Dr. Hastings is an expert in RNA (molecule that plays in important role in protein production) processing and human disease, with more than 20 years of experience investigating pre-mRNA splicing mechanisms (RNA editing) and how defects in this process cause diseases such as spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), Peutz-Jeghers syndrome, Alzheimer's disease and Usher syndrome. A major focus of Dr. Hastings' work is on discovery and early development of therapeutic approaches for the treatment of diseases by targeting the RNA editing process with small molecules and antisense oligonucleotides (man-made chemicals; ASOs). We have used ASOs to target an editing defect in Usher syndrome, which effectively treated deafness and vestibular (balance) dysfunction in pre-clinical models. We have also recently identified a deregulated pathway in Alzheimer's disease and demonstrated that ASOs can be used to correct this defect and lessen Alzheimer's disease symptoms in pre-clinical models. We are now focusing on therapeutic targets for the treatment of Parkinson's disease.