Profile

The nervous system is the most highly evolved and sophisticated biological system found in the living organism. The backbone of the neuronal system comprises an enormous array of neuronal and glial cell subtypes. These cell subtypes are distributed with strict and precise localization and dynamic neural networks that respond to internal and external stimulation. As a result, leading to higher-order cognitive and behavioural function. Motoneuron diseases form a heterogeneous group of pathologies characterized by the progressive degeneration of motoneurons. Genetic factors associated with motoneuron diseases encode proteins that function in RNA metabolism, suggesting that disturbed RNA metabolism could be a common underlying problem in several, perhaps all, forms of motoneuron diseases. Our lab focuses on using cutting edge technology to understand the role and function of protein and RNA in neurodegenerative disease.