The Sancak Lab explores how mitochondria communicate with the rest of the cell to shape metabolism, signaling, and health. We focus on mitochondrial calcium transport and the dynamic contact sites that connect mitochondria with other organelles, asking how these systems sense cellular needs and coordinate physiological responses. By combining mechanistic discovery with disease-relevant models, we aim to reveal fundamental principles of organelle communication—and identify new ways to restore cellular function when these networks break down.

We are located in the Department of Pharmacology at the University of Washington School of Medicine in Seattle.