Our laboratory investigates the role of cholesterol in mammalian cells and whole animals. We employ a combination of biochemical, molecular biology, biophysical, and genomic approaches to study cholesterol function and membrane dynamics. Recently, our research has expanded to explore how cholesterol influences fundamental cellular processes, including mitochondrial respiration, gene expression, and epigenetic regulation, using tools such as RNA-seq and CUT&Tag-seq. It is becoming increasingly clear that cholesterol, through its direct effects on cellular membranes, plays a critical role in maintaining cellular homeostasis. Disruption of cholesterol balance can impair this homeostasis and may contribute to a wide range of acute and chronic pathological conditions.

*We are always looking for talented and motivated graduate students and postdoctoral fellows to join our research team.  Please send your curriculum vitae and brief statement of research interest to xzha@ohri.ca.