Dr. Adam Avery's lab at Oakland University focuses on understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms behind spinocerebellar ataxia type 5 (SCA5), a neurodegenerative disease that affects movement. The lab investigates how mutations in the spectrin protein disrupt the structure and function of dendritic cells, which play a crucial role in neuron signaling. By using Drosophila (fruit fly) models, they aim to elucidate how these mutations lead to impaired neuronal development and explore potential therapeutic approaches.