معرفی
Weikang Cai, PhD, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry at the University of Kentucky. He is affiliated with the Sanders-Brown Center on Aging. His research focuses on the intersection of diabetes, insulin resistance, and neurological disorders, particularly Alzheimer's disease and major depression. Dr. Cai's work emphasizes astrocyte function, insulin signaling pathways, and their roles in metabolic regulation and neurobehavioral outcomes. He has pioneered studies on astrocyte-derived ATP signaling's impact on amyloid pathology and dopamine circuits linked to mood disorders.
Education includes a BS from Nanjing University (China), PhD from University of Kentucky College of Medicine, and postdoctoral training at the Joslin Diabetes Center, Harvard Medical School. His lab employs interdisciplinary approaches including biochemistry, molecular biology, and systems biology to address comorbidities between metabolic and neurological conditions.
Key research themes include: 1) Astrocytes in brain metabolism and diabetes, 2) ATP signaling in Alzheimer's amyloid pathology, and 3) Astrocyte roles in dopamine circuits and depression. His publications span 2011-2025, reflecting sustained contributions to metabolic-neurological interface research.
Publications consistently highlight novel insights into insulin signaling mechanisms, astrocyte biology, and translational strategies for treating metabolic-neurological comorbidities. His work bridges basic science and clinical relevance, addressing major public health challenges like Alzheimer's and diabetes-related complications.
