Dagda Lab

Mission

 Identifying the pathological mechanisms that lead to neuron dysfunction in brain degenerative diseases including Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease.

Key areas of focus

  • Investigating how the kinase PTEN-induced Kinase 1 (PINK1) interacts with Protein Kinase A to regulate mitochondrial function, dynamics, neuronal survival and development.
  • Exploring how PINK1 interacts with calcium dependent calmodulin kinases to regulate executive brain function, memory consolidation and synaptogenesis.
  • Studying the ability of different nootropic agents to reverse neurodegeneration and motor symptoms in Parkinsonian rats.
  • Researching the ability of enhancing neurotrophic and PKA activity in reversing beta amyloid aggregation and neurodegeneration in cell culture and mouse models of Alzheimer's disease.
  • Identifying new biomarkers of Alzheimer's disease in fecal matter from Alzheimer's disease patients.

Lab team

Ruben Dagda, Ph.D., is an associate professor of Pharmacology studying the molecular mechanisms that lead to mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress in cell culture, tissue and animal models of brain degenerative diseases. The Dagda Lab aims to establish basic groundwork for developing future mitoprotective therapies for reversing mitochondrial dysfunction and neurodegeneration. Through ground-breaking research, the lab hopes to improve patient outcomes through prevention and novel therapeutics.

  • Ruben Dagda, Ph.D.: Principal Investigator
  • Micah Woodruff, B.S.

Notable research findings

  • Showed that a specific form of PINK1, cleaved PINK1 (c-PINK1), plays a crucial role in boosting PKA activity in brain cells (neurons). This increase in PKA activity helps promote the growth of dendrites, the branches of nerve cells, which is essential for the maturation of neurons.
  • Demonstrated that restoring PKA activity and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) signaling in animals with Parkinson’s disease can improve their movement and coordination while protecting dopamine-producing neurons.
  • Discovered that using Forskolin, a compound derived from a plant in Southeast Asia, or other compounds like Noopept, which boost BDNF levels, can help reverse brain damage caused by Parkinson’s disease.
  • Currently collaborating with pharmaceutical companies to explore these treatments further.

Equipment, technology and techniques

  • XF24 Seahorse Analyzer
  • ImageXPress Nano Analyzer
  • Multimode M3 Plate Reader
  • EVOS-FL and EVOS-XL fluorescent and light microscopes
  • Two BSL2+ Laminar Flow hoods
  • Two HERA Cell incubators
  • ATP Glo luminescence reader

Active grants and research projects

  1. Clinical Research Education, Mentoring, and Career Development.
    • Award: 5U54 GM104944
    • Funding organization: National Institute of Health (NIH) - National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS)
  2. CBESS: a pipeline program to increase linguistic and geographic diversity in STEM + health.
    • Award: 5R25GMD019151
    • Funding organization: National Institute of Health (NIH) - National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS)
  3. A novel breast cancer therapy based on secreted protein ligands from CD36+ fibroblasts.
    • Award: 1R01CA279408-01
    • Funding organization: National Institute of Health (NIH) - National Cancer Institute (NCI)
  4. Development of humanized microbiota mouse models of ME/CFS
    • Award: R21 AI183042-01
    • Funding organization: National Institute of Health (NIH) - National Institute on Aging (NIA)