Sierra Palumbos
Research Projects
Our lab is interested in the intersection between extracellular secretion, the process through which cells release content into membrane-enclosed packets into the extracellular space, and autophagy, the cell process of recycling large proteins and organelles, in the context of neurodegeneration.
Secreted miRNAs contribution to neurodegeneration
miRNAs are small, non-coding RNAS that mediate post-transcriptional repression of target mRNAs. miRNAs are key regulators of protein expression, and known to regulate many cellular processes, including neuronal differentiation. miRNAs can also impact the expression of nearby cells when they are released inside of extracellular vesicles. Studies suggest that release of miRNAs is turned up in neurodegeneration which we have also observed in vitro. We are now using the small round worm, C. elegans to ask how miRNA release impacts neurodegeneration.
SLAM-EVs: A newly identified class of vesicle that takes out the trash
Normally, the autophagosome fuses with the lysosome following accumulation of cellular waste. However, when this pipeline is stressed, as it is in neurodegeneration, we have found that the autophagosome can fuse directly with the plasma membrane, resulting in the inner autophagosome vesicle, and all of the cellular trash it collected, being expelled outside of the cell. We are now using cultured neuroblastoma cells, N2A, to ask what promotes the release of these vesicles and where they end up.
Select publications
Chon A*, Jiang R., Phyu YK*, Schiksnis, Pasquinelli AE, Palumbos SD. The miRNA Argonaute protein, ALG-2, maintains neurobehaviors in adult C. elegans (2026) microPublication Biology, In Revision.
Palumbos SD, Popolow J, Goldsmith J, Holzbaur E. Autophagic stress activates complementary secretory pathways in Parkinson’s Disease neurons (2025). Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 122 (28) e2421886122.
Palumbos SD, Skelton RL, McWhirter R, Mitchell A*, Swann I*, Heifner S*, Von Stetina S, Miller III DM. cAMP controls a trafficking mechanism that maintains the neuron specificity and subcellular placement of electrical synapses during development (2021). Developmental Cell 56(23) 3234-3249.
Full list of publications can be found here
People
Summer 2026
Yuxuan Guo ‘27
Hi! I'm Yuxuan, a neuroscience major with minors in biology and psychology at Swarthmore College. I'm interested in understanding how microRNAs contribute to neurodegeneration, and my research focuses on using C. elegans to investigate the roles of let-7 and ALG-1 in Parkinson's disease. Outside the lab, I enjoy making nail art, drawing and just traveling with my friends and family whenever I get the chance.
Alex Hearn '27
Hi, I'm Alex! I'm a neuro major from Falls Church VA. In lab, I'm interested in Alzheimer's pathology, specifically the amyloid beta pathway, mainly working with an N2A cell culture line. Outside of lab, I love trying new things. I often explore/experiment in cooking, brewing, nature, and electronic music.
Lilly Goldberg ‘28
I’m a neuroscience major with plans to pursue a career in neurologic physical therapy. In the Palumbos Lab, I’m particularly interested in studying some of the root causes of neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease using a C. elegans model. I utilize fluorescence imaging and behavioral analysis under different gene expressions to investigate how certain genes contribute to neurodegenerative pathology in these nematodes. Outside of lab, I play for Swarthmore’s softball team and love being active, spending time outside, and cooking!
Joseph Gamez ‘28
Hi! My name is Joseph and I'm from Los Angeles, CA (Atwater/Echo Park area). I'm a current Junior majoring in neuroscience interested in the neurobiology behind addiction. In the lab, I currently investigate how protein aggregates and pharmacological stressors influence the secretion of extracellular vesicles. During my free time I enjoy doomscrolling on Reels, playing Clash Royale, and video editing on Adobe After Effects!
Spring 2026
Kevin Xiang
Joseph Gamez
Ava Chon
Yuxuan Guo
Yamin Phyu
Philosophy
The Palumbos lab believes everyone belongs in biology. We value diversity, inclusivity, and curiosity.
