Sundaram lab 2024-25
Meera V. Sundaram, Professor of Genetics
sundaram(at)pennmedicine(dot)upenn(dot)edu
B.A. (Biology), Mount Holyoke College, 1986
Ph.D. (Molecular Biology), Princeton University, 1993
Postdoctoral, University of Colorado Boulder 1993-1997
Originally, my lab’s interests centered on signal transduction and cell fate determination during tubulogenesis, but in recent years I’ve become more interested in downstream events that control different aspects of each epithelial cell type’s unique biology. Two major interests are in “donut-shaped” cells (unicellular tubes) and the fascinating world outside of cells: the apical extracellular matrix.
Outside of lab, I’m interested in gardening, genealogy research, travel, and exploring different parts of Philadelphia. After a sabbatical in France last year, I’m also beginning to learn French.
Nicholas Serra, Postdoc
Nick.Serra(at)pennmedicine(dot)upenn(dot)edu
I am currently studying the development of the C. elegans excretory duct cell. The duct cell undergoes morphogenesis to become a unicellular tube by extending its membrane to wrap and fuse with itself to generate a tubular, apical lumen. Both endocytic and exocytic mechanisms have been proposed for the growth of unicellular tubes, but the means by which duct lumen elongates is not understood. My project seeks to use the asymmetric growth of the duct lumenal and basal membranes as a model system to discover novel mediators of transcytosis and directed membrane transport.
In my spare time I enjoy hiking and fishing with my wife and our dog Pocket.
Helen Schmidt, Postdoc
Helen.Schmidt(at)pennmedicine(dot)upenn(dot)edu
Chelsea Darwin, Research Specialist & Lab Manager
Chelsea.Darwin(at)pennmedicine(dot)upenn(dot)edu
My project is focused on the mechanisms of localization of different ZP proteins to the aECM. We want to know the various players involved in guiding these proteins from secretion to their final location in the matrix. For example, most ZP proteins have a consensus cleavage site, and despite evidence suggesting cleavage at these sites is necessary for proper localization, the proteases responsible have not been identified.
Outside of the lab I enjoy reading, cooking, and board games. I am also currently a graduate student at Penn working towards a Master of Environmental Studies.
Sage Aviles, Research Specialist
Sage.Aviles(at)pennmedicine(dot)upenn(dot)edu
I am studying lipocalins, which are small cup-like proteins that have a hydrophobic pocket and are potentially involved in transporting extracellular matrix components.
In my downtime away from the lab I enjoy painting miniatures, biking, and crocheting. I also take care of two rescue red ear slider turtles, Greg and Wirt.
Ma Valerie Berta, Lab Assistant
Ma.Berta(at)pennmedicine(dot)upenn(dot)edu
Other UPenn Worm Friends
UPenn has a great collection of labs that work on C. elegans and many of them share space immediately adjacent to our lab and participate in a weekly joint lab meeting, including:
Priya Sivaramakrishnan lab: https://www.priyasivaramalab.com/about
David Raizen lab: https://www.med.upenn.edu/raizen-lab
John Murray lab: https://www.med.upenn.edu/murraylab
Michael Hart lab: https://www.mphartlab.com
Colin Conine lab: https://www.coninelab.com
Lab Alums
Trainees in our lab have gone on to a wide variety of careers in academic research, teaching, medicine, biotech, etc. Click here to see a full list of lab alumni.
Sundaram Lab at UPenn 