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Salvatore Cherra
Year started program: 2006
Program name: Cellular And Molecular Pathology
2006 - BS, Biology, University of Scranton

During the summer after junior year, I was very fortunate to be selected for the summer undergraduate research program (SURP) at the University of Pittsburgh. It was a wonderful summer to learn about Pittsburgh, both as a city and the various opportunities for research. During this research experience, I quickly learned about the strong research environment at the University of Pittsburgh, including its strengths in cellular and molecular biology aimed at understanding the mechanisms of disease pathogenesis. I learned about the highly collaborative nature of research at Pittsburgh and awards that the university has accrued during its continued success at the forefront of biomedical research. In addition to its success in biomedical research, the University of Pittsburgh has gained an excellent reputation for its predoctoral training programs. I also learned about the graduate school's areas of focus and the training provided through these programs. After graduating with my degree in Biology, I knew that the University of Pittsburgh would provide me with the scientific environment and training required to succeed as an independent researcher.

I am interested in the underlying mechanisms that lead to the development of neurodegenerative diseases. In particular, I am currently interested in investigating the pathways involved with Parkinson's disease in the hopes of identifying potential neuroprotective mechanisms. My thesis project focuses on elucidating the mechanisms responsible for axon and dendrite degeneration observed in models of Parkinson's disease. A more thorough understanding of mechanisms underlying degeneration should lead to better therapies for neruodegenerative diseases.

Publications:
Sweeney, T.E., Bagher, P., Bailey, J., Cherra, S.J. 3rd, Grisafi, F.N., Pauli, E.M., Riley, K. and Soares, S. 2007. Intravascular pressure and diameter profile of the utero-ovarian resistance artery network: estrous cycle dependent modulation of resistance artery tone. American Journal of Physiology Heart and Circulatory Physiology. 293(5):H2937-44.

Plowey, E.D., Cherra, S.J. 3rd, Liu, Y.-J. , and Chu, C.T. 2008. Role of autophagy in G2019S-LRRK2-associated neurite shortening in differentiated SH-SY5Y cells. Journal of Neurochemistry. 105:1048-1056.

Cherra, S.J. 3rd and Chu, C.T. 2008. Autophagy in neuroprotection and neurodegeneration: a question of balance. Future Neurology. 3:309-323.

Chu, C.T., Plowey, E.D., Dagda, R.K., Hickey, R.W., Cherra, S.J. 3rd & Clark, R.S.B. 2008. Autophagy in neurite injury and neurodegeneration: in vitro and in vivo models. Meth Enzymol, In press.

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