My research is focused on the use of the nematode for investigating molecular mechanisms associated with neurodegenerative diseases. My two main topics are a) lipid metabolism and its role in neurodegeneration and b) contributing factors to the development of axonopathies. a) We have generated a nematode model of peroxisomal diseases in where fatty acids accumulation preceds axonal degeneration and is associated with mitochondrial oxidative stress. Within the same model we are exploring the role of peroxisomal genes in chemosensation. b) Based on previous data in where we discovered a modulation of Rac1 (worm ced-10) by Parkin (worm pdr-1) , we are exploring the role of Rac1 in neurodegenerative diseases, mainly establishing  a lipidomic profile of mutant animals. Final results might be relevant to establish a role of specific lipids in those neurodegenerative diseases affected by Rac1 mal functioning