Amy Engevik's Lab

Amy Engevik's Lab studies the molecular motor Myosin Vb, which is responsible for proper delivery of proteins to the apical membrane of epithelial cells. Loss of functional Myosin Vb results in a congenital diarrhea disorder in humans. Mutations in Myosin Vb also give rise to liver cholestasis and is now linked to the development of colorectal cancer and gastric cancer.

 

Our lab focuses on the role of Myosin Vb in the pathogenesis of gastrointestinal disorders and liver cholestasis. Our recent research has highlighted the importance of Myosin Vb in regulating water transport in the intestine and maintaining polarity. We use mouse models, intestinal organoids, liver organoids and immunofluorescence imaging to comprehensively investigate alterations in epithelial cells that result from perturbation of Myosin Vb function.