Deena Damschroder

Deena Damschroder is a Research Fellow in the Buttitta Lab at the University of Michigan's Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology (MCDB). Her research focuses on genetic and molecular mechanisms underlying mitochondrial dysfunction, aging, and exercise physiology using Drosophila melanogaster as a model system. She investigates conditions like Barth syndrome and explores interventions to improve mitochondrial performance and systemic adaptations to stress.

Key research themes include:

• Mitochondrial respiration and energy metabolism
• Genetic modifiers of exercise capacity
• Cell cycle regulation in aging neural tissues
• Therapeutic targets for mitochondrial disorders

Her recent work (2022-2024) emphasizes Drosophila models to study gene-axis interactions (e.g., sir2-spargel) and pharmacological interventions (RU486, NAD supplementation) impacting mitochondrial health. Articles consistently demonstrate translational potential for understanding human conditions like Barth syndrome and neurodegenerative diseases.

Laboratory affiliation: Buttitta Lab, MCDB Department. Office located in Biological Sciences Building (Room 5202).