His ongoing research revolves around understanding the role of mitochondrial and lysosomal dysfunction in neurodegeneration, particularly in the context of Parkinsonism, for which these processes are especially important. He is currently focusing on a few genes, implicated in Parkinson's disease and a related movement disorder- Neurodegeneration with Brain Iron Accumulation (NBIA). Using the model organism Drosophila melanogaster as well as in vitro cell culture systems, and employing a combination of genetic, biochemical and cell biological approaches, he is trying to elucidate the roles of these genes in health and disease. To assess the broader relevance of the insights gleaned from basic research, Dr. Bharadwaj also plans to pursue translational research using postmortem brain tissue obtained from human patients.
