Andre Du Toit

About Andre Du Toit

My previous research focused on autophagy, a self-eating process whereby cells remove old and deleterious proteins and organelles. We investigated autophagy dynamics and underlying system properties using molecular and microscopy techniques as well as computational modelling.

In the Phan lab, I aim to investigate lipid and protein turnover in Oligodendrocytes in Schinzel-Giedion Syndrome (SGS) human cell model and mouse model using NanoSIMS and correlative imaging techniques. Oligodendrocytes function to myelinate neurons to improve electrical communication between cells. Children with SGS show significantly delayed myelination, suggesting significant problems in this cell type. Elucidating the molecular basis for dysfunction by investigating the effect of SETPB1/SET on lipid/protein turnover might provide novel targets to improve electrical signaling in the brain and reduce seizures in those afflicted.