Mechanisms of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)-Induced Protein Aggregation

Axons damaged by TBIs can accumulate large deposits of Aβ, tau, and synuclein proteins throughout the white matter and in other areas of the brain parenchyma. We are conducting a detailed characterization of the Aβ and tau deposition processes following a TBI in vitro, with the goal of understanding the progression from TBI to AD and developing medical countermeasures to halt this phenomenon.  

Amyloids for Biotechnology

The aberrant misfolding and aggregation of specific proteins plays a seminal role in the onset and development of over 50 protein misfolding disease, the most abundant of which are Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. In this project, we are leveraging the unique biophysical properties and templating abilities of amyloids for the production of diverse materials with wide-ranging biotechnological applications.   

Medicinal Chemistry

Lead candidate molecules identified through PBRG research efforts are optimized to improve their efficacy and potency. Lead optimization consists of the synthesis of derivatives of a lead candidate, empirically characterizing the structure-activity relationships of the derivatives, measuring their pharmacokinetic parameters and testing a lead candidate against a proven disease model.

Chemical/Biological Toxins and Human Health

Soldiers and civilians alike can be exposed to a variety of toxic chemical or biological agents, to include environmental pollutants. We actively investigating the impact of burn pits and toxic proteins on models of cellular health, with the goal of identifying specific agents that may impact the chronic health of servicemembers. The burn pit research is in partnership with the UC-Riverside School of Medicine. The chemical toxicity studies are in partnership with U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense (USAMRICD) 

Identify Novel Therapies Against Flavivirus Infection

Flavivirus is a genus of positive-strand RNA viruses in the family Flaviviridae. Antibodies produced to fight the dengue infection cause a reaction called antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE) of disease, wherein these antibodies increase disease severity. This research aims to develop a small molecule pan-serotype DENV, YFV, ZIKA, and WNV anti-viral drug. Currently, there are no FDA-approved small molecule treatments available. Developing a small molecule anti-viral drug is in collaboration with the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research Experimental Therapeutics Branch.