Bradley Ferguson

Bradley Ferguson serves as Associate Professor and Graduate Program Director in the Department of Molecular Biosciences at the University of Nevada, Reno. His research bridges metabolic disease and cardiovascular pathology through epigenetic mechanisms, with a focus on translating basic discoveries into therapies for cardio-metabolic disorders.

His academic background includes:

• B.S. from Appalachian State University (2003)
• M.S. from University of North Carolina, Greensboro (2005)
• Ph.D. from University of North Carolina, Greensboro (2011)

Ferguson's laboratory investigates how histone modifications—particularly acetylation/deacetylation—regulate gene expression during obesity- and diabetes-induced cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis. Using integrative approaches spanning bioinformatics, cell culture, and animal models, his team examines dietary components as epigenetic modifiers and their therapeutic potential. The lab emphasizes teamwork to accelerate the translation of molecular insights into clinical applications for heart failure.

Analysis of his 2022-2025 publications reveals dominant themes in HDAC-mediated cardiac/skeletal muscle pathology, dietary epigenetics (e.g., emodin as an HDAC inhibitor), and gut-heart axis interactions. His work consistently links molecular mechanisms like PKC phosphorylation and ACTA1 acetylation to translational outcomes in metabolic syndrome and heart failure.

No scientific awards were documented in the provided materials.

As Graduate Program Director, Ferguson oversees academic training while leading a collaborative lab environment focused on cardio-metabolic disease research. Although specific grant details are unreported, his publication volume indicates sustained funding supporting bioinformatics, in vitro, and in vivo methodologies.

His research group employs a multidisciplinary team to dissect epigenetic signaling in cardiac remodeling, utilizing translational models to explore dietary interventions and microbiome interactions. The lab culture prioritizes camaraderie to drive discoveries from bench to bedside for metabolic disease therapeutics.