My lab is interested in uncovering the mechanisms that drive neurologic disease from environmental exposures. We are currently investigating chlorinated solvents, such as the degreasing compound trichloroethylene (TCE), and their role in dopaminergic neurodegeneration in Parkinson’s disease. Similarly, we are interested in understanding how developmental exposure to chlorinated solvents may induce neurologic and psychiatric disease in adulthood. We take a system wide approach to address these mechanisms – including gut-brain axis, the influence of the microbiome, and gene-regulatory elements (e.g., epigenetics) in exposures that increase risk for neurodegeneration.
In addition to solvents, we undertake projects assessing how pesticides, metals, and other neurotoxic contaminants induce oxidative stress, impair mitophagy/autophagy, and influence neuroinflammation. Our overall goal is to mitigate toxicity with therapeutic interventions or environmental remediation efforts.
