We study methionine metabolism and epigenetic mechanisms involved in neurodegenerative disease and in opioid addiction.
We have identified changes in methionine metabolism and availability of methyl donors SAM and betaine that impact histone methylation in neurodegenerative disease. We have also found that chronic opioid abuse impacts methionine metabolism, DNA methylation (5-mC), and gene expression and are working on strategies to counteract changes linked to addictive behavior.
Projects: Research in the McDonough lab is focused on identifying neuroprotective therapies for multiple sclerosis (MS).
We are studying epigenetic mechanisms in MS and have identified new therapies that restore epigenetic control in MS mouse models (cuprizone, EAE).
Projects: We are developing therapies that can reverse opioid induced changes in the methylation potential that may interfere with and provide protection from addictive methylation signatures. These studies will potentially result in new therapies to combat the opioid crisis, which has caused major social upheaval in this country over the past decade.
We have identified changes in methionine metabolism and availability of methyl donors SAM and betaine that impact histone methylation in neurodegenerative disease. We have also found that chronic opioid abuse impacts methionine metabolism, DNA methylation (5-mC), and gene expression and are working on strategies to counteract changes linked to addictive behavior.
Projects: Research in the McDonough lab is focused on identifying neuroprotective therapies for multiple sclerosis (MS).
We are studying epigenetic mechanisms in MS and have identified new therapies that restore epigenetic control in MS mouse models (cuprizone, EAE).
Projects: We are developing therapies that can reverse opioid induced changes in the methylation potential that may interfere with and provide protection from addictive methylation signatures. These studies will potentially result in new therapies to combat the opioid crisis, which has caused major social upheaval in this country over the past decade.