Kumar Sambamurti

Kumar Sambamurti is a tenured Professor in the Department of Neuroscience at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC). He holds a PhD and serves as Co-Director of the Carroll A. Campbell, Jr. Neuropathology Laboratory. His research focuses on Alzheimer’s Disease (AD), Down Syndrome, and mechanisms of neurodegeneration, with an emphasis on Amyloid Precursor Protein (APP) processing and Aβ peptide regulation. He has extensively studied APP biology, γ-secretase function, and Aβ clearance pathways, including novel mechanisms involving low-dose γ-secretase inhibitors and environmental factors like homocysteine.

• Education: Ph.D. in Biochemistry (not explicitly stated, inferred from academic role).
• Key Positions: Tenured Professor, MUSC; Co-Director, Neuropathology Laboratory; Collaborator on mouse models with Dr. Granholm.

His research interests include neuroinflammation, cholesterol’s role in AD, and dietary interventions (e.g., vitamin D3, GLP-1 agonists). He has developed biomarker measurement techniques and collaborated on drug candidates like Posiphen and melatonin therapies. His lab investigates γ-secretase regulation, APP turnover, and Aβ clearance via lymphatic pathways. He has trained over 9 postdoctoral fellows, graduated one Ph.D. student, and mentored multiple master’s students and co-Ph.D. candidates.

Recent work explores gut-brain axis interactions, indole mediators, and sex-specific β-secretase regulation. His articles highlight neuroprotective strategies, including DPP-4 inhibitors for Parkinson’s and T cell dysfunction in neurodegeneration.

Grants & Collaborations: Active grants on Aβ clearance mechanisms, neuroinflammation resolution, and drug development. Collaborates with Drs. Greig, Pappolla, and Lahiri on drug targets and biomarkers.

Labs/Teams: Leads a lab focused on molecular biology, protein biochemistry, and mouse model studies. Maintains cutting-edge analytical methods for AD biomarkers and neuropathology assessments.