Her research interests are based in the field of nutritional neuroscience, molecular nutrition, and nutritional biochemistry: to understand the cellular bases for intracellular energy metabolism, excitotoxicity-mediated neuronal death signaling, and the use of strategies, including nutritional interventions and pharmacological treatments, to understand and inhibit neurodegenerative pathways in the brain. She is currently studying the dynamics of Bcl2 family proteins; specifically, pro-survival Bcl-xL and its cleavage product pro-death ΔN-Bcl-xL. Her projects examine how these proteins are regulated and the best strategies to prevent ΔN-Bcl-xL formation in order to protect the brain from pathological insults.
Dr. Park’s lab is currently investigating mechanisms of neuronal death signaling that occur during cerebral ischemia (stroke) and neurodegenerative diseases (e.g. Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease). Her team is particularly interested in the dynamics of the mitochondrial protein Bcl-xL. Bcl-xL is known as a pro-survival protein, but a cleaved form of Bcl-xL, ΔN-Bcl-xL, accumulates during neurotoxic stimulation, triggering neuronal death. Therefore, regulation of Bcl-xL and ΔN-Bcl-xL is critical to maintain normal neurophysiology.
Key Words:
- Mitochondria
- Apoptosis
- Excitotoxicity
- Oxidative stress
- Neurodegeneration
- Cerebral ischemia
- Aging
- Vitamins
- Carotenoids
- Antioxidants
Research Topics:
- Cellular Mechanisms of Neuronal Loss in the Hippocampus
- Mechanisms of Bcl-xL Depletion or ΔN-Bcl-xL Accumulation during Pathological Processes in the Brain
- Mechanisms of Mitochondrial Recruitment during Normal Physiology and During Recovery after Neurotoxic Stimulation
- Neuroprotective Functions of Dietary Antioxidants
- Lifestyle Factors Influencing Covid-19 Severit
- Mitochondrial Dysfunction during Breast Cancer Metastasis
On-Going Projects:
- Cellular Mechanisms of Neuronal Loss in the brain
- Neuroprotective Functions of Dietary Antioxidants
- Lifestyle Factors Influencing Covid-19 Severity
- Mitochondrial Dysfunction during Breast Cancer Metastasis.
