Mariana Pehar
Position title: Assistant Professor, Department of Medicine
Email: mapehar@medicine.wisc.edu
Phone: (608) 265-8140
Department:
Medicine
Division of Geriatrics and Gerontology
Education:
M.S. in Neuroscience, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
Ph.D. in Neuroscience, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
Postdoctoral in Molecular Neurobiology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
Research Description:
My research program focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms leading to neuronal degeneration in aging and pathological conditions. In particular, my lab focuses on understanding the role of neurotrophin signaling in the progression of neurodegenerative process. Neurotrophins have the ability to promote either survival or death, depending on the cell type considered and physiological context. During aging and pathological conditions, the increased production or decreased clearance of free radicals leads to oxidative stress and post-translational modification of signaling proteins such as neurotrophins. my group identified a new mechanism by which the ability of neurotrophins to induce cell death is regulated by post-translational oxidative modifications. My research is seeking to better understand the signaling pathways activated by oxidatively modified neurotrophins in order to identify new therapeutic targets for the treatment of age-related neurodegenerative diseases. The overall goal is to develop neuroprotective therapeutic strategies using astrocytes as the main target.
Key Words:
Neurodegeneration, Glia-Neuron Interaction, Neurotrophins, Oxidative Stress, Aging