Mentor Areas
Our laboratory investigates molecular mechanisms underlying neurodegeneration and white matter damage associated with neuroinflammation during HIV infection. As inflammation and oxidative stress play prominent roles in progression of non-infectious neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer disease (AD) and Parkinson disease (PD), we often extend our findings in HIV associated neurocognitive dysfunction (HAND) to these diseases in the hopes of uncovering common mechanism and thereby, common therapeutic targets. We are interested in understanding how neuroinflammation induces neuroprotective and neurotoxic responses in glia (astrocytes and microglia). Further, we are interested in how neurons and oligodendrocytes interpret these extracellular cues and how this causes neuronal dysfunction, neuritic damage, neuronal loss, and white matter changes.
Currently we are focusing our research efforts on the role of the integrated stress response, the endogenous antioxidant response and the unfolded protein response in HAND. Using a model of HIV-induced neuroinflammation we have observed activation of the integrated stress response and the unfolded protein response in neurons, astrocytes, and macrophages. Further, these pathways are activated in the same cells in patients with HAND and in animal models. By assessing the interaction of these convergent pathways in neurons, astrocytes, oligodendrocytes and microglia responding to neuroinflammation, we hope to gain a greater understanding of the basic mechanisms underlying neuronal damage, dysfunction in HAND and identify drug-able targets for treatment of this and other neurodegenerative diseases. We are also developing in vitro models of HAND using induced pluripotent stem cells to produce neurons, astrocytes and microglia to produce a triculture of these 3 cell types.
Description:
Projects will vary. Interested students should contact us to discuss possibilities.
Preferred Qualifications
A background in General Biology and General Chemistry are needed. A background in neuroscience and/or molecular biology are helpful.
Responsibilities will depend on student's experience and the particular project.
Details:
Preferred Student Year
First-year, Second-Year, Junior, Senior
Academic Term
Fall, Spring, Summer
I prefer to have students start during the above term(s).Volunteer
No
Yes indicates that faculty are open to volunteers.Paid
Yes
Yes indicates that faculty are open to paying students they engage in their research, regardless of their work-study eligibility.Work Study
Yes
Yes indicates that faculty are open to hiring work-study-eligible students.