The main focus of my group is to understand the molecular and cellular basis of myopathies and neurodegenerative disorders. We use two genetically tractable model organisms, Drosophila melanogaster (fruit fly) and Danio rerio (zebrafish), to trace the aetiology of these diseases and dissect the associated mechanisms. Experimental approaches include genetic, molecular, biochemical and biophysical assays, electron and confocal microscopy and behavioural tests. We are doing drug screening for many myopathies, neurological disorders, and nutraceutical implementation. Particularly, we are interested in increase strengthening of the muscle, isoform switching and the retaining of specific muscle patterning.
