Research topic:  Understanding the cell biology of misfolded proteins that cause neurological disorders

Our research utilizes state-of-the-art technologies to elucidate cellular mechanisms of neurological disorders. Some of these disorders progress late in life, such as Huntington’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. A common characteristic in these disorders is the accumulation of proteins that are not folded properly and can form aggregates in cells.Research in the lab is currently focused on the ubiquitin and autophagy pathways, the main routes by which aggregate-prone proteins are degraded. Also, these pathways are important for cells to cope with various stress conditions. We aim to elucidate novel regulatory pathways of protein homeostasis in cells to better understand the basis of these devastating diseases and to identify future therapeutic targets.

Research  methods:

• Model cell lines, neuronal cultures and various tissues from mice and patients.
• Manipulation of gene expression: knocked down and knock out using transient and lentiviral methods.
• Advanced imaging.
• Proteomics and post-translational modification analysis.
• State-of-the-art biochemistry.
• Protein and RNA biology.