TRAUSTADOTTIR LAB:
Aging is the main risk factor for non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and cancer. These diseases have also been associated with oxidative stress accumulation caused by redox imbalance. In Dr. Tinna Traustadottir's lab we investigate the effects of exercise and phytonutrients on the regulation of oxidative stress. We do this by studying the transcription factor, Nuclear erythroid factor 2 (Nrf2). The translocation of Nuclear erythroid factor 2 (Nrf2) from the cystol to the nucleus, a process triggered by oxidative stress, activates cytoprotective enzymes. Previous research in the lab has investigated older individual's response to acute exercise and concluded that the adaptive response to exercise is impaired in older individuals resulting in a lower ability to fight against oxidative stress.
Aging is the main risk factor for non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and cancer. These diseases have also been associated with oxidative stress accumulation caused by redox imbalance. In Dr. Tinna Traustadottir's lab we investigate the effects of exercise and phytonutrients on the regulation of oxidative stress. We do this by studying the transcription factor, Nuclear erythroid factor 2 (Nrf2). The translocation of Nuclear erythroid factor 2 (Nrf2) from the cystol to the nucleus, a process triggered by oxidative stress, activates cytoprotective enzymes. Previous research in the lab has investigated older individual's response to acute exercise and concluded that the adaptive response to exercise is impaired in older individuals resulting in a lower ability to fight against oxidative stress.
MY RESEARCH INTERESTS:
The constant movement I took part in from playing club soccer for many years created in me a love of exercising. For this reason, I chose to pursue a path of research that studies exercise and it's effects on the redox signaling of our bodies. Researching these effects can promote the use of exercise as an accessible and powerful tool in preventing disease and leading a healthier life. As a Mexican American, my research goals also include using my research finding to promote healthy living in underrepresented communities.
The constant movement I took part in from playing club soccer for many years created in me a love of exercising. For this reason, I chose to pursue a path of research that studies exercise and it's effects on the redox signaling of our bodies. Researching these effects can promote the use of exercise as an accessible and powerful tool in preventing disease and leading a healthier life. As a Mexican American, my research goals also include using my research finding to promote healthy living in underrepresented communities.
MY PROJECT AND PROJECT GOALS:
I am currently researching the effects of the signaling messenger Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2) and the phytonutrient Sulforaphane (SFN) in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCS). My project involves in vitro stimulation of human PBMCs with H2O2 and SFN in order to induce oxidative stress outside of the body. We will then be looking at the Nrf2's nuclear binding and peroxiredoxin expression.
Studying the effects of these two treatment will investigate whether there is an enhanced response when used in combination compared to individually. This potential dual treatment could be implemented in the aging population to improve their decreased Nrf2 signaling response and ability to moderate oxidative stress. This improvement can reduce the risk of acquiring previously mentioned age related disease. The outcome of this project could also potentially translate into more readily available oxidative stress inducing treatments such as exercise.
I am currently researching the effects of the signaling messenger Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2) and the phytonutrient Sulforaphane (SFN) in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCS). My project involves in vitro stimulation of human PBMCs with H2O2 and SFN in order to induce oxidative stress outside of the body. We will then be looking at the Nrf2's nuclear binding and peroxiredoxin expression.
Studying the effects of these two treatment will investigate whether there is an enhanced response when used in combination compared to individually. This potential dual treatment could be implemented in the aging population to improve their decreased Nrf2 signaling response and ability to moderate oxidative stress. This improvement can reduce the risk of acquiring previously mentioned age related disease. The outcome of this project could also potentially translate into more readily available oxidative stress inducing treatments such as exercise.