Consensus opinion suggests that apoptosis occurs when the intracellular redox potential reaches its oxidative range, i.e. when the balance between oxidants and reductants is disturbed. An understanding of the links between redox potential and the induction of apoptosis in cells could improve our understanding of the process and help to predict therapeutic responses. This study investigates the changes in redox potential at distinct stages of apoptosis induced in the human cervical cancer cell line, HeLa. Stages of the apoptotic process were defined by loss of mitochondrial membrane polarisation (ΔΨm), membrane phosphatidyl serine exposure, caspase-3 activation, and nuclear fragmentation. To measure real-time redox potential change in apoptotic cells two independent methods were used: (1) expression of redox-responsive green fluorescent protein (roGFP2) measured by flow cytometry and (2) redox-responsive nanosensors detected by surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). roGFP2 measurements showed that HeLa cells demonstrate a shift towards an oxidative redox state during the later stages of apoptosis and this was preceded by loss of ΔΨm. The relationship between these two events was investigated by transient inhibition of mitochondrial permeability transition pore opening using the inhibitor bongkrekic acid (BKA) pre-treatment. At the cell population level, transient exclusion of the mitochondrial contribution delayed two key events of apoptosis in the first two hours measured by nuclear fragmentation and loss of ΔΨm. However, BKA treatment did not affect redox potential, reported by roGFP2, when compared with controls. Therefore, this suggests that mitochondria do not contribute towards the overall redox potential change in apoptosis. To gain insight into the significance of redox change at the earliest stages of apoptosis, single cell studies were performed. SERS, employing simultaneous redox potential and intracellular pH measurements using two synthetic nanosensors AQ-NS and MBA-NS, showed that BKA pre-treatment resulted in increased alkalinity and the cells were consequently protected from induction of apoptosis in the first thirty minutes of the kinase inhibitor staurosporine treatment. Measurements with SERS nanosensors allowed for adjustment for pH, which provides a clearer insight into redox potential dynamics, with consideration of the environment, and accurate quantitative assessment of redox at early stages of apoptosis. Together these data suggest that while roGFP2 is a valid method to use at a population level, SERS is a more sensitive method for measuring the redox potential of the cell at the early stages of apoptosis.

Subsurface contamination is common at nuclear sites and it is likely that radioactive wastes will be managed in the long-term via burial in a deep Geological Disposal Facility (GDF). The migration of radionuclides in the geosphere from such sites is a major societal concern. In particular, long-lived, redox-active radionuclides (in the case of this thesis: 99Tc and Np) can migrate over large distances due to their high solubility under oxic conditions. Bioremediation has been proposed as a mechanism to limit the migration of 99Tc and Np in the environment. Here, an electron donor is supplied to the subsurface and soluble Tc(VII) and Np(V) are reduced to poorly soluble Tc(IV) and Np(IV), respectively. Reduction occurs via direct microbial action (termed bioreduction) or through radionuclide reaction with the by-products of microbial metabolism (primarily Fe(II)). Given the ubiquity of microorganisms and Fe in the geosphere, similar reactions can be expected in the deep subsurface surrounding a GDF. Once reduced, the long-term stability of the Tc(IV) and Np(IV) phases will significantly impact migration rates. Oxidative dissolution of Tc(IV)- and Np(IV)-bearing solids has been demonstrated in the literature and can be pervasive, thus questioning the efficacy of bioreduction. However, these studies have been conducted over short time-scales and during a single period of oxidation. Given the long half-life of 99Tc and Np and the ephemeral nature of redox conditions in the subsurface, there is a need to better understand 99Tc and Np biogeochemistry during longer time-scales and across multiple redox cycles. In this thesis, microcosm experiments have been used to address this knowledge gap. Sediment and groundwater used in the microcosms were representative of the Sellafield Ltd. nuclear site. For Tc, three successive redox cycles (reduction followed by oxidation with O2) over 2 years, gradually reduced the extent of Tc remobilisation during oxidation, and molecular scale characterisation of solids revealed that sediment associated Tc was always present as Tc(IV). Further, over time sequential extractions and EXAFS revealed an increased significance of Tc-Fe bonding in the sediment at the expense of TcO2. Despite this, a small but significant fraction of Tc(IV) was also found to be stable in solution during the experiments and XAS and TEM analysis suggested this was Tc(IV) associated with magnetite colloids. In other experiments completed with higher concentrations of bioavailable Fe (added as ferrihydrite to sediments, and in pure culture experiments with Geobacter sulfurreducens), the significance of Tc-Fe bonding was again highlighted, and potential Tc(IV) incorporation into biogenic magnetite was also documented. In experiments with Np, virtually all of the Np(V) added to oxic groundwater was removed to the sediment commensurate with microbially mediated Fe(III) reduction. Further, in systems with elevated bioavailable Fe, Np removal from solution was more extensive. Taken together, the data for Tc and Np reveals critical links between redox-active radionuclides and Fe cycling in sediments over periods of years and across multiple redox cycles. Furthermore, these processes help to predict the long-term fate of radioactive contamination at the Sellafield Ltd. nuclear site and have implications for contaminated land worldwide.

Aging, a major risk factor in Alzheimer's disease (AD), is associated with an increased free radical (ROS) generation, probably linked to mitochondrial dysfunction. While NADH is the ultimate electron donor for many redox reactions, glutathione (GSH) is the major ROS detoxifying redox buffer within the cell and cysteines are the major reducing buffer in the extracellular matrix. Since the relationship of the prominent ROS damage to aging and AD is unclear, we wanted to know whether A) an oxidative redox shift precedes these markers and leads to macromolecular damage, B) age and AD-related changes can be reversed using redox interventions in neurons and C) modification of the extracellular Cys/CySS redox can change intracellular redox and increase neuron survival. Hippocampal/cortical neurons were isolated across the age-span from non-transgenic (non-Tg) and a triple transgenic Alzheimer's mouse model (3xTg-AD) and cultured in common nutrients to control for age-related hormonal and vascular differences. We found an increase of NAD(P)H levels and redox state in non-Tg neurons until middle age, followed by a decline in old age. The 3xTg-AD neurons maintained much lower resting NAD(P)H and redox state after 4 months, but the NADH regenerating capacity continuously declined with age beginning at 2 months. Compared to non-Tg neurons, 3xTg-AD neurons had lower glutathione (GSH) levels, which preceded age-related increases in ROS levels. The redox deficits in NAD(P)H and GSH were partially reversed using the NADH precursor, nicotinamide. To determine the relative importance of GSH to ROS and cell death, we simultaneously determined GSH depletion and ROS elevation in live neurons across the age-span by titrating with buthionine sulfoximine (BSO), an inhibitor of the rate-limiting enzyme for GSH synthesis, γ-glutamylcysteine synthetase, subunit c (GCLC). We observed that in old age, neuron loss was more dependent on GSH depletion than ROS elevation. Remarkably, the rate of neuron loss with ROS was the same for both genotypes, indicating that cognitive deficits in the AD-model were not caused by ROS. Therefore, we targeted activation of the redox sensitive transcription factor, Nrf2 (Nuclear erythroid-related factor 2) for neuroprotection by 18α-glycyrrhetinic acid to stimulate glutathione synthesis through GCL. . By combining the Nrf2 activator together with nicotinamide, we increased neuron survival against glutathione depletion and beta-amyloid stress in an additive manner. Further, we explored the relative importance of NAD(P)H and GSH to neuron loss in aging and AD. Neurons stressed by either depleting NAD(P)H or GSH indicated that NAD(P)H redox control is upstream of GSH levels and compared to GSH depletion, higher neuron loss was observed with declining NAD(P)H, especially in old age and in the 3xTg-AD neurons. We also observed an age-dependent loss of gene expression of key redox dependent biosynthetic enzymes, NAMPT (nicotinamide phosphoribosyl transferase) and NNT (nicotinamide nucleotide transhydrogenase). Moreover, age-related correlations between brain NNT or NAMPT gene expression and NADPH levels suggest that these genes contribute to the age-related declines in NAD(P)H. Lastly, since extracellular redox deficits are seen in aging and AD, and Cys/CySS is the major redox buffer in the extracellular microenvironment, we determined the effects of extracellular redox modification on intracellular redox state, neuron survival and signaling through pAkt/Akt. We found that a reductive shift in extracellular Cys/CySS improved neuron survival, maintained intracellular GSH and NAD(P)H as well as increased pAkt/Akt in aging. Overall, our results strongly support the EORS theory of aging that an oxidative redox shift precedes ROS-mediated damage. A therapeutic reductive redox shift might be used to minimize aging and treat AD

En el presente trabajo de tesis se estudió la reacción de intercalación en calcogenofosfatos de metales de transición del tipo MPS3 (M = Mn, Cd) con compuestos macrocíclicos de cinc (II) y manganeso (III). El objetivo principal fue el estudio de las propiedades magnéticas y ópticas de los intercalados sintetizados. Se realizó la pre-intercalación de un catión monovalente, potasio, para obtener la fase intermediaria, la cual sirvió para una posterior reacción de intercambio catiónico con los complejos [Zn2L]·(NO3)2 y [MnL(H2O)2]·(NO3)(H2O) (L H2: ligante macrocíclico derivado de 2-hidroxi-5-metil-1,3-bencenodicarbaldehido y 1,2-fenilendiamina). Los complejos fueron caracterizados por análisis elemental, absorción atómica, análisis térmico, espectroscopía infrarroja y espectroscopía UV-Visible. Los productos de intercalación “compositos” se obtuvieron por el método de agitación continua, y asistido vía radiación de microondas (MO) a partir de la fase intermediaria de potasio, K0,40M0,80PS3(H2O)y (M = Mn, Cd). El reemplazo del potasio por los complejos no fue total, obteniéndose los siguientes compositos, de formula general: [Zn2L]zK(2x-2z)M(1-x)PS3(H2O)y y [MnL]zK(2x-z)M(1-x)PS3(H2O)y (0,05 < z < 0,35; x = 0,20; M = Mn, Cd). Los nuevos productos de intercalación fueron caracterizados por microscopía electrónica de barrido - energía dispersiva de rayos X (SEM-EDX), análisis elemental (AE), difracción de rayos X de polvo (DRX), espectroscopía infrarroja (FTIR). Además se realizó un estudio de propiedaes magnéticas y ópticas. Todas los compositos sintetizados muestran un comportamiento antiferromagnético, el cual disminuye en intensidad comparado con la fase laminar pura MnPS3. En particular los compositos obtenidos vía radiación de microondas (MO) mostraron un aumento de la magnetización a bajas temperaturas. Con respecto al comportamiento óptico se observó un efecto batocrómico en todos los compositos al compararlos con el precursor de potasio utilizado. En lo referente a la sintesís vía radiación de microondas (MO) se destaca la obtención de compositos de características químicas similares al método convencional.

CoordenaÃÃo de AperfeiÃoamento de NÃvel Superior / Neste trabalho, foram feitos estudos eletroquÃmicos e analÃticos, utilizando voltametria cÃclica e voltametria de onda quadrada, e de modelagem computacional, utilizando o software DMOL3 e forcite, para as molÃculas de dietilestilbestrol (DES) e metildopa (MDP). Os estudos eletroquimicos e analÃticos foram feitos sobre superficie de carbono vÃtreo e utilizando tampÃo BR como eletrÃlito suporte. Para o DES, estudos preliminares mostraram um pico anÃdico e um catÃdico, em torno de 0,450 V e 0,021 V, respectivamente. O potencial de pico do DES deslocou-se para valores mais negativos com o aumento do pH e a corrente de pico apresentou um valor mÃximo em pH 7. O processo redox foi controlado por adsorÃÃo e caracterizou-se como catalÃtico com transferÃncia irreversÃvel de carga. Modelos computacionais mostraram que as densidades eletrÃnicas dos orbitais HOMO se localizam principalmente sobre os oxigÃnios dos grupos fenÃis e apresentaram cargas de Mulliken de -0,507, sendo os provÃveis sÃtios de oxidaÃÃo do DES. CÃlculos de adsorÃÃo indicaram adsorÃÃo fÃsica do DES com valores de energia variando de -30 a -33 kcal mol-1. Por fim, o mecanismo calculado mostrou-se de acordo com a proposta obtida eletroquimicamente, com a formaÃÃo de uma quinona. Para a determinaÃÃo analÃtica os parÃmetros da VOQ otimizados foram f = 80 Hz, a = 30 mV, &#61508;E = 4 mV. Curvas analÃticas foram feitas, e calculados o LD = 5,58 x 10-8 mol L-1(14,9 ppb) e LQ = 1,89 x 10-7 mol L-1 (49,9 ppb). A repetibilidade e reprodutibilidade foram avaliadas atravÃs do RSD, obtendo-se valores de 1,64% e 3,47%, respectivamente. A metodologia foi aplicada em formulaÃÃo farmacÃutica, Ãgua natural e urina sintÃtica, obtendo-se recuperaÃÃes de 94,32%, 77,85%, 89,00%, respectivamente. Para a MDP os estudos voltamÃtricos mostraram um processo anÃdico e um catÃdico em pH 2 e 3 e apresentou dois picos anÃdicos e um catÃdico em pHs maiores que 3. Foi observada uma dependÃncia dos potencias de pico que se deslocaram para valores mais negativos como aumento do pH. Estudos de velocidade de varredura mostraram que o processo à controlado por adsorÃÃo e aplicando os critÃrios de Nicholson-Shain o processo redox foi classificado como catalÃtico com transferÃncia irreversÃvel de carga. Em pHs acima de 3 foi observado um processo irreversÃvel com formaÃÃo de filme polimÃrico na superfÃcie do eletrodo. Em pH abaixo de 3 o processo apresentou um carÃter reversÃvel. CÃlculos quÃnticos e de carga de Mulliken mostraram que a densidade eletrÃnica dos orbitais HOMO e LUMO estÃo principalmente sobre os oxigÃnios fenÃlicos e uma possÃvel rota reacional com formaÃÃo de dÃmeros, e possÃvel polimerizaÃÃo, à energeticamente viÃvel confirmando o mecanismo proposto. A metodologia eletroanalÃtica foi desenvolvida tambÃm utilizando VOQ em meio de tampÃo BR pH 2 e os parÃmetros otimizados foram: f = 20 Hz, a = 20 mV, &#61508;E = 2 mV. Curvas analÃticas foram obtidas e a partir destas calculados o LD e LQ de 6,32 x 10-9 (1,33 ppb) e 2,10 x 10-8 (4,43 ppb), respectivamente. A repetibilidade e reprodutibilidade foram avaliadas atravÃs do RSD, obtendo-se valores de 3,01% e 4,96%, respectivamente. A metodologia foi aplicada em formulaÃÃo farmacÃutica, Ãgua natural e urina sintÃtica, obtendo-se recuperaÃÃes de 93,32%, 97,03%, 91,29%, respectivamente. Sendo assim, as metodologias propostas mostraram-se adequadas para determinaÃÃo dos fÃrmacos estudados. / In this work, electrochemical and analytical studies were performed, using cyclic voltammetry, square wave voltammetry, and computational modeling using the software DMOL3 and forcite, for diethylstilbestrol (DES) and methyldopa (MDP) molecules. The electrochemical and analytical studies was carried out on the glassy carbon surface and using BR buffer as electrolyte. For DES preliminary studies showed a anodic and cathodic peak about 0,450 V and 0,021 V, respectively. The DESâs peak potential shifted to more negative values with pH increasing and the peak current showed maximum at pH 7. The redox process presented an adsorptive control and was characterized as catalytic with irreversible charge transfer . Computer models showed that electron densities of the HOMO orbital is mainly located on the oxygens phenols groups and presented Mulliken charges of -0.507, thus, these are probable DES oxidation sites. Calculations indicate physical adsorption of DES with energy values shifted from -30 to -33 kcal mol-1. Finally, the theoretical mechanism was shown to be in accordance with the proposal electrochemically, with the formation of a quinone. For the analytical determination the VOQ parameters were optimized: f = 80 Hz, = 30 mV, &#61508;E = 4 mV. Curves were made, and the calculated LD = 5.58 x 10-8 mol L-1 (14.9 ppb) and LQ = 1.89 x 10-7 mol L-1 (49.9 ppb). The repeatability and reproducibility were evaluated by the RSD, giving values of 1.64% and 3.47%, respectively. The methodology was applied in pharmaceutical formulation, natural water and synthetic urine, resulting in recoveries of 94.32%, 77.85%, 89.00%, respectively. For MDP voltammetric studies showed an anodic and cathodic process at pH 2 and 3. At pH values larger than 3 showed two anodic peaks and a cathodic. Was observed a dependence of peak potentials that have shifted to more negative values with increasing the pH. Sweep speed studies showed that the process is controlled by adsorption and applying the Nicholson-Shain criteria redox process was classified as catalytic irreversible charge transfer. At pHs above 3 was observed an irreversible process with formation of polymeric film on the electrode surface. At pH below 3 the process showed a reversible character. And quantum chemical calculations showed that Mulliken charge density of the electron orbitals HOMO and LUMO are primarily on the phenolic oxygens and one possible reaction route with dimer formation and possible polymerization is energetically possible, confirming the mechanism proposal. The electroanalytical methodology had also been developed using VOQ, and BR buffer pH 2 as electrolyte and VOQ parameters were optimized: f = 20 Hz, = 20 mV, &#61508; E = 2 mV. Curves were obtained, and calculated LD and LQ of 6.32 x 10-9 (1.33 ppb) and 2.10 x 10-8 (4.43 ppb), respectively. The repeatability and reproducibility were evaluated by the RSD, giving values of 3.01% and 4.96%, respectively. The methodology was applied in pharmaceutical formulation, natural water and synthetic urine, resulting in recoveries of 93.32%, 97.03%, 91.29%, respectively. Thus, this methodology can be employed with success for pharmaceutical formulation determination

RRx-001 is an anticancer agent that subjects cancer cells to reactive oxygen/nitrogen species (ROS/RNS) and acts as an epigenetic modifier. We have used a thiol-bearing MRI contrast agent, Gd-LC7-SH, to investigate the pharmacodynamics of RRx-001 in CHP-100 Ewing's Sarcoma, HT-29 colorectal carcinoma, and PANC-1 pancreatic carcinoma xenografts in SCID mice. Binding of Gd-LC7-SH to the Cys34 residue on plasma albumin prolongs retention in the tumor microenvironment and increases tumor enhancement on MRI. Mice were imaged by MRI and in vivo T1 maps acquired 50 min (T1(50 min)) after injection of 0.05 mmol/kg Gd-LC7-SH (i.v.) at baseline and 1, 24, and 72 h post-treatment with 10 mg/kg RRx-001 (i.v.). Consistent with an indirect thiol-modifying activity of RRx-001, tumor T150 min at 1 h post-drug was significantly longer than pre-drug tumor T150 min in all three tumor models, with the T150 min remaining significantly longer than baseline through 72 h post-drug in the HT-29 and PANC-1 tumors. The T150 min of CHP-100 tumors recovered to baseline by 24 h post-drug, suggesting a robust anti-oxidant response to the RRx-001 challenge that was presaged by a marked increase in perfusion at 1 h post-drug measured by DCE-MRI. MRI enhanced with Gd-LC7-SH provides a mechanistically rational biomarker of RRx-001 pharmacodynamics.

Using complexing-agent assisted sol-gel routes, mixed Pd/ceria-alumina and Pd/terbia-ceria-alumina catalysts were prepared. The materials have been characterised by means of ICP-MS, TEM, EDX, XPS, XRD, BET, TPR, TPO and TPD. Catalytic testing was carried out in a temperature programmed mode as well as isothermally, using synthetic exhaust gas mixtures with different air-to-fuel ratios. The obtained results were compared with those of traditionally impregnated Pd/ceria-alumina and PtRh/ceria-alumina. Evaluating the catalysts potential as three-way converters, it has been shown that as a result of the sol-gel preparation chosen, highly homogeneous materials were produced. These had (i) much higher oxygen storage potential (especially at low temperatures, T &ap; 400 - 500K), (ii) improved metal support interactions and (iii) lower CO and propane light-off temperatures (T50%(CO) &ap; 423K, T50%(C3H8) &ap; 593K for R &ge; 1). Under fuel-rich conditions an improved low temperature NO activity was shown for the ceria-containing materials. This was attributed to a ceria-mediated redox mechanism and an improved Pd-ceria interaction for these sol-gel-derived samples. The addition of terbia was found to promote the catalysts propane activity, especially under fuel-rich conditions. The application of the different catalysts as three-way converters has been discussed, with special emphasis on their potential during the cold-start period. In a further set of catalytic experiments, using less complex gas mixtures, a more comprehensive view of the detailed Pd chemistry involved in these new three-way catalysts was obtained.

abstract: Isotope ratios of some trace metals have proven useful for tracking Earth’s ocean oxygenation history. As the limitations of some of these isotope systems are realized, it becomes increasingly important to develop new and complementary systems. This dissertation examines the utility of molybdenum (98Mo) and thallium (205Tl) isotope compositions preserved in ancient marine shales to track past ocean oxygenation. My approach is as follows: (1) as an initial exercise, apply the well-established Mo isotope system to a set of ancient shales; (2) validate the use of the newly developed Tl isotope system; and finally (3) examine the potential of applying Mo and Tl isotopes in tandem. Increasingly heavier 98Mo are found in shales deposited during the Neoarchean (2,800 to 2,500 million years ago, or Ma), which would be a predicted consequence of progressive ocean oxygenation across this timeframe. Increasingly heavier 205Tl across a well-documented Mesozoic Oceanic Anoxic Event (~94 Ma), on the other hand, would be a predicted consequence of progressive ocean de-oxygenation. An anti-correlation in the first combined application of Mo and Tl isotopes in ancient shales provides a strong fingerprint for previously unrecognized levels of ocean oxygenation at ~2,500 Ma. Lastly, neither 98Mo or 205Tl behave as predicted in shales deposited during three Ediacaran Ocean Oxygenation Events (~635 Ma, ~580 Ma, and ~560 Ma). These unexpected trends are due, at least in part, to local-scale overprints that must be taken into consideration when pairing together Mo and Tl isotopes in shales. The ability of the Mo and Tl isotope systems to track changes in past ocean oxygenation is confirmed in this dissertation. Both isotope systems have the potential to track these changes independently, but their combined utility is particularly powerful. Under ideal conditions, their combined application can provide an even more robust fingerprint for changes in past ocean oxygenation. Even under non-ideal conditions, their combined application makes it possible to decipher local-scale overprints from signals of past ocean oxygenation. It is therefore ideal, whenever possible, to measure both 98Mo and 205Tl in the same shale samples to assess past changes in ocean oxygenation. / Dissertation/Thesis / Doctoral Dissertation Geological Sciences 2020

Thesis advisor: Jeffery A. Byers / This dissertation discusses the development of a family of iron complexes and their role in the synthesis of degradable polymers. Chapter one will introduce the different areas of redox-switchable polymerization. In chapter two the synthesis of block copolymers containing a polyester and polyether block is presented. The application redox-switchable polymerization to form a copolymer with two fundamentally distinct backbone functionalities and their characterization is discussed. In chapter three the synthesis of a degradable cross-linked polymer through a novel redox-triggered cross linking event is summarized. In chapter four, a detailed mechanistic study of iron-complex catalyzed epoxide polymerization is examined and a unique mechanistic scheme is proposed. Lastly, in chapter five the synthesis and characterization of a formally iron(I) complex is presented. This complex shows remarkable catalytic activity towards ring-opening polymerization. / Thesis (PhD) — Boston College, 2018. / Submitted to: Boston College. Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. / Discipline: Chemistry.

Early-onset Parkinson disease, of which the best studied and most common cause are biallelic mutations in the PRKN gene, is characterized by an age of onset before 40 years. Parkin-deficient patients show slow progression, excellent responsiveness to L-dopa therapy, and are generally spared cognitive decline. At autopsy, PRKN-linked Parkinson disease is further distinguished by relative selectivity in cell loss, namely of dopamine producing neurons in the human brainstem, and the general absence of Lewy body inclusions. Since its discovery two decades ago, the field has focused on the function of parkin as an E3 ubiquitin ligase and its related role in mitophagy. However, its essential, neuroprotective function in ageing human midbrain and the mechanisms by which wildtype parkin preserves dopamine cell health in aged humans are yet to be elucidated. I hypothesized that parkin confers neuroprotection due to a redox function by its many cysteines (7.5%). We first focused on parkin’s biochemistry, reporting a shift from solubility to a nearly insoluble, aggregated state in adult control brain after age 40 years. We detected cysteine-based, post-translational modifications of parkin in response to oxidative stress, and characterized a novel, redox chemistry-based function: Through its own oxidation parkin reduced hydrogen peroxide in vitro. I validated this finding by showing its elevation in parkin-deficient, human brain. Wild-type parkin also participated in dopamine metabolism through the conjugation of reactive radicals at several of its cysteines, which augmented the generation of melanin. (Chapter 2). In addition, we demonstrated parkin’s heretofore unknown, antioxidant function in the cytosol using cellular paradigms and select genetic as well as toxin-based mouse models that featured elevated oxidative stress. Moreover, we uncovered parkin’s contribution to the wider thiol network, namely through an apparent feedback loop with glutathione metabolism (Chapter 3). Lastly, I developed and investigated a bi-genic (prkn-/-//Sod2+/-) model in an attempt to restage the pathogenesis of early-onset parkinsonism in mice; there, we detected a rise in systemic, oxidative stress and in total nitrotyrosination profiles of the brain, but did not observe any dopamine neuron loss in the midbrain. In accordance, the behavioural characterization of these animals did not reveal any motor abnormalities (Chapter 4). Based on this previously unknown function for parkin in redox biology, I envision three future research directions: a) additional studies to delineate the full range of oxidative modifications of parkin versus neutralization of radicals; this, to better define the distinct pathogenesis of parkin-linked Parkinson’s when compared to other forms of the disorder; b) structural studies of its oxidative modifications in vitro and renewed attempts of staging parkin-linked dopamine cell death in vivo; and c) and importantly, the exploration of cause-directed therapy based on parkin’s redox functions to preserve dopamine neurons of the human midbrain throughout adulthood.