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The Johnson lab uses invertebrate model organisms (fruit flies and worms) to better understand aging and age-related diseases. A common feature of many degenerative diseases is the progressive accumulation of protein aggregates. Autophagy-lysosome mediated degradation is the major pathway that clears aggregates from the cytoplasm and autophagy defects are associated with many degenerative diseases. We use a combination of genetic, biochemical and microscopy methods to study the autophagy-lysosome system in both healthy and disease contexts. Additionally, we are exploring natural mechanisms that enhance proteostasis as a potential therapeutic approach to combat neurodegenerative diseases.

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Banner text description: The Johnson lab at LSU uses a combination of genetics, cell biology, physiology and microscopy approaches in Drosophila and C. elegans to tackle questions related to tubular lysosome functuion, aging, neurodegeneration and restorative effects of sleep

Contact

Alyssa Johnson, PhD

Office:
218 Life Sciences Building

Office phone:
(225) 578-7228

Lab location:
265 Life Sciences Building

Shipping address:
103 Life Sciences Building
Baton Rouge, LA 70803

Email:
johnsona@lsu.edu