Shubha Shukla, Ph. D.
Sr.Scientist,Division of Neuroscience and Ageing Biology
Basic Research Understanding neurogenesis during
neurodegenerative disorders
The focus of our lab is to understand the cellular neurobiology and pathophysiology of neurodegenerative disease such as Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease and how endogenous regenerative capacity of the brain gets compromised during disease progression. In particular, our research group investigates the following aspects, 1) how adult neurogenesis gets affected in neurodegeneration, 2) what is the role and significance of mitochondrial biogenesis in adult neurogenesis, 3) and whether enhanced neurogenesis is sufficient to restore the normal physiology of the brain. As modulation of endogenous neurogenesis would have a significant impact on future therapeutic strategies for neurodegenerative diseases. Therefore, identification of new factors or therapeutic compounds to enhance the endogenous neurogenic potential may greatly strengthen the possibility to cure or slowdown the neurodegeneration process. We are also trying to elucidate the role of molecular and cellular pathways such as Wnt/β-catenin, Notch and TGF in adult neurogenesis and mitochondrial biogenesis.
Another aspect of our research interest is neurological disorders. N-methyl D-aspartate receptor antagonist has been used to mimic a state of clinical psychosis in mice to explore the pathology of disease. Behavioral assays such as forced swim test, tail suspension test, open field activity, rotarod test and elevated plus maze are used as screening models of psychosis, depression and anxiety. Our group is also interested in the development of rodent model to understand the possible association between stress and metabolic syndrome.
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