Research

Parkinson’s Disease & α-Synuclein

Parkinson's disease (PD) is the 2^nd most common neurodegenerative disorder, characterized by a preferential loss of the dopaminergic neurons (DA) of the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc). Although the etiology of PD is unknown, major cellular processes such as oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction are often associated with PD onset.

MTCH2 & Mitochondrial Dynamics

Fusion of the outer mitochondrial membrane (OMM) is regulated by mitofusin 1 (MFN1) and 2 (MFN2), yet the differential contribution of each of these proteins is less understood. Also, mitochondrial carrier homolog 2 (MTCH2) plays a role in mitochondrial fusion, however its exact function remains unresolved.

Obesity & Energy Demand

Mitochondrial Carrier Homolog 2 (MTCH2) plays a critical role in regulating apoptosis, mitochondrial dynamics, and metabolism. MTCH2’s locus is associated with increased Body Mass Index (BMI) in humans, and its knockout in skeletal muscle protects mice from high-fat diet-induced obesity due to increased whole-body energy utilization.

Mitochondria & Atomic Force Microscopy

We are using atomic force microscopy (AFM) to non-invasively monitor the physical and electrochemical properties of mitochondria. In these experiments, isolated mouse liver mitochondria are subjected to various bioenergetic states through the introduction of specific inhibitors and activators.

Fibromyalgia & Mitochondria

The pathogenesis of fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS), characterized by chronic widespread pain and fatigue, remains notoriously elusive, hampering attempts to develop disease modifying treatments. Mitochondria malfunction has been proposed to contribute to both FMS and chronic fatigue.