Mitochondria in Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury: From Basic Science to Potential Therapies

Research Focus of the Murphy Lab The Murphy lab investigates how oxidative damage to mitochondria contributes to human pathologies. We have worked out a way of targeting small bioactive molecules (such as antioxidants) to mitochondria in order to counter the effects of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and to examine the effects of doing so at cellular and whole animal levels. An important aspect is to determine whether and how mitochondrial ROS alters the activities of proteins in putative signalling and protective pathways by reversibly modifying the redox state of critical protein thiols in mitochondria. We use a range of free radical and proteomic approaches to identify the proteins involved, and to identify the cysteine residues and any redox modifications. Finally, we take this information and use it to rationally design potential therapies for diseases that arise from mitochondria dysfunction. Currently our main focus for therapy is the ischaemia/reperfusion injury that arises from stroke and heart attack.