Joost Schulte, 2005 - present

 B.Sc., Ph.D., University of British Columbia, Canada

I am interested in neurodegenerative diseases.  My research goals are to uncover evolutionarily conserved novel genes that underlie neurodegenerative disease and also to find therapeutics that could help patients afflicted with these disorders. I am using the Drosophila model, which expresses ~75% of all known human disease genes and has an advantageous balance between experimental tractability and physiological relevance.  Through this approach, I have identified DMob4, a putative Ser/Thr kinase activator as having critical roles in axonal transport and synapse formation.  DMob4 mutants are lethal, and the human ortholog, Phocein, can rescue this lethality indicating conservation of function across evolution.  Using biochemical and proteomic approaches I am working to understand the neuronal signaling networks within which DMob4 functions.  In addition to my basic research interests, I have a desire to translate research findings into practical applications.   Using high-content imaging methodologies and primary neural cultures, I have conducted small molecule and RNA-interference screens to facilitate the identification of therapeutics for Huntington’s Disease which is a monogenic neurodegenerative disorder.  Through this work I have found three novel compounds and a genetic suppressor of human mutant Huntingtin toxicity in the Drosophila model.

Publications:

Schulte, J., Charish, K., Que, J., Ravn, S., MacKinnon, C., and Auld, V.J.  (2006).  Gliotactin and Discs large form a protein complex at the tricellular junction of polarized epithelial cells in Drosophila.  In Press: J. Cell Science.

 Wu V.M., Schulte J, Hirschi A, Tepass U, Beitel GJ.  (2004).  Sinuous is a Drosophila claudin required for septate junction organization and epithelial tube size control.  J. Cell Biol.  164(2):313-23.

 Schulte, J., Tepass, U., and Auld, V.J. (2003).  Gliotactin, a novel marker of tricellular junctions, is necessary for septate junction development in Drosophila.  J Cell Biol. 161(5):991-1000

 Sepp, K.J., Schulte, J., Auld, V.J.  (2001).  Peripheral glia direct axon guidance across the CNS/PNS transition zone.  Dev Biol. 238(1):47-63.

Sepp, K.J., Schulte, J., Auld V.J.  (2000).  Developmental dynamics of peripheral glia in Drosophila melanogaster.  Glia. 30(2):122-33.