Paul S. Brookes

Paul S. Brookes, Ph.D. is a Professor in both the Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Research and the Department of Pharmacology and Physiology at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry. His extensive research career focuses on mitochondrial biology, redox signaling, and their roles in cardiovascular and metabolic diseases.

• Office: (585) 273-1626
• Research Lab Website available (specific URL not provided in source)

Dr. Brookes' educational background includes a Ph.D. in Biochemistry from UK-Cambridge University Medical School (1997) and a B.S. in Biochemistry from a UK non-medical school (1993). His post-doctoral training was completed at the Department of Pathology, University of Alabama at Birmingham (1998-2001) and the Institute of Neurology, University College London (1997-1998).

Dr. Brookes' research interests center on mitochondrial function, oxidative stress, and metabolic regulation in various disease contexts including cardiovascular disorders, cancer, and aging. His work has revealed critical mechanisms by which mitochondria regulate cellular processes through redox signaling, metabolic pathways, and stress responses. Notably, his laboratory has made significant contributions to understanding how mitochondrial reactive oxygen species, metabolic intermediates like succinate, and ion channels contribute to ischemia-reperfusion injury, cardioprotection, and disease pathogenesis.

An analysis of Dr. Brookes' recent publications (2021-2025) reveals a consistent focus on mitochondrial metabolism across multiple disease contexts. His research spans from fundamental mitochondrial mechanisms like reverse electron transport and ROS generation to clinical applications in cancer, cardiovascular disease, bone metabolism, and inflammatory conditions. A notable trend is the exploration of metabolic crosstalk between organs (such as kidney-hypothalamus axis) and the role of specific metabolic pathways (pentose phosphate pathway, succinate metabolism) in disease processes.

Scientific Awards and Recognition:

• Fellow of the Society for Redox Biology and Medicine (SfRBM) (2020)
• SfRBM Distinguished Service Award (2012)
• Fellow of the American Heart Association (2012)
• NHLBI Mitochondrial Symposium, Poster/Travel Award (2011)
• Anthony Linnane Award for outstanding contribution to mitochondrial research (2006)
• Young Investigator Award (1999)

Dr. Brookes has secured significant research funding supporting his investigations into mitochondrial biology and its implications for human disease. His laboratory has developed innovative approaches to study mitochondrial function, including methods for measuring mitochondrial respiration, reactive oxygen species production, and metabolic flux. His work on mitochondria-targeted antioxidant prodrugs has led to patentable technology with potential therapeutic applications. Dr. Brookes actively collaborates with researchers across multiple disciplines, as evidenced by his extensive publication record with diverse co-authors from institutions worldwide. His recent work examining scientific misconduct detection demonstrates his commitment to research integrity alongside his primary scientific pursuits.