the function of expansion segments in ribosomes
Nature Communications (2017)
Pervasive translational regulation of the cell signaling circuitry underlies mammalian development
Molecular Cell (2017)
Heterogeneous ribosomes preferentially translate distinct subpools of mRNAs genome-wide
Join Our Lab
We are looking for motivated students and postdocs
Graduate Programs
Biomedical Sciences (BMS), College of Medicine
Genetics & Genomics (G&G), Genetics Institute
Lab Address and Directions
Lab: Room 235, Cancer Genetics Research Complex (CGRC)
Office: Room 206
Phone: 352-273-8207
We are located on the 2nd floor of CGRC at the University of Florida
MAP
Mailing address: 2033 Mowry Road, Gainesville, FL 32610
Lab Members
Undergraduate students
- Saumya S Sahay
- Olivia L Milam
- Dagiana Scarpetta
- Carver D Freeburg
Former Lab Members
Graduate student
- Matthew Chang (Master)
BioScientists
- Virali Parekh
- Erin M Walsh
Undergraduate Students
- Leelas A Alkhalil
- Alanna S Bieber
Volunteer High School student
- Temima Nuzhat