The Palladino lab uses Drosophila (the fruit fly) as a genetic model system, as well as mice and human cell culture to study progressive neurological and neuromuscular disorders. We are currently focusing on elucidating the mechanism by which mutations affecting Na/K ATPase, triose phosphate isomerase (TPI), and ATP6 function result in RDP (rapid-onset dystonia parkinsonism), glycolytic enzymopthy, and mitochondrial encephalomyopathy, respectively. Our research program is directed toward four main goals 1) discovering and characterizing novel pathways that cause progressive disease, 2) understanding the physiological, cellular and molecular dysfunction that causes dysfunction in vivo, 3) understanding the molecular basis of progressive diseases, and 4) using our animal model system to identify novel therapeutic approaches.
Back to Top