Neurodegenerative diseases manifest progressive loss of structure or function of neurons in the brain. Mitochondria are critical organelle in the neuron, which produce ATP, buffer calcium and generate reactive oxygen species (ROS). Mitochondrial dysfunction, associated with enhanced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production or loss of calcium homeostasis, is associated with the pathogenesis of degenerative diseases. Dr. Liu uses genetically encoded indicators to monitor redox state and dynamic change in calcium concentration with Drosophila neurodegenerative disease models. According to these redox and calcium state changes, his study is focused on the role of mitochondria dysfunction and its downstream signal transduction pathway in the pathology of neurodegenerative diseases and his final goal is to find new mechanisms in pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases and new targets for treatment.

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Important Publications

Liu Z, AM Celotto, G Romero, P Wipf and MJ Palladino.  Genetically encoded redox sensor identifies the role of ROS in degenerative and mitochondrial disease pathogenesis.  Neurobiol Dis 45:362-368, 2012.

Liu Z, S Hamamichi, B Dae Lee, A Ray, GA Caldwell, KA Caldwell, TM Dawson, WW Smith and VL Dawson.  Inhibitors of LRRK2 kinase attenuate neurodegeneration and Parkinson-like phenotypes in Caenorhabditis elegans and Drosophila Parkinson's disease models.  Hum Mol Genet 20:3933-3942, 2011.

Liu Z, Y Yu, X Li, CA Ross and WW Smith.  Curcumin protects against A53T alpha-synuclein-induced toxicity in a PC12 inducible cell model for Parkinsonism.  Pharmacol Res 63:439-444, 2011.

Liu Z, X Wang, Y Yu, X Li, T Wang, H Jiang, Q Ren, Y Jiao, A Sawa, T Moran, CA Ross, C Montell and WW Smith.  A Drosphila model for LRRK2-linked parkinsonism.   Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 105:2693-2698, 2008.