In the Niwa Lab, our studies focus primarily on the signal transduction pathway referred to as the unfolded protein response (UPR). UPR signaling is essential for the maintenance of homeostasis in the endoplasmic reticulum. We employ molecular biology, biochemistry, cell biology, and genetic approaches towards a more comprehensive understanding of the UPR. The UPR pathway is conserved among eukaryotes and therefore, one of our labs strengths is our flexibility to experiment in mammalian (primarily human and mouse) systems, as well as in yeast, (primarily S. cerevisiae), depending upon specific questions we are asking.