University of Pennsylvania · BiologyMast Cell Research Center
Hydar Ali · Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Research Focus
Dr. Hydar Ali's lab at the University of Pennsylvania focuses on studying mast cells, which are important immune cells involved in allergic reactions and inflammation. They are investigating how a newly discovered receptor, MRGPRX2, regulates mast cell responses in various diseases such as drug allergies, psoriasis, and rosacea. By understanding the signaling pathways and molecular interactions in mast cells, the lab aims to develop new treatments for these conditions.
Mast CellsMRGPRX2AnaphylaxisInflammationPsoriasisDrug HypersensitivityRosaceaHost DefenseGPCR SignalingPharmacology
Research Aims
5AIM 01Investigate the role of G proteins in MRGPRX2-mediated mast cell responses during inflammation.
AIM 02Examine how GRK2 influences MRGPRX2 function in mast cells.
AIM 03Determine the effects of specific mutations in the MRGPRX2 receptor on mast cell behavior.
AIM 04Explore the implications of MRGPRX2 signaling in drug hypersensitivity reactions.
AIM 05Develop new therapeutic strategies targeting MRGPRX2 for treating mast cell-related disorders.
Skills the Lab Values
Cell cultureMolecular cloningRetroviral transductionIn vivo mouse modelsFlow cytometryGene knockdownProtein mutagenesisPhosphorylation assaysHistologyMicroscopy
Output against the department
Publications116bottom 41% of dept.606th of 1,033
this lab
most publishedleast published
Citations6.8kbottom 47% of dept.545th of 1,033
this lab
most citedleast cited
Career totals from OpenAlex, compared against labs that share a department. A department spans everything from one paper to tens of thousands, so bar heights are on a log scale — otherwise the largest lab would flatten every other bar to a line.