Our NIH-funded research involves mechanisms of oxidative stress in brain and in neurons. Our research group is particularly interested in the oxidative stress induced by amyloid beta-peptide and its modulation by free radical scavengers. Amyloid beta-peptide is of critical importance in the molecular basis of Alzheimer’s disease. For example, this peptide causes lipid peroxidation and protein oxidation in brain, and these moieties are prominent components of membranes as shown in the Figure. The student will become familiar with the mechanisms of oxidative stress associated with this peptide. Moreover, our laboratory was the first to use proteomics to identify oxidatively modified brain proteins in persons with Alzheimer’s disease and other neurodegenerative disorders and models thereof.

The undergraduate project will involve the role of oxidative stress-induced modification of proteins identified by proteomics. The student will use various separation methods coupled to sophisticated image analysis software and subsequent mass spectrometry to identify oxidatively damaged proteins in human or rodent brain. In the studies to be performed, the student will be hands-on in the use of these methods. These studies offer the student the opportunity to become involved in leading-edge research designed to gain insight into the molecular basis of important neurodegenerative disorders. It is hoped that results of these studies will lead to new pharmacological targets to modulate oxidative stress-induced neurodegeneration.