Dr. Parker is interested in finding mechanisms that reduce or prevent the toxicity associated with neurodegenerative disease proteins.

These afflictions include diseases like the hereditary ataxias and ALS. The path from genetic mutation to disease is complicated and in humans takes decades. By using models that recapitulate aspects of the human pathogenesis it is possible to discover new mechanisms and potential treatments.

Dr. Parker's research makes use of the simple roundworm Caenorhabditis elegans to model neurodegenerative disease. His earlier work suggested that there may be a connection between genetic pathways that control longevity and stress response and age-dependent neurodegnerative disease.

Using these simple models we are searching for genetic pathways and pharmacological agents that protect against neuronal dysfunction.