Dr. Lance Allen Johnson's lab at the University of Kentucky focuses on understanding Alzheimer's disease and exploring innovative therapies that could help in its treatment. They are particularly interested in the role of the Apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene, which has two major alleles—E2, which is protective, and E4, which increases the risk of Alzheimer's. The lab is working with special mouse models to find out if switching from the harmful E4 allele to the beneficial E2 allele can help reverse some of the brain damage caused by Alzheimer's disease. This research has the potential to lead to new therapies and better understanding of how to treat this complex condition.

Dr. Alan Daugherty's lab at the University of Kentucky focuses on understanding diseases of the aorta, specifically aortopathies like aneurysms and dissections. The research aims to uncover the reasons behind differences in aortic function and structure, which can lead to potential new treatment options. By investigating cellular and molecular mechanisms, the lab hopes to develop targeted therapies for these life-threatening conditions.

Dr. Jonathan Satin's lab at the University of Kentucky focuses on understanding how calcium channels in heart cells can be regulated to improve heart function, especially in cases of heart failure. The lab investigates the signaling pathways that control these channels, aiming to find safer ways to enhance heart contractions without the negative effects associated with current treatments. Their research combines genetic models and pharmacological approaches to explore how specific proteins affect heart health and disease.

Dr. Erhard Bieberich's lab focuses on understanding how ceramide, a type of lipid, contributes to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's. They study how certain proteins interact with lipids to cause neurotoxicity and aim to develop new therapies that can prevent or delay neurodegeneration, particularly by targeting male and female differences in disease pathways. The ultimate goal is to create effective drugs that improve cognitive function in individuals at risk for Alzheimer's.

Dr. Xu Xiao's lab at the University of Kentucky focuses on understanding and treating metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), a condition that affects a large portion of the population. The lab investigates how cholesterol distribution within liver cells can influence fatty liver disease, aiming to identify new therapeutic strategies that can protect against liver damage and improve health outcomes. The research combines molecular biology techniques with pharmacological studies to explore the role of specific proteins in cholesterol transport and metabolism.

Dr. Ming C Gong's lab at the University of Kentucky focuses on understanding how specific medications can help regulate blood pressure in people with type 2 diabetes. They are particularly interested in a new class of diabetes drugs that have shown promise for not only managing blood sugar but also improving blood pressure patterns. By studying the effects of these drugs at different times of the day, the lab aims to find better treatment strategies for diabetic patients who experience high blood pressure.

Dr. Kenneth S. Campbell's lab focuses on improving heart failure treatments through the use of advanced computer modeling and artificial intelligence. They aim to create robust simulation frameworks that predict how therapies will influence heart performance and structural changes over time. By analyzing clinical data from patients, the team seeks to optimize therapeutic strategies and enhance cardiac care for patients suffering from heart failure.

Dr. Scott M. Gordon's lab at the University of Kentucky studies the interactions between lipoproteins, which transport fats in the bloodstream, and various proteins that influence cardiovascular health. One major focus is understanding how lipoproteins can suppress inflammation related to atherosclerosis, a condition characterized by artery plaque buildup. The lab also investigates the gene DENND5B, which plays a vital role in the absorption of dietary fats and may affect overall metabolic health. Through their research, they aim to uncover new mechanisms that could inform strategies for preventing heart disease.

Dr. Shannon L Macauley-Rambach's lab at the University of Kentucky focuses on understanding the role of microglial metabolism in Alzheimer's disease. The research investigates how changes in the metabolic processes of brain cells, particularly microglia, impact the development and progression of Alzheimer's pathology. The lab explores whether targeting these metabolic shifts can help reduce the harmful effects of the disease and opens new avenues for potential therapies.

Dr. John McCarthy's lab at the University of Kentucky focuses on understanding how skeletal muscle cells maintain themselves throughout an organism's life. They study the turnover of myonuclei, which are the nuclei of muscle cells, to see how damage is repaired or replaced. The team's research is not only significant for aging muscles but could also impact therapies for muscular diseases.

Dr. Yuan Wen's lab at the University of Kentucky focuses on understanding how RNA modifications affect muscle function as we age. By using advanced sequencing technology and artificial intelligence, the lab investigates how changes in RNA influence protein production in different muscle fibers. Their work aims to uncover new strategies to mitigate age-related muscle loss and improve overall muscle health in older adults.

Dr. Brian P. Delisle's lab at the University of Kentucky focuses on understanding how circadian rhythms influence heart function and arrhythmias. They study the molecular mechanisms that control the timing of essential genes and proteins in the heart and how changes in daily eating patterns can affect heart health. The findings aim to develop strategies to reduce the risk of heart-related issues in vulnerable populations by aligning their biological clocks with their eating habits.

Dr. John C. Gensel's lab at the University of Kentucky focuses on understanding how age affects the recovery from spinal cord injuries through the study of macrophage metabolism. Their research investigates how the activation of immune cells called macrophages is influenced by age and metabolism, which can impact recovery outcomes after injury. By exploring ways to enhance reparative functions in these cells, the lab aims to improve treatments for spinal cord injuries, particularly in older individuals who often face unique challenges during recovery.