During aging and pathological conditions, the increased production or decreased clearance of free radicals leads to oxidative stress and post-translational modification of signaling proteins, such as neurotrophins. Neurotrophins have the ability to promote either survival or death, depending on the cell type considered and physiological context.

Dr. Pehar’s team identified a new mechanism by which the ability of neurotrophins to induce cell death is regulated by post-translational oxidative modifications. They seek to better understand the signaling pathways activated by oxidatively modified neurotrophins in order to identify new therapeutic targets for the treatment of age-related neurodegenerative diseases.

Neurotoxicity of Oxidatively Modified NGF in Neurodegenerative Diseases

The main goal of this work is to identify targets for therapeutic intervention.

Molecular Mechanisms of Astrocyte-Mediated Neurotoxicity in Aging and Disease

The overall goal of this work is to develop neuroprotective therapeutic strategies using astrocytes as the main target.