Our research group focuses on a specific group of stress proteins known as small heat shock proteins (sHSPs), including Hsp27 (HspB1) and alpha-B-crystallin (HspB5). These proteins are known to have neuroprotective effects and are highly relevant in various neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease. In these conditions, sHSPs are produced in greater amounts, bind to harmful protein aggregates, and may help prevent or reduce their formation.
To explore these roles, we use a wide range of techniques in molecular biology, biochemistry, cell culture, and microscopy. In recent work, we discovered a new function of HspB5 in neurons: it helps regulate the complexity of dendritic structures—key components of nerve cells that influence how they connect and communicate. We are currently investigating the underlying molecular mechanisms of this effect and its potential impact on the development of neurodegenerative diseases.