Rick Dobrowsky is a Professor and Director of the Graduate Program in Neuroscience at the University of Kansas School of Pharmacy , Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology. His research focuses on diabetic peripheral neuropathy, molecular chaperones, and sphingolipid signaling in neuronal degeneration. Location: Malott Hall, Room 5064, Lawrence, KS Contact: dobrowsky@ku.edu | 785-864-3531 Research Overview : The Dobrowsky Lab investigates how hyperglycemia alters neurotrophin signaling and mitochondrial proteomes in diabetic neuropathy. Key projects include: Hyperglycemia and IGF-1 signaling effects on superoxide generation Neuregulinism's role in segmental demyelination Development of HSP90 inhibitors for neuroprotection Publications (15 Most Recent): 2025: PERK signaling and Cemdomespib therapy in Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease 2024: Demyelination progression in R75W-Connexin 32 models 2023: Biphenyl amides as HSP90/HSP70 modulators 2022: Cyclohexyl noviomimetics and mitochondrial function 2021: HSP70/thioredoxin interactions in diabetic neurons 2020: HSP90 inhibition and c-Jun proteasomal clearance 2019: Mitochondrial superoxide reduction with KU-596 2018: HSP70 targeting for demyelination 2016: Cemdomespib and neurotrophin receptor dynamics 2015: Molecular chaperones and mitochondrial bioenergetics 2014: KU-32 and heat shock protein mechanisms 2013: Neuregulin-1 isoforms in diabetic neuropathy 2012: C-terminal HSP90 inhibitors in sensory neuron protection 2011: Mitochondrial proteome changes in diabetes 2010: P35/CDK5 in beta-amyloid toxicity










