Jared M. McLendon

Jared M. McLendon, PhD is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Experimental Therapeutics at the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy. He holds memberships in the Abboud Cardiovascular Research Center and Iowa Neuroscience Institute, focusing on molecular mechanisms underlying cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. His research emphasizes microRNA regulation, mitochondrial function, and genetic pathways influencing cardiac and neuronal health.

Education includes a BS in Biomedical Science from the University of South Alabama (2007), a PhD in Basic Medical Sciences from the University of South Alabama College of Medicine (2012), and postdoctoral training at the University of Iowa’s Abboud Cardiovascular Research Center (2012–2017). His work spans interdisciplinary collaborations in cardiovascular biology, neurodegenerative diseases, and metabolic flexibility.

Research interests include: 1) microRNA-mediated regulation of cardiac and skeletal muscle biology; 2) mitochondrial dysfunction in cardiomyopathy; 3) genetic modifiers of neurodegenerative disorders like Parkinson’s disease; and 4) therapeutic applications of miRNA targeting in heart failure and fibrosis. Key projects involve Sorbs2 protein’s role in vascular pathobiology and Alzheimer’s disease mechanisms.

Recent publications highlight contributions to understanding SCN5A transcript variants, miR-1’s role in metabolic flexibility, and miR-29’s effects on myocardial compliance. His lab investigates novel therapeutic strategies using nanoparticle delivery systems and genetic models.

Grants include PI roles for projects funded by the American Heart Association ($425K, 2022–2025) and Alzheimer’s Association ($300K, 2023–2026). Active collaborations span cardiovascular physiology, neuropharmacology, and translational medicine.