A5028397104- Metabolism and Genetic Disorders
- Neurobiology and Insect Physiology Research
- Diet and metabolism studies
- Mitochondrial Function and Pathology
- Physiological and biochemical adaptations
- Genetics, Aging, and Longevity in Model Organisms
- Regulation of Appetite and Obesity
- Adipokines, Inflammation, and Metabolic Diseases
- Mosquito-borne diseases and control
- Lysosomal Storage Disorders Research
- Tryptophan and brain disorders
- Career Development and Diversity
- Biochemical effects in animals
- Antioxidants, Aging, Portulaca oleracea
- Gut microbiota and health
- Glutathione Transferases and Polymorphisms
- Glycogen Storage Diseases and Myoclonus
- Insect and Arachnid Ecology and Behavior
- Alzheimer's disease research and treatments
- Metabolomics and Mass Spectrometry Studies
- Problem and Project Based Learning
- Biomedical Research and Pathophysiology
- Flavonoids in Medical Research
- Cholinesterase and Neurodegenerative Diseases
- Health, Environment, Cognitive Aging
University of Alabama at Birmingham
2007-2025
Samford University
2017-2025
University of Alabama
2021
Emory University
2010-2016
Vanderbilt University
2012-2014
John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
2014
Abstract Background Obesity and phenotypic traits associated with this condition exhibit significant heritability in natural populations of most organisms. While a number genes genetic pathways have been implicated to play role obesity traits, the architecture that underlies variation these is largely unknown. Here, we used 40 wild-derived inbred lines Drosophila melanogaster quantify body weight, content three major metabolites (glycogen, triacylglycerol, glycerol) obesity, metabolic rate...
Classic galactosemia is a genetic disorder that results from profound loss of galactose-1P-uridylyltransferase (GALT). Affected infants experience rapid escalation potentially lethal acute symptoms following exposure to milk. Dietary restriction galactose prevents or resolves the sequelae; however, many patients long-term complications. Despite decades research, mechanisms underlie pathophysiology in classic remain unclear. Recently, we developed Drosophila melanogaster model and...
Purpose: We evaluated the ability of ketogenic diet (KD) to improve thresholds flurothyl-induced seizures in two mouse lines with Scn1a mutations: one that models Dravet syndrome (DS) and another genetic (generalized) epilepsy febrile plus (GEFS+). Methods: At postnatal day 21, DS GEFS+ were fasted for 12–14 h then placed on either a 6:1 (fats proteins carbohydrates) KD or standard (SD) 2 weeks. end 2-week period, we measured induced by chemiconvulsant flurothyl. Body weight,...
Syndecans are a family of type-I transmembrane proteins that involved in cell-matrix adhesion, migration, neuronal development, and inflammation. Previous quantitative genetic studies pinpointed Drosophila Syndecan (dSdc) as positional candidate gene affecting variation fat storage between two melanogaster strains. Here, we first used complementation tests with dSdc mutants to confirm natural this affects variability storage. Next, examined the effects viable mutant on whole-body energy...
Abstract Classic galactosemia (CG) is an autosomal recessive disorder resulting from loss of galactose-1-phosphate uridyltransferase (GALT) that catalyzes conversion and uridine diphosphate (UDP)-glucose to glucose-1-phosphate UDP-galactose, immediately upstream UDP-N-acetylgalactosamine UDP-N-acetylglucosamine synthesis. These four UDP-sugars are essential donors driving synthesis glycoproteins glycolipids heavily decorate cell surfaces extracellular spaces. In addition acute, potentially...
The goal of this study was to use two manganese (Mn)-based superoxide dismutase (SOD) mimics test the hypothesis that reactive oxygen species contribute both acute and long-term outcomes in a galactose-1P uridylyltransferase (GALT)-null Drosophila melanogaster model classic galactosemia.We tested impact each Mn porphyrin SOD mimics, MnTnBuOE-2-PyP(5+), MnTE-2-PyP(5+), (i) on survival GALT-null larvae reared presence versus absence dietary galactose (ii) severity movement defect adult flies....
The use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEis) has been reported to reduce symptoms cognitive decline in patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Yet, the protective role ACEis against AD is still controversial. Here, we aimed at determining whether oral treatment ACEi lisinopril beneficial effects on and physical functions a Drosophila melanogaster model that overexpresses human amyloid precursor protein β-site APP-cleaving neurons. We found significant impairment learning...
The multiple galactosemia disease states manifest long-term neurological symptoms. Galactosemia I results from loss of galactose-1-phosphate uridyltransferase (GALT), which converts + UDP-glucose to glucose-1-phosphate UDP-galactose. II galactokinase (GALK), phosphorylating galactose galactose-1-phosphate. III the UDP-galactose 4'-epimerase (GALE), interconverts and UDP-glucose, as well UDP-N-acetylgalactosamine UDP-N-acetylglucosamine. pyrophosphorylase (UGP) alternatively makes uridine...
Mitochondria are organelles found in nearly all eukaryotic cells that play a crucial role cellular survival and function. Mitochondrial function is under the control of nuclear mitochondrial genomes. While latter has been focus most genetic research, we remain largely ignorant about nuclear-encoded genomic inter-individual variability Here, used Drosophila melanogaster as our model organism to address this question.We quantified state 3 4 respiration rates P:O ratio mitochondria isolated...
Classic galactosemia (CG) is a potentially lethal inborn error of metabolism that results from the profound loss galactose-1-phosphate uridylyltransferase (GALT), second enzyme in Leloir pathway galactose metabolism. Neonatal detection and dietary restriction minimizes or resolves acute sequelae CG, but fails to prevent long-term complications experienced by majority patients. One substrates GALT, (Gal-1P), accumulates high levels affected infants, especially following milk exposure, has...
The angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) is a peptidase that involved in the synthesis of Angiotensin II, bioactive component renin-angiotensin system. A growing body literature argues for beneficial impact ACE inhibitors (ACEi) on age-associated metabolic disorders, mediated by cellular changes reactive oxygen species (ROS) improve mitochondrial function. Yet, our understanding relationship between ACEi therapy and parameters limited. Here, we used three genetically diverse strains...
Evidence suggests that angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) may increase metabolic rate by promoting thermogenesis, potentially through enhanced fat oxidation and improved insulin. More research is, however, needed to understand this intricate process. In study, we used 22 lines from the Drosophila Genetic Reference Panel assess of virgin female male flies were either fed a standard medium or received lisinopril for one week five weeks. We demonstrated affects whole-body in...
The purpose of this Perspective is to propose a new, collaborative paradigm study cognitive aging. field aging from the neuroscience perspective has focused on studying cognition over life span "neck up," while fields biology aging/age-related diseases, known collectively as geroscience, have down." However, it abundantly clear that there no discrete boundary at which body ages independently brain, and existing division between geroscience led an incomplete picture process. Processes...
Background: While extensive research on the brain has failed to identify effective therapies, using probiotics target gut microbiome shown therapeutic potential in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Genetically modified (GMP) are a promising strategy deliver key peptides with high efficacy and tissue specificity. Angiotensin (Ang)-(1-7) levels inversely correlate AD severity, but its administration is challenging. Our group successfully established GMP-based method of Ang-(1-7) delivery. Objective:...
The angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) is a peptidase that involved in the synthesis of Angiotensin II, bioactive component renin-angiotensin system. A growing body literature argues for beneficial impact ACE inhibitors (ACEi) on age-associated metabolic disorders, mediated by cellular changes reactive oxygen species (ROS) improve mitochondrial function. Yet, our understanding relationship between ACEi therapy and parameters limited. Here, we used three genetically diverse strains...
Abstract Background Despite some advances in treatment, a cure for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) remains elusive. Disease hallmarks include heightened neuroinflammation and oxidative stress, associated with progressive decline mobility cognitive functions. Natural compounds provide valuable reservoir of novel bioactive substances therapeutic potential, fewer side effects, increased affordability. The plant‐derived tannin 1,2,3,4,6‐Penta‐O‐Galloyl‐β‐D‐Glucose (β‐PGG) displays potent antioxidant,...
Developing critical thinking and effective communication skills through structured research instruction for student pharmacists is essential advancing the profession. However, students rarely engage in research-based courses as they do not see direct connection to improving patient care. Digital credentialing enhances students' motivation learn, but among pharmacy limited. Here, we tested whether award of a digital badge blended learning environment increases academic performance course.