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Monday 9am - 5pm Tuesday 9am - 5pm Wednesday 9am - 5pm Thursday 9am - 5pm Friday 9am - 5pm

Tomar Lab

Our mission is to create and maintain an inclusive, open, productive, and collaborative environment

Research Focus:
Mitochondrial Ultrastructural Remodeling and Inter- Organelle Crosstalk
Mitochondrial membranes form an intricate network of contact sites within or with the adjacent mitochondria or other cellular organelles. Outer mitochondrial membrane (OMM) forms transient contact sites with other organelles that determine mitochondrial and overall cellular health. The inter-and intramembrane junctions of the OMM and inner mitochondrial membrane (IMM) are the prime sites for the multiple signaling and bioenergetic events that shape up the mitochondria's physiological outcome. The IMM invaginates to form the cristae structure and harbor three to the tenfold large surface area than OMM. The large IMM surface area allows the mitochondrion to pack a large number of protein complexes in a small volume to make highly efficient energy generators. The inter- mitochondrial OMM contacts are essential for mitochondrial fusion as well as communication between two mitochondria. Emerging evidence suggests that mitochondrial membranes and contact sites are disorganized in multiple pathological conditions and serve as a universal hallmark of mitochondrial dysfunction. We aim to identify the molecular determinants and signaling events associated with mitochondrial contact sites and mitochondrial membranes architecture. Protein Quality Control
The mitochondrial proteome includes around two thousand proteins. Around 99% of the mitochondrial proteins are nuclear-encoded that are synthesized on the endoplasmic reticulum, or cytosol, or the mitochondrial surface. These mitochondrial proteins are subsequently imported into the mitochondria. Multiple post-translational modifications and protein quality control processes are involved in mitochondrial protein import, folding, assembly into multimeric protein complexes, protein functions, and regulated turnover. Defects in mitochondrial protein quality control machinery result in mitochondrial dysfunction that leads to the failure of cellular homeostasis and the onset of diseases. Our research aims to identify the molecular determinants of the mitochondrial protein quality control mechanisms and delineate the associated molecular events that lead to disease onset. Calcium signaling and mitochondrial ionic homeostasis
Calcium is the second most abundant metal ion in the biological system and regulates numerous cellular functions by binding distinct calcium-sensing domains or motifs present on numerous proteins. The calcium concentration varies greatly between different cellular compartments, and thus calcium sensors are strategically localized for subcellular/organelle-specific signaling. Mitochondria actively regulate their calcium concentration and contain calcium sensors to mediate anterograde and retrograde signaling. Mitochondrial calcium participates in cellular energy production through the regulation of bioenergetics yet can also promote different modes of cell death. Calcium is also involved in the regulation of mitochondrial trafficking, structural homeostasis, and dynamics. Dysregulation of mitochondrial calcium flux has been linked to numerous cellular dysfunctions, including chronic oxidative burden, autophagy, and sensitization for cell death, which are the central hallmarks of the multiple pathologies. We aim to identify the new regulators and regulatory events associated with mitochondrial calcium-sensing/flux and their role in animal physiology using protein biochemistry, high-end imaging-based approaches, and genetic manipulations. Cardiac Physiology & Metabolism
Heart diseases are the number one cause of death in the US and represent substantial health and economic burden. Mitochondrial dysfunctions and mitochondria-initiated cell death signaling are the primary cause of cell loss associated with the progression of heart failure. Our research focuses on the identification of new molecular regulators and events associated with the mitochondrial (dys)functions and mitochondria-initiated cell death signaling. We aim to characterize the molecular consequences of these signaling events using mouse genetics and physiology-based in vivo methods.

03/28/2025

Great representation from the Jadiya and Tomar labs at the Wake Forest Graduate School and Postdoctoral Fellow Annual Research Day! Anupriya, Natasha, Shatakshi, Shiridhar, Shani, & Kunal presented their research and received fantastic feedback. Proud of their hard work and dedication!

03/14/2025

Had a great time at the Mitochondria Research Workshop at Wake Forest University School of Medicine. Great discussions on mitochondria, bioenergetics, redox signaling, and mass spectrometry. Thanks to everyone who made it a success!

03/12/2025

It was a pleasure hosting my friend Antentor Hinton (AJ) from Vanderbilt for the Wake Forest CRBM Spring Seminar Series! Great discussions and insights on mitochondrial biology. Looking forward to more collaborations!

02/25/2025

Postdoc fellow position.

The Tomar Laboratory (tomarlab.org) at Wake Forest University School of Medicine is currently offering a postdoctoral position focused on research in cardiovascular physiology. We are looking for highly motivated candidates dedicated to advancing our understanding of mitochondria, calcium signaling, and protein-quality-control in cardiac health and heart failure. This role is supported by significant funding from the National Institutes of Health, various private foundations, and Wake Forest University School of Medicine.

Candidate Requirements:

Our team employs a comprehensive range of scientific methods, including protein biochemistry, calcium imaging, metabolism and bioenergetics, confocal and electron microscopy, mouse genetics, and physiology. This interdisciplinary environment offers an exceptional opportunity for advanced training and research development.
Strong research background in cell biology, biochemistry, cardiovascular physiology, or a related field.
Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Self-motivation and a keen interest in exploring new research avenues.
At least one first-author publication in a peer-reviewed scientific journal.
Experience in mitochondria biology, protein biochemistry, mouse genetics, and calcium signaling is preferred but not mandatory.
Education Requirements:
PhD or equivalent doctoral degree in biological sciences, biochemistry, physiology, or a related field required.
No more than two years of postdoctoral experience.

Application Process:

To apply, please send a single PDF that includes the following items to Dr. Dhanendra Tomar (dtomar@wakehealth.edu):
A cover letter explaining your research interests and experiences.
Your curriculum vitae (CV).
2-3 letters of reference.
This postdoctoral position is an excellent opportunity for candidates aiming to develop a diverse set of skills in state-of-the-art research techniques and to contribute to impactful scientific discoveries within a supportive academic setting.

At Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist, diversity has always been one of our core values. Learn more about how we are taking action for change.

02/21/2025

New Commentary Paper- Enhancing VEGF therapy in T2D wounds with PLCγ2 epigenetic targeting—could this be the key to overcoming impaired angiogenesis and chronic inflammation in diabetic wound healing? https://buff.ly/3QPtKjb

Impaired wound healing is a hallmark condition associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D), which leads to complications such as atraumatic limb amputations affecting approximately 19%–34% of patients with diabetes.1 Diabetic wounds are characterized by persistent inflammation and compromised ...

12/07/2024

Congratulations to Ashlesha Kadam, postdoctoral fellow in the , for winning the Best Poster Presentation Award at the Wake Cardiovascular Science Center’s Ignite Conference! Well deserved!

12/04/2024

Congratulations to Dr. Ashlesha Kadam, a talented postdoctoral fellow in our lab, for securing the prestigious American Heart Association Postdoctoral Fellowship grant! Excited to see your impactful research ahead!

Address

Winston-Salem, NC

Opening Hours

Monday	9am - 5pm
Tuesday	9am - 5pm
Wednesday	9am - 5pm
Thursday	9am - 5pm
Friday	9am - 5pm

Website

https://tomarlab.org/

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