The Babcock lab investigates the cellular and molecular mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases using the model organism Drosophila. While our research interests are broad, most of our research

 

is focused on two major areas:

1) Synaptic dysfunction associated with neurodegenerative diseases.

 

Synapse dysfunction is among the earliest known hallmarks of neurodegenerative diseases, and begins long before the onset of clinical symptoms. However, we understand very little regarding the nature of this dysfunction and how it relates to later stages of disease progression. Our lab is specifically investigating the structural and functional integrity of Neuromuscular Junctions (NMJs) in adult flies. By investigating the motor neurons and muscles required for flight ability, we are uncovering the factors necessary to maintain these critical structures.

 

2) Selective vulnerability of dopaminergic neurons in Parkinson’s Disease.

Most major neurodegenerative diseases are characterized by the loss of neurons in a particular region of the brain. Parkinson’s Disease, for example, is associated with the loss of dopaminergic neurons.  However, it is unclear why certain populations of neurons are vulnerable in these diseases. Our lab is investigating the factors that render dopaminergic neurons selectively vulnerable in several Drosophila models of Parkinson’s Disease. By identifying the factors that render these neurons vulnerable, our goal is to develop methods to make these neurons more resistant.