Bioelectrochemistry of proteins

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Dr. Kerman aims to develop a new generation of analytical methods and biosensors that would aid understanding the fundamental molecular interactions of "oxidative stress theory" in Alzheimer's disease (AD). As the leading form of dementia, AD impacts Canada from two fronts: diminishing quality of life and over-burdening the health care system. To address the urgent need for effective AD treatment, the original and innovative research program will accelerate the study of antioxidant polyphenols as AD therapeutics. The proposed research program is focused on the study of polyphenol (gallic acid, ellagic acid, okadaic acid)-protein (tau, amyloid-beta and apolipoprotein E4) interactions in the presence of biometals (iron, copper and zinc). The four objectives of the program are the study of the interaction between polyphenols and biomarker proteins, measuring the antioxidant properties of polyphenols, the detection of lipid and DNA oxidation and the study of intracellular ROS formation. The chair aims to compare the rate of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production from human neuronal cells before and after biometal exposure using a wide variety of analytical tools including electrochemical and spectroscopic techniques. The novelty of the research program will be based on discovering whether some of the polyphenols might prevent biometal-induced neurotoxicity, reduce ROS production, and maintain the cellular redox potential under AD-like pathological oxidative stress conditions. The multidisciplinary research program will shed light on the possible therapeutic effects of antioxidant polyphenols and explore the role of biometals in AD. Furthermore, the bioelectrochemical platform will facilitate future studies with other small molecules for the treatment of AD. The expected significance of the work is expanding the therapeutic directions to promote development of new medications, thereby providing effective and safe treatments. The results of this research program will offer better prospects for AD individuals, benefit Canadian economy by alleviating AD-associated costs, and position Canada, especially Ontario, as a leader in biosensor research with training of the next generation of Canadian research talents.