Yiannis Ioannou | Mount Sinai

About Me

Dr Ioannou is a Professor of Genetics and Genomic Sciences. He is an internationally recognized molecular geneticist and cell biologist and an expert on the biology, function and diseases of the endosomal/lysosomal system and in particular disorders that affect the central nervous system. He has more than 25 years of experience in drug development for rare diseases and he is the co-developer of the FDA-approved enzyme replacement therapy for Fabry’s disease.

Dr Ioannou is also a co-founder of Dual Therapeutics a highly innovative R&D company focused on the development of small molecule activators of tumor suppressor proteins with anti-tumor activity.

Dr Ioannou has also recently founded Amathus Therapeutics and is currently serving as President of the Scientific Advisory Board. Amathus Therapeutics is pursuing the clinical development of novel compounds that show efficacy in treating multiple lysosomal neurodegenerative diseases including Niemann-Pick C and Parkinson’s diseases.

Professor, Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences
Training Area(s): GGS*, MDT, MCBD
Lab Location: East Building Rm 14-52 Lab, 14-70A Office
Phone: (212) 659-6720
Email: yiannis.ioannou@mssm.edu

Language

English

Position

PROFESSOR | Genetics and Genomic Sciences

Research Topics

Alzheimer's Disease, Apoptosis/Cell Death, Atherosclerosis, Brain, Cardiovascular, Caveoloe, Diabetes, Drug Design and Discovery, Gene Regulation, Genetics, Human Genetics and Genetic Disorders, Intracellular Transport, Lipid Signaling, Lysosomal Storage Diseases, Lysosomes/endosome, Mass Spectrometry, Membrane Proteins/Channels, Membranes, Mental Retardation, Neuro-degeneration/protection, Obesity, Protein Complexes, Protein Degradation, Protein Kinases, Protein Phosphatases, Protein Structure/Function, Protein Trafficking & Sorting, Proteomics, RNA, Transporters

Multi-Disciplinary Training Areas

Genetics and Genomic Sciences [GGS]

Education

BA, Baruch College, CUNY

PhD, Mount Sinai School of Medicine

Research

Specific Clinical/Research Interest: Molecular genetics

Summary of Research Studies:
Our lab is involved in a number of projects that center on the biology, function and diseases of the endosomal/lysosomal (E/L) system. In addition, we are developing methods to treat lysosomal diseases via enzyme and gene therapy approaches. See our website for details. Some brief examples of our work are given below: Subcellular Cholesterol/lipid Transport. Although the intercellular transport of cholesterol from the liver to peripheral tissues has been intensively studied, little is known about its egress from the E/L system, its intracellular transport and the proteins involved in this process. The existence of such proteins is highlighted by the autosomal recessive disorders, Niemann-Pick C (NPC) disease, in which cholesterol accumulates in lysosomes and leads to progressive neurodegeneration and Tangier disease in which cholesterol efflux at the plasma membrane is defective. Our overall objective is to identify and characterize the various components of the intracellular cholesterol and lipid transport machinery and determine their function and interactions. Proteomics of the E/L system. Cell Proliferation and Apoptosis: It is becoming clear that the lysosome has a greater role in cellular processes than was originally proposed. Our studies focus on the isolation and purification of intact endosomes and lysosomes. These organelles are then characterized for their membrane composition to identify novel, membrane proteins. We have established a novel method for the isolation and characterization of endosomes and lysosomes. A long-term goal is to identify all the components of the endosomal/lysosomal apparatus using 2D electrophoresis and tandem mass spectroscopy. Therapy for Diseases that Affect the CNS. Effective gene therapy strategies for the treatment of human disease still remain highly experimental due to difficulties encountered in the actual application of many gene therapy schemes. Thus, we are developing novel approaches to address these limitations. Our strategies focus on "Bypass Therapy" an approach aiming at stimulating alternate pathways to bypass a cellular block caused by a specific gene defect.