Understanding how cells use protein quality control (PQC) strategies to eliminate misfolded proteins

The goal of our research is to understand how cells use various protein quality control (PQC) strategies to eliminate misfolded proteins, and how defects in these processes lead to aging-associated neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. Specifically, we study the molecular mechanisms underlying protein translocation-associated quality control at the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), the export of misfolded proteins via unconventional protein secretion, and cell-to-cell transmission of misfolded alpha-Synuclein and Tau aggregates. We envision that a thorough characterization of these protein quality control systems may one day improve both diagnosis and treatment of aging-associated neurodegenerative diseases.