
Laboratory of Proteolytic Mechanisms Mediating Neurodegeneration
The Laboratory of Proteolytic Mechanisms Mediating Neurodegeneration is interested in generating a quantitative understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying Alzheimer’s disease pathogenicity.
Research areas
Human diseases Cell BiologyResearch focus
Our research is based on the premise that getting a better mechanistic understanding of the function of the molecules involved in familial Alzheimer’s disease (FAD) will offer critical insights into the molecular basis of the disease and open new research avenues leading to innovative and safe strategies to tackle the disease in the clinic.
Genetics has shown that mutations in functionally related genes (Presenilins (PSEN) and Amyloid Precursor Protein (APP)) cause Alzheimer’s disease (AD) with early onset. PSEN is the catalytic subunit of the γ-secretase intramembrane proteases, which sequentially cleave APP to generate Aβ peptides. Alzheimer’s disease-causing mutations consistently lead to production of longer amyloidogenic Aβ peptides and this points at the shift in Aβ length as fundamental to the disease pathogenic mechanism. The mutant-induced changes in Aβ profiles as well as the Aβ-mediated neurotoxicity mechanism are poorly defined.
We are interested in generating a quantitative understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying Alzheimer’s disease pathogenicity. Our research is based on the premise that getting a better mechanistic understanding of the function of the molecules involved in familial Alzheimer’s disease (FAD) will offer critical insights into the molecular basis of the disease and open new research avenues leading to innovative and safe strategies to tackle the disease in the clinic.
Research topics
Publications
To showcase the world-class scientific research of the Lucía Chavez-Gutiérrez Lab, you can discover their scientific papers in more detail.
Jobs
We are always on the lookout for highly motivated colleagues to join our team. If you are interested, please contact us.
Team
The Lucía Chavez-Gutiérrez’ Lab can only thrive thanks to the dedication and commitment of its people, no matter what their function or seniority.
Events
To stay up to date in rapidly developing fields, scientists regularly interact with (international) colleagues. Conferences and other (scientific) events are an excellent way to facilitate such a continent-spanning knowledge exchange.