Of Flies and Men – Harnessing the Power of Drosophila to Decipher the Molecular Mechanisms of Neurodegeneration
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Daniela Zarnescu, Ph.D.
Associate Dean for Graduate Education and Postdoctoral Training
Penn State College of Medicine
Research the various steps in RNA processing including transport and translation during normal development and aging of neurons, as well as during the onset and progression of disease. In addition to these basic studies we seek to identify therapeutic strategies for diseases linked to RNA and metabolic dysregulation in the nervous system. Our research utilizes a combination of genetic, molecular, bioinformatics and pharmacological approaches in Drosophila (fruit flies), cultured cells and patient tissues. This “fly-to-man” approach takes advantage of the powerful, genetically tractable fruit fly model to uncover molecular mechanisms that we can subsequently validate in patient tissues.
Summary
The Zarnescu Laboratory studies the molecular mechanisms of aging and neurodegenerative diseases with a focus on RNA processing and cellular metabolism. We use a combination of molecular, genetic, bioinformatic and pharmacological tools, and a diverse array of experimental models, including fruit flies, cultured cells and patient tissues. We also seek to develop therapeutics for neurodegenerative disorders. I will present our recent findings on modelling TDP-43 proteinopathies in ALS and FTD relevant circuits with a focus on metabolic, synaptic and signaling targets.
Learning Objectives:
1. To learn about molecular mechanisms underlying TDP-43 proteinopathy discovered in Drosophila models of ALS/FTD
2. To learn about glycolytic bodies and their role in neuronal energy metabolism
This page was last updated on Wednesday, February 26, 2025