Steve Barger, PhD

Dr. Barger’s primary interest is in the events related to neuronal death caused by pathological insults (especially, excitotoxicity) and the protection against these insults afforded by changes in gene expression. Particular focus has been given to interactions between proteins implicated in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease. His laboratory also characterizes effects of these proteins and neurotransmitters on gene expression. A transcription factor has been identified that is activated by neuroprotective agents and suppressed by neurotoxins. This factor binds promoter elements present in the genes for antioxidant enzymes and an inhibitor of apoptotic cell death. Dr. Barger and coworkers have also documented a production of excitotoxic neurotransmitters by microglia, a specialized immune cell that resides in the central nervous system. When activated by agents associated with Alzheimer’s disease, microglia produce and release harmful amounts of two such excitotoxins. Current work seeks to characterize the mechanisms involved in these effects.