David Kang

Dr. David Kang is a Professor in the Department of Pathology at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, holding the Howard T. Karsner Professorship in Pathology. He also serves as a VA investigator at the Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center. Dr. Kang earned his PhD in Neuroscience from UC San Diego in 1999 and has held prior academic roles at UCSD, Seoul National University, and the Byrd Alzheimer’s Institute at USF Health. His research focuses on molecular pathways underlying neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and related dementias (ADRDs), including Frontotemporal dementia (FTD), Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and Lewy body disorders (LBD).

His interdisciplinary approach employs molecular, biochemical, and imaging techniques, alongside animal models (e.g., mice, C. elegans), to study proteinopathies, mitochondrial dysfunction, and autophagy defects. Key areas include APP processing, autophagy regulation, CHCHD10-mediated pathologies, and exosome-based biomarkers. His work is supported by NIH and VA grants, with a focus on translational strategies to treat or prevent ADRDs.

Dr. Kang’s lab investigates mechanisms of neurotoxicity, including Aβ production, tau aggregation, and TDP-43 cytoplasmic inclusions. Recent studies explore SSH1 inhibitors, mitochondrial signaling, and exosome-derived biomarkers for early disease detection. Collaborations with institutions like USF Health and VA hospitals underscore his commitment to bridging basic science and clinical applications.