We are currently working on three areas: The first project deals with the process of recognition and engulfment of apoptotic cells. In terms of the basic biology of this process, we are interested in identification of ligands that coat apoptotic cells, receptors that recognize these ligands, signaling in apoptotic cells that mediate externalization of the ligands, and signaling in engulfing cells that mediate internalization and digestion of apoptotic cells. To address the pathophysiological consequences of this process in vivo, we are interested in developing and characterizing animal models in which ligands and receptor genes have been deleted. This project is currently funded by the American Heart Association. We are seeking additional funding from NIH to support this project. The second project deals with pluripotency of human embryonic stem cells and iPS cells. Using a phosphoproteomic approach, we are interested in identification of signaling pathways that are operational in pluripotent stem cells and changes in these cells when they begin to assume differentiated phenotype. This project is currently funded by the Connecticut State Stem Cell Initiative. We are seeking additional funding from NIH to support this project. The third project deals with biomarker discovery in human diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, and multiple sclerosis. A number of proteomic studies in human disease tissues have been carried out with the overall goals to (1) identify biomarkers of human diseases, (2) uncover mechanisms of pathogenesis, and (3) provide new insights to treat human diseases. We are currently seeking funding from NIH and other sources to support these projects.