Michael Palladino, PhD The Palladino lab uses Drosophila, the fruit fly, as a model system to elucidate the cellular and molecular mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases and discover therapeutic interventions for these diseases.  His lab has identified a large collection of novel neurodegenerative mutants using a powerful forward genetic approach. Characterization of these mutants will identify key proteins required for neural maintenance with age and a detailed understanding of the role of these gene products in human disease conditions. The Palladino research program is directed toward three main goals: 1) discovering and characterizing novel pathways that cause neurodegenerative diseases, 2) understanding the physiological, cellular and molecular dysfunction that causes neurodegeneration in vivo, and 3) using our animal system in pharmacological screens to identify neuroprotective compounds for the treatment of human neurodegenerative diseases. We are currently focusing on elucidating the mechanism by which mutations affecting Na/K ATPase, triose phosphate isomerase (TPI), and ATP6 function result in RDP (rapid-onset dystonia parkinsonism), glycolytic enzymopthy, and mitochondrial encephalaomyopathy, respectively. Click Here for More Info on his Lab!     "Every 30 minutes, a child is born who will develop a mitochondrial disease by age 10." The United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation 8085 Saltsburg Road, Suite 201 | Pittsburgh, PA  15239 Toll-Free: 888-317-8633 | F: 412-793-6477 | info@umdf.org To promote research and education for the diagnosis, treatment and cure of mitochondrial disorders and to provide support to affected individuals and families.