Grant: Operating Grant - JPND Cross-Disease Analysis of Pathways

Increasing evidence suggests that mitochondria, a part of the cell which generates energy, are damaged in neurodegenerative diseases including PD and AD. How this dysfunction contributes to brain cell loss is unclear. Our current proposal will determine common mechanisms by which mitochondrial stress leads to brain cell loss. We will also develop pathways by which we can potentially reverse these deficits to block the degenerative process. To do this, we will use a variety of culture and animal models in mice, fly, and worms which reflect neurodegenerative conditions such as PD, AD, and HD. We will also utilize computational modeling to better predict the mitochondrial signals required for degeneration.