معرفی
David W Rodgers, PhD, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry at the University of Kentucky, affiliated with the College of Arts and Sciences. His research integrates structural biology, enzymology, and protein engineering to understand molecular mechanisms of disease and develop therapeutic strategies.
- Education
- B.A., Thiel College
- Ph.D., Cornell University
- Postdoctoral Fellowship, Harvard University
Dr. Rodgers' research centers on enzyme catalysis and substrate recognition, with a focus on neuropeptidases such as neurolysin and insulin-degrading enzyme. His lab employs X-ray crystallography and functional assays to elucidate how these enzymes recognize small peptides and regulate neurotransmitter levels, with implications for psychotic disorders, addiction, pain, and Alzheimer's disease. Another key area involves the structural basis of congenital myasthenic syndromes and immunodeficiency disorders through mutagenesis and functional analysis.
His recent publications reflect a strong trend in structural enzymology, neurodegenerative disease mechanisms, and therapeutic targeting, including work on calpain-5, nanobodies, and polyglutamine-binding proteins. These studies combine high-resolution structural data with biochemical validation to inform drug design.
Scientific Awards
- No specific awards mentioned in the provided text.
Dr. Rodgers is actively engaged in mentoring graduate students and collaborative research, including partnerships with pharmaceutical companies to develop enzyme inhibitors. His lab is supported by research grants focused on enzyme mechanisms and disease-related protein dysfunction. He utilizes advanced structural techniques and computational modeling to advance both basic science and translational applications.
Laboratories and Research Teams
His research is conducted within the Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry Department at the University of Kentucky, leveraging core facilities such as X-ray crystallography and protein production. He leads a multidisciplinary team focused on structural and functional analysis of disease-relevant enzymes.
