The primary focus of our laboratory is determining mechanisms that regulate proteostasis in the context of aging and aging-associated diseases. We are particularly interested in Hsp70 family chaperones and their regulation by post-translational protein modifications (PTMs). We utilize a multidisciplinary approach including molecular biology, genetics, neuroscience, and biochemistry in conjunction with several model systems (C. elegans, mouse models, cell lines, purified proteins) to elucidate the functional consequences of PTM-mediated chaperone regulation. Our overarching goal is to identify and characterize novel mechanisms of proteostasis control which attenuate toxicity in aging-associated disease models to ultimately develop targets for disease-modifying therapies.