Steven Estus

Steven Estus, PhD, is a Professor in the Department of Physiology at the University of Kentucky, affiliated with the Sanders-Brown Center on Aging and its Alzheimer's Disease Center (ADC). His research bridges molecular genetics and neurodegenerative disease, with a primary focus on Alzheimer’s disease (AD) risk modulation via genetic polymorphisms.

Dr. Estus’s laboratory investigates how single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in genes like CD33, INPP5D, ABI3, and FCER1G alter AD risk through mechanisms such as altered gene expression, splicing efficiency, and protein function. For instance, his work on CD33 demonstrated that protective alleles reduce exon 2 inclusion, generating non-functional isoforms that lower AD risk. This established CD33 as a drug target, with ongoing studies evaluating inhibitors.

His research also explores genetic interactions with the gut microbiome (via APOE alleles) and immune pathways (e.g., SIGLEC14). Recent publications (2021–2023) highlight CRISPR-mediated gene conversion and TREM2 splice variants in AD pathology. Key collaborations with the ADC provide critical resources: DNA, CSF, and brain samples from well-characterized cohorts.

Dr. Estus’s lab translates genetic insights into prevention strategies and personalized therapies for AD, emphasizing human-disease relevance. While no formal awards or students are mentioned in the provided texts, his work remains central to understanding AD’s genetic underpinnings and developing targeted interventions.