Oxidative stress is a key element in the aetiopathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases and their co-morbidities. Our laboratory studies the antioxidant protection mechanisms activated by extracellular signals and how this response ould be regulated pharmacologically to provide a therapeutic benefit in these diseases.

To meet these two objectives, we are studying signalling pathways that regulate antioxidant metabolism and provide a general protective response. An important finding of this group was the observation that the PI3K/AKT/GSK-3 survival pathway regulates the transcription factor Nrf2, guardian of cellular redox homeostasis, that provides protection against oxidative, inflammatory and proteotoxic stress. For the past year we have been working on the validation this transcription factor as a new therapeutic target to modify progression of Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease as well as co-morbid retinopathy and type II diabetes.