The Insolera Lab at
Wayne State University School of Medicine 

Neurons are among the most energy demanding cell types. Dysfunction in mitochondria, the energy-producing organelle, is intimately linked to neurodegenerative diseases. In the Insolera lab, we are interested in understanding how neurons maintain a healthy population of mitochondria through quality-control mechanisms. We primarily research this topic using Drosophila Melanogaster, better known as fruit flies. This incredible model organism allows us to assess how complex cell biological manipulations associated with neurodegenerative diseases disrupt neuronal physiology on the cellular and organismal level. The overarching goal is to understand these molecular mechanisms in the simple nervous system of the fly to eventually help inform better therapeutic avenues for human disease in the future. To learn more about the research projects in the lab, click "Read More" below.