معرفی
Todd Leff serves as an Associate Professor in the Department of Pathology at Wayne State University, where his research bridges molecular metabolism and environmental health. His work centers on nuclear receptor signaling in metabolic regulation, with particular emphasis on diabetes pathogenesis and toxicant interactions.
Dr. Leff's research program investigates gene expression regulation by metabolic/nutritional signals, the molecular biology of type 2 diabetes, and the role of PPARγ and HNF4α nuclear receptors in cellular and systemic metabolism. His laboratory actively explores how environmental toxicants like lead (Pb) modulate susceptibility to metabolic diseases through mechanisms involving insulin signaling disruption, oxidative stress, and epigenetic regulation. Current projects integrate molecular, biochemical, and in vivo approaches to dissect pathways linking amino acid metabolism (glycine, threonine) to diabetes progression.
Analysis of his publication record reveals three dominant research trajectories: (1) lead exposure-diabetes synergy in obesity models, (2) nuclear receptor dysfunction in lipodystrophy and metabolic disease, and (3) amino acid metabolism as a regulator of redox balance and epigenetic states. His work consistently connects environmental triggers with molecular mechanisms underlying metabolic disorders.
Dr. Leff teaches graduate courses including Essential Research Practices: Responsible Conduct of Research and Fundamentals of Research, demonstrating commitment to research education across multiple academic terms. His laboratory maintains active investigation into metabolic pathways with direct translational relevance to diabetes therapeutics and environmental health policy.
