The Strack lab carries out fundamental and translational research on mechanisms of neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental disorders (including Parkinson's disease and autism) caused by mutation is signaling molecules, in particular protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) and protein kinase A (PKA). We narrow in on pathologically significant mutations by structure prediction and other computational approaches as well as in vitro biochemical assays. The Strack lab is interested in the following areas:
disease mechanisms in Houge-Janssens Syndrome 1 (Jordan's Syndrome, caused by de novo mutations in the protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) regulatory subunit PPP2R5D);
pathogenic mechanisms of Marbach-Schaaf Neurodevelopmental Syndrome (caused by de novo mutations in the protein kinase A (PKA) regulatory subunit PRKAR1B);
cognitive impairment in cerebellar disorders (Ataxia of Charlevoix-Saguenay);
development of phosphodiesterase inhibitors for the treatment of neurodevelopmental and -degenerative disorders;
The laboratory uses both germline and conditional (floxed) mouse models of neurological disorders for behavioral, imaging, biochemical, and histopathological experiments. We also use primary neuronal and immortalized cell culture systems to study disease-mutant proteins in vitro.
