Heng Du

Heng Du is a Professor in the Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology at the University of Kansas School of Pharmacy. His research focuses on neurodegenerative mechanisms, particularly Alzheimer's disease, with an emphasis on mitochondrial dysfunction, synaptic pathology, and therapeutic interventions. He holds a M.D./Ph.D. from Sun Yat-sen University and completed postdoctoral training at Columbia University Medical Center.

Education:

• M.D./Ph.D., Sun Yat-sen School of Medicine, 2006
• Postdoctoral Fellow, Columbia University Medical Center, 2010

Research Interests:

• Molecular mechanisms of Alzheimer's disease
• Role of mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP)
• Ghrelin system and neuroprotection
• Synaptic mitochondrial dysfunction

Lab Activities: Leads the Heng Du Lab investigating Alzheimer's pathogenesis using mouse models and transcriptomic approaches. Current projects include mitochondrial solute carrier analysis and ghrelin receptor signaling. Collaborates on translational studies targeting metabolic-neurodegenerative interfaces.

Advising & Grants: Mentors graduate students (PharmD, MS, PhD) and postdoctoral researchers. Research supported by NIH grants focusing on mitochondrial mechanisms in neurodegeneration.