Undergraduate NIH-RISE Fellow
I work in Dr Tinna Traustadottir's Oxidative Stress Lab at Northern Arizona University. We study the relationship between redox biology, aging and lifestyle. We hope to understand how lifestyle, exercise and nutrients can affect redox signaling to help to prevent the early onset of age-related disease and slow disease progression.
Our works centers around the transcription factor nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2). Nrf2 is a basic leucine zipper (bZIP) protein that is generally localized in the cytosol. When triggered by the presence of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS), it is translocated to the nucleus and acts as activator of over 200 cytoprotective enzymes.
I am currently investigating the protective antioxidant effects of the chemical sulforaphane, which is a potent inducer of Nrf2 found in cruciferous vegetables. I am collaborating with other students in Dr Traustadottir's lab to investigate the possibility of sulforaphane’s synergistic effect with exercise in upregulating Nrf2 and its downstream products. We hope to understand what kind of diet will maximize the health benefits of exercise.