Our current efforts are focused on understanding the following molecular and cellular mechanisms:
- Characterization of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) as a potential therapeutic target for ALS (Israelson et al, 2015 Neuron; Leyton et al, 2016 PNAS; Shvil et al, 2018 Cell Death & Dis; Alaskarov et al, 2022 Sci. Rep.)
- Approaches to gene modulation therapy for ALS (Leyton et al, 2019 PNAS)
- Nucleocytoplasmic transport dysfunction in SOD1 ALS
- Mitochondrial dysfunction in ALS pathogenesis (Israelson et al, 2010 Neuron; Li et al, 2010 PNAS; Shteinfer et al, 2019 Front. Cell Neurosci; Shteinfer et al, 2022 Int. J. Mol. Sci.)
- The effect of T lymphocytes in ALS pathogenesis
- Characterization of new antibodies for misfolded SOD1 (Bakavayev et al, 2021 ACS Chem. Neurosci.; Bakavayev et al, 2023 Brain)
- Characterization of new molecular chaperones for misfolded SOD1 (Getter et al, 2015 ChemMedChem.; Alfahel et al, 2022 Int. J. Mol. Sci.; Ribeiro et al, 2023 Biol. Chem.)
- Characterization of different empty and loaded nanoparticles and nanovesicles as a possible therapeutic strategy for ALS and other neurodegenerative diseases (Leyton et al, 2020 Sci. Rep.)