Our primary research goals are to elucidate the cellular mechanisms by which brain aging and age-related diseases occur. Our previous work found a molecular mechanism by which age impacts retromer complex function in the endolysosomal network. This complex regulates how endocytosed proteins and lipids are sorted for reuse rather than degradation, and holds importance for the prevention of toxic aggregates, synaptic dysfunction, and neuron survival. We now utilize human fibroblasts, human iPSC-derived neurons, and mouse models to assess the genetic and cellular mechanisms affected by retromer dysfunction and how retromer stabilization improves brain aging. As part of this, we aim to understand how external stimuli such as diet and disease influence endolysosomal trafficking and gene expression of endolysosomal components. Our ultimate goal is to identify genetic and molecular targets in order to identify treatments against the harms of brain aging and age-related diseases such as Alzheimer's disease.

Our research team is a part of the Division of Neurogenetics within the Department of Neurology at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. Our lab is housed in the Institute for Behavioral Medicine Research. Stop by to learn more!