Sarah Flowers

Sarah Flowers is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Neuroscience at the University of Virginia School of Medicine. Her research focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying Alzheimer's disease, with particular emphasis on the role of APOE glycoprotein in early disease pathogenesis.

Dr. Flowers' research program investigates how APOE, the most significant genetic risk factor for sporadic Alzheimer's disease, influences disease development through its glycosylation patterns and metabolic effects. Her work centers on three main areas:

• Understanding APOE as a whole molecule including its O-glycosylation modifications and how these change during healthy aging versus Alzheimer's disease
• Investigating metabolism changes in Alzheimer's disease, particularly brain glucose metabolism defects and their relationship to APOE
• Developing early detection methods for Alzheimer's through blood biomarkers that could enable intervention before symptom onset

The Flowers Lab utilizes cutting-edge methodologies including human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), mass spectrometry for detailed protein analysis, and CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing to investigate how different APOE genotypes (APOE2, APOE3, APOE4) contribute to disease processes. Their research is funded by the Owens Foundation and Pelican Fund, with the ultimate goal of developing early diagnostic tools and effective treatments for Alzheimer's disease.

Dr. Flowers' approach emphasizes early intervention, recognizing that treating Alzheimer's at the very earliest stages of pathogenesis may be essential for stopping disease progression. Her work bridges basic molecular research with potential clinical applications for healthy aging.