The main focus of our research is the study of neuronal function and dysfunction, using the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans as a model organism. Among the specific interests of our lab are the molecular mechanisms of necrotic cell death in neurodegeneration and senescent decline, the molecular mechanisms of sensory transduction and integration by the nervous system, the interplay between cellular metabolism and ageing, and the development of novel genetic tools for C. elegans research.

Madeo F., Tavernarakis N. and Kroemer G. (2010) Can autophagy promote longevity? Nature Cell Biology 12: 842-846.

Artal-Sanz M. & Tavernarakis N. (2009) Prohibitin couples diapause signaling to mitochondrial energy metabolism during ageing in Caenorhabditis elegans. Nature 461: 793-797.

Eisenberg T., et al. (2009) Induction of autophagy by spermidine promotes longevity. Nature Cell Biology 11: 1305-1314.

Syntichaki P. Troulinaki K. & Tavernarakis N. (2007) eIF4E function in somatic cells modulates ageing in Caenorhabditis elegans. Nature 445: 922-926.

Syntichaki P., Xu K., Driscoll M. & Tavernarakis N. (2002) Specific aspartyl and calpain proteases are required for neurodegeneration in C. elegans. Nature 419: 939-944.