Yiannis Ioannou, PhD
- PROFESSOR | Genetics and Genomic Sciences
Research Topics:
Alzheimer's Disease, Apoptosis/Cell Death, Atherosclerosis, Brain, Cardiovascular, Caveoloe, Diabetes, Drug Design and Discovery, Gene Regulation, Genetics, Human Genetics and Genetic Disorders, Intracellular Transport, Lipid Signaling, Lysosomal Storage Diseases, Lysosomes/endosome, Mass Spectrometry, Membrane Proteins/Channels, Membranes, Mental Retardation, Neuro-degeneration/protection, Obesity, Protein Complexes, Protein Degradation, Protein Kinases, Protein Phosphatases, Protein Structure/Function, Protein Trafficking & Sorting, Proteomics, RNA, Transporters
Yiannis A. Ioannou, Ph.D.; Mount Sinai School of Medicine
Professor, Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences
Training Area(s): GGS*, MDT, MCBD
Lab Location: East Building Rm 14-52 Lab, 14-70A Office
Phone: (212) 659-6720
Email: yiannis.ioannou@mssm.edu
Web Page: http://www.mssm.edu/labs/ioannou/home.html
Multi-Disciplinary Training Area
Genetics and Genomic Sciences [GGS]Education
BA, Baruch College, CUNY
PhD, Mount Sinai School of Medicine
Research
Specific Clinical/Research Interest: Molecular genetics
Summary of Research Studies:
Our lab is involved in a number of projects that center on the biology, function and diseases of the endosomal/lysosomal (E/L) system. In addition, we are developing methods to treat lysosomal diseases via enzyme and gene therapy approaches. See our website for details. Some brief examples of our work are given below: Subcellular Cholesterol/lipid Transport. Although the intercellular transport of cholesterol from the liver to peripheral tissues has been intensively studied, little is known about its egress from the E/L system, its intracellular transport and the proteins involved in this process. The existence of such proteins is highlighted by the autosomal recessive disorders, Niemann-Pick C (NPC) disease, in which cholesterol accumulates in lysosomes and leads to progressive neurodegeneration and Tangier disease in which cholesterol efflux at the plasma membrane is defective. Our overall objective is to identify and characterize the various components of the intracellular cholesterol and lipid transport machinery and determine their function and interactions. Proteomics of the E/L system. Cell Proliferation and Apoptosis: It is becoming clear that the lysosome has a greater role in cellular processes than was originally proposed. Our studies focus on the isolation and purification of intact endosomes and lysosomes. These organelles are then characterized for their membrane composition to identify novel, membrane proteins. We have established a novel method for the isolation and characterization of endosomes and lysosomes. A long-term goal is to identify all the components of the endosomal/lysosomal apparatus using 2D electrophoresis and tandem mass spectroscopy. Therapy for Diseases that Affect the CNS. Effective gene therapy strategies for the treatment of human disease still remain highly experimental due to difficulties encountered in the actual application of many gene therapy schemes. Thus, we are developing novel approaches to address these limitations. Our strategies focus on "Bypass Therapy" an approach aiming at stimulating alternate pathways to bypass a cellular block caused by a specific gene defect.
Physicians and scientists on the faculty of the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai often interact with pharmaceutical, device and biotechnology companies to improve patient care, develop new therapies and achieve scientific breakthroughs. In order to promote an ethical and transparent environment for conducting research, providing clinical care and teaching, Mount Sinai requires that salaried faculty inform the School of their relationships with such companies.
Below are financial relationships with industry reported by Dr. Ioannou during 2021 and/or 2022. Please note that this information may differ from information posted on corporate sites due to timing or classification differences.
Company Founder:
- Amathus Therapeutics
Equity (Stock or stock options valued at greater than 5% ownership of a publicly traded company or equity of any value in a privately held company)
- Amathus Therapeutics; Dual Therapeutics
Royalty Payments:
- Genzyme Corporation; Life Technologies Corporation
Mount Sinai's faculty policies relating to faculty collaboration with industry are posted on our website. Patients may wish to ask their physician about the activities they perform for companies.