Garilyn Jentarra

Garilyn Jentarra, Ph.D., serves as Professor at Midwestern University across three colleges: Arizona College of Optometry, College of Dental Medicine-Arizona, and College of Graduate Studies. She is the Program Director for the Precision Medicine Program, which she guided through development and successful launch in June 2021. Dr. Jentarra has held progressively senior positions at Midwestern since 2012, advancing from Assistant Professor to Associate Professor and ultimately to her current Professor rank in 2023.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Molecular and Cellular Biology from Arizona State University (2004)
• Postdoctoral Fellowship in Developmental Neurogenetics at Barrow Neurological Institute (2004-2012)

Dr. Jentarra's research focuses primarily on Alzheimer's Disease, with secondary interests in neurogenetic disorders. Her current work investigates brain metabolomics and the role of microbes in Alzheimer's disease development. She has demonstrated that bacterial genetic sequences exist in brain tissue from both AD patients and controls, suggesting amyloid beta may function as an antimicrobial peptide. Her metabolomic studies have identified altered short-chain fatty acid metabolism in AD brains, indicating potential dietary interventions. She also studies gut microbial population differences in AD mouse models, suggesting AD-associated gene alleles substantially influence body microbial populations.

Analysis of Dr. Jentarra's publication record reveals a clear evolution from early work on neurogenetic disorders like Rett syndrome and neurofibromatosis toward her current Alzheimer's disease focus. Her recent publications (2020-2024) predominantly examine microbial influences on AD and brain metabolomics, reflecting her lab's current research direction. The most impactful work appears to be her 2010 and 2016 studies on energy metabolism alterations in AD, which have received significant citations.

Dr. Jentarra teaches multiple courses in the Precision Medicine Program including Introduction to Genetics and Genomics, Genetics of Monogenic and Complex Diseases, Microbial Genetics, and Ethical, Legal, and Social Issues of Precision Medicine. She directs capstone projects and specialized courses applying precision medicine to inflammatory, autoimmune, and neurological diseases.

Her laboratory work centers on the relationship between microbial populations and Alzheimer's disease pathology, with particular emphasis on brain metabolomics, gut-brain axis interactions, and the antimicrobial properties of amyloid beta. The research team employs techniques including 16s rRNA gene sequencing, metabolomic profiling, and analysis of bacterial components like lipopolysaccharide in brain tissue.