معرفی
Diane E. Merry serves as Professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Thomas Jefferson University's College of Life Sciences, concurrently holding the administrative position of Vice Chair for Faculty Development and Engagement. Her laboratory investigates the molecular mechanisms underlying spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy (SBMA), a motor neuron disease caused by polyglutamine expansion in the androgen receptor (AR).
Research Focus
Dr. Merry's work centers on two critical pathways: (1) elucidating DHT-dependent AR misfolding, aggregation, and toxicity mechanisms; and (2) decoding molecular pathways leading to motor neuron dysfunction. Key discoveries include the essential roles of androgen binding and nuclear localization in disease pathogenesis, with current investigations examining AR trafficking anomalies, proteolytic cleavage, post-translational modifications, and the neuroprotective function of nuclear proteasomal regulator PA28γ. Her lab has identified AR ligands targeting the N/C interaction that promote motor neuron viability, now undergoing preclinical testing in SBMA transgenic models.
Methodology and Impact
Employing biochemical, molecular, and cell biological approaches across transgenic mice, cultured cells, and primary motor neuron systems, her research bridges fundamental protein misfolding mechanisms with therapeutic development. This work establishes critical links between proteasome dysfunction in neuronal nuclei and polyglutamine disease progression, offering novel targets for neurodegenerative disorder interventions.
Academic Leadership
As Vice Chair for Faculty Development and Engagement, Dr. Merry shapes institutional strategies for faculty support and academic community building while maintaining an active research program focused on neurodegeneration mechanisms and therapeutic innovation.
