Pedro Fernandez-Funez
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Credentials
PhD
Research Summary
Statement: My aim is to unravel the molecular mechanisms underlying neurodegeneration using Drosophila models of several proteinopathies
.A large group of human neurodegenerative conditions are associated to protein deposition in the brain. Some of the most common brain conditions include Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Huntington’s disease, all of which are devastating and incurable. Prion disorders are rare and transmissible but belong to the same class of neurodegenerative diseases. The common feature of these and many other diseases is the deposition of misfolded proteins in brain neurons proposed to be responsible for neuronal cell death. The proteins responsible for each disease (Amyloid-beta in AD, alpha-Synuclein in PD, Huntingtin in HD and the Prion protein in PrD) are quite different in sequence, function and cellular localization. However, they are all structurally unstable and prone to misfold, thus exposing hydrophobic pockets that make the proteins aggregate. Upon autopsy, these proteins accumulate in large, fibrillar aggregates that were originally thought to be responsible for neurodegeneration. However, the focus has recently turned to smaller, soluble aggregates (oligomers) that are highly toxic and seem capable of disrupting synaptic function. This knowledge, though, has not resulted in significant insight into the causes of neuronal cell death nor has produced effective therapies.
I am using the flexibility and genetic prowess of Drosophila to gain knowledge on some of the most intractable questions posed by this group of neurodegenerative diseases. Recent work includes the identification of engineered antibodies and chaperones that bind amyloid-beta and efficiently suppress its toxicity. I also generated a robust phenotypic Drosophila model expressing the prion protein in the eye that I will use to conduct genetic screens to identify genetic modifiers of PrP neurotoxicity. I am also interested in uncovering the pathogenic mechanisms mediating the toxicity of several genes implicated in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
Teaching Summary
• Brain pathologies and genetics of brain disorders
• Course Director: NeuroMedicine
• Facilitator: Problem based learning (PBL) in NMED, IHO, CRAAB I and II
Mentoring/Advising: undergraduates, post-doctoral fellows.
Director of the Biomedical Sciences (BMS) MS Program: Gateways to Medicine and Research
Education
Fellowships, Residencies, and Visiting Engagements
Honors and Recognition
Professional Memberships
Selected Presentations
Grants and Patents
Patents
Contact
Address
Department of Biomedical SciencesSMed 333
1035 University Drive
Duluth, MN 55812