Role of miRNA Alterations in Multiple System Atrophy
Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is a fatal synucleinopathy characterized by the accumulation of α-synuclein aggregates in oligodendroglia, leading to demyelination and neurodegeneration. My lab is working to decipher the interaction between α-synuclein misfolding/accumulation and epigenetic regulation. In particular, we are investigating the involvement of microRNAs (miRNAs) in MSA as major regulators of the transcriptome, as […]
DNA Methylation and Neuroinflammation in Alzheimer’s Disease
Regulatory proteins and epigenetic mechanisms including DNA methylation and histone modifications tightly control gene expression. Numerous studies have demonstrated that DNA methylation is dynamically regulated in post-mitotic neurons and critically impacts functions such as memory and synaptic plasticity. Our earliest findings revealed aberrant localization of the methylation enzyme DNMT1 in the cytoplasm of neuronal cells […]
Circadian Clock Alterations in Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s disease (AD), the most prevalent form of dementia in the elderly, presents with a complex etiology that hinders the development of effective therapies; leaving unmet needs for the more than 6 million Americans diagnosed with this devastating disorder. Symptoms of AD primarily manifests as progressive memory loss and declining cognitive abilities. Beyond altered proteostasis […]
Blood Methylation Biomarkers for Lewy Body Disorders and Dementia
Accurate diagnosis of neurodegenerative diseases is hindered by the inaccessibility of the brain and is mainly based on the evaluation of clinical features. However, overlapping symptoms across related disorders might confound diagnosis and delay proper intervention. Moreover, as clinical manifestation is preceded by an asymptomatic prodromal stage during which neuronal degeneration is ongoing, these disorders […]
DNA Methylation Alterations in Parkinson’s Disease
Regulatory proteins and epigenetic mechanisms including DNA methylation and histone modifications tightly control gene expression. Increasing evidence supports the idea that DNA methylation is dynamically regulated in post mitotic neurons with crucial functions in memory and synaptic plasticity. Our earliest findings showed aberrant localization of the methylation enzyme DNMT1 in the cytoplasm of neuronal cells, […]