The primary aim of our research is to discover how altered signal transduction and oxidative processes lead to neurodegeneration and altered mental function. A variety of in vivo and in vitro models and techniques are used to help elucidate the relation of abnormal oxygenation and signal transduction systems to brain dysfunction and neurodegeneration.
Gene expression is evaluated by Northern blot analysis or in situ hybridization.
Human brains from autopsy and cultured fibroblasts are employed for the studies of Alzheimer's disease. The research on aging utilizes cultured fibroblasts from humans and brains of aged animals both in vivo and in vitro . The hypoxia inquiries utilize rodent brains in vivo and in vitro . Hypoxia is also examined in cultured cells so that fluorescent probes and imaging can be used. The studies of thiamine deficiency utilize Western and Northern blot analysis, immunocytochemistry, in situ hybridization and histochemistry.