Mira I. Pronobis

What I do

Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences
Research interest: Tissue regeneration and bioengineering approaches in the zebrafish

Our lab integrates proteomic profiling with genetic manipulation and high-resolution imaging to explore the signaling pathways and post-transcriptional regulation involved in heart regeneration Zebrafish, unlike mammals, exhibit a remarkable capacity for regenerating complex tissues, including the heart, after injury. Key to this regenerative process are shifts in proteomic landscapes that activate cellular behaviors necessary for tissue regeneration and regrowth. We aim to characterize how cellular machinery and protein networks are reorganized to promote cardiomyocyte division and survival. Using proximity labeling and mass spectrometry, we have identified key factors associated with increased cardiomyocyte proliferation following injury. Recent work highlights the role of P-bodies in modulating RNA stability and protein translation, a process crucial for guiding regeneration. Additionally, we are developing bioengineering approaches to manipulate these pathways and enhance regenerative outcomes, targeting specific protein interactions within the zebrafish heart.
By studying the dynamic proteomic alterations during zebrafish heart regeneration, we seek to identify regulatory nodes that could inform bioengineering approaches for heart repair in mammals.

Research Areas
- Regenerative Biology
- Proteomics
- Bioengineering

Key Projects
- Mapping proteomic shifts with proximity labeling during heart regeneration
- Investigating P-body mediated regulation of gene expression in regenerating tissue
- Developing bioengineering tools for cardiac regeneration

Specialization(s)

Tissue regeneration, proteomics and bioengineering approaches in the zebrafish.

Professional Biography