Research Overview
The overarching focus of the Onukwufor laboratory is to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of divalent metal neurotoxicity and mitochondrial dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis. The laboratory is also interested in understanding how genetic and environmental variables (e.g., temperature, metal and hypoxia) interact to modulate cellular adaptation to stress. The laboratory employs complementary approaches in transgenic overexpression C. elegans and murine models of Alzheimer's disease. In addition, the laboratory blends neuropharmacology, molecular biology, optogenetics, biochemistry, toxicology and comparative physiology techniques. We aims to identify specific disease pathomechanisms and novel therapeutic targets for Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative disorders.