Introduction
Understanding the blood brain barrier (BBB) that protects the central nervous system (CNS) of animals, from the fruit fly (Drosophila melanogaster-Dm) to human beings, holds the promises of understanding how certain CNS diseases develop (e.g. Alzheimers, stroke) as well as progressing the development of next generation CNS pharmaceuticals. Our studies have highlighted commonality between the fly BBB and the vertebrate (e.g. human) form of this critical defensive structure. Our work aims to examine the BBB in exquisite detail to clarify and expand our knowledge of both how the brain protects itself from toxic exposure and how specific drugs gain access to this most delicate and important of organs.
Our laboratory is focused on three major topics:
1) Cellular signaling mechanisms that control barrier function
2) Biology and physiology of xenobiotic transport
3) Translational therapies based on modulation of the BBB
