Identification of proteins modified by nitrosylation in the mammalian endoplasmic reticulum

Many neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s disease can be caused by cellular damage in specific areas of the brain. A striking aspect of these diseases is that they are associated with an increase in the production of chemicals that, when produced in excess, cause cell death. These chemicals are called include reactive oxygen or nitrogen species. Our understanding of how these chemicals cause disease is limited but it is believed that they modify proteins thereby inhibiting their function. This project aims to identify proteins that are modified by reactive nitrogen species produced during neurodegenerative disease.