Members of the DRC Research Base Order of Biopages

Name Academic Membership DRC Area of Excellence Department Category Affuso, Olivia Thomas, PhD Epidemiology Scientist Interventions/Trials Agarwal, Anupam, MD Med/Nephrology Senior Scientist Diabetes Complications Akinyemiju, Tomi F., PhD Epidemiology Mentored Interventions/Trials Allison, David B, PhD Nutrition Sciences Senior Scientist Epidemiology/Genetics Allon, Michael, MD Med/Nephrology Scientist Diabetes Complications Arend, Rebecca, MD OB/GYN Scientist Diabetes Complications Arora, Pankaj, MD, FAHA Med/Cardiology Mentored Epidemiology/Genetics Ashraf, Ambika P, MD Peds/Endocrinology Scientist Integrative Metabolism Aslibekyan, Stella, PhD Epidemiology Mentored Epidemiology/Genetics Austad, Steven N., PhD Arts & Sci/Biology Senior Scientist Integrative Metabolism Bae, Sejong, PhD Med/Preventive Med Scientist Diabetes Complications Bailey, Shannon M, PhD Pathology Senior Scientist Integrative Metabolism Ballinger, Scott W, PhD Pathology Senior Scientist Vascular Disease Bamman, Marcas M, PhD Cell Biology Senior Scientist Integrative Metabolism Banerjee, Ronadip Ralph Med/Endocrinology Mentored Islet Biology/Autoimmunity Barnes, Stephen, PhD Pharmacology Senior Scientist Integrative Metabolism Bartolomeo, Maria A. Grant, MD Ophthalmology Senior Scientist Diabetes Complications Baskin, Monica L, PhD Med/Preventive Med Senior Scientist Interventions/Trials Bebok, Zsuzsanna, MD Cell Biology Senior Scientist Molecular Signaling Bevensee, Mark O., PhD Cell Biology Senior Scientist Molecular Signaling Bhatnagar, Sushant, PhD Med/Endocrinology Mentored Islet Biology/ Autoimmunity Bibb, James A., PhD Surgery Scientist Islet Biology/ Autoimmunity Biga, Peggy, PhD Biology Scientist Vascular Disease Biggio Jr, Joseph R, MD OB/GYN Senior Scientist Interventions/Trials Bittner, Vera A, MD, MSPH Med/Cardiology Senior Scientist Interventions/Trials Blume, Scott, MD Med/Heme Onc Senior Scientist Molecular Signaling Boggiano, Mary M, PhD Psychology Senior Scientist Integrative Metabolism Bowen, Pamela G., PhD Nursing Mentored Interventions/Trials Brott, Brigitta C, MD Med/Cardiology Scientist Interventions/Trials Calhoun, David A, MD Med/Cardiology Senior Scientist Vascular Disease Carson, April P., PhD Epidemiology Mentored Epidemiology/Genetics Carson, Tiffany L., PhD Med/Preventive Med Mentored Interventions/Trials Casazza, Krista, PhD Peds/General Peds Scientist Integrative Metabolism Chandler-Laney, Paula, PhD Nutrition Sciences Mentored Integrative Metabolism Chatham, John C, PhD Pathology Senior Scientist Integrative Metabolism Chattopadhyay, Debasish, PhD Med/Infectious Dis Senior Scientist Integrative Metabolism Chen, Ching-Yi, PhD Biochemistry Senior Scientist Molecular Signaling Chen, Herbert, MD Surgery Senior Scientist Diabetes Complications Chen, Junqin, PhD Med/Endocrinology Mentored Islet Biology/ Autoimmunity Chen, Yabing, PhD Pathology Senior Scientist Vascular Disease Chen, Yiu-Fai, PhD Med/Cardiology Senior Scientist Vascular Disease Chen, Yu-ying, MD, PhD Physical Therapy Senior Scientist Integrative Metabolism Cherrington, Andrea, MD, MPH Med/Preventive Med Scientist Interventions/Trials Clay, Olivio J., PhD Arts&Sci/Psychology Scientist Interventions/Trials Cooper, David KC, PhD Surgery Senior Scientist Islet Biology/Autoimmunity Cowell, Rita M, PhD Psychiatry Senior Scientist Molecular Signaling Crowe, Michael, PhD Psychology Scientist Interventions/Trials Cui, Xiangqin, PhD Biostatistics Senior Scientist Epidemiology/Genetics Darley-Usmar, Victor, PhD Pathology Senior Scientist Vascular Disease Davies, Susan L, PhD Health Behavior Scientist Interventions/Trials DeBerry, Jennifer, PhD Anesthesiology Mentored Diabetes Complications Dell'Italia, Louis J, MD Med/Cardiology Senior Scientist Vascular Disease De Luca, Maria, PhD Nutrition Sciences Scientist Molecular Signaling Dreer, Laura E, PhD Ophthalmology Senior Scientist Interventions/Trials Durant, Nefertiti, PhD, MPH Gen Pediatrics Scientist Interventions/Trials Durant, Raegan, MD, PhD Med/Preventive Med Scientist Interventions/Trials Dutton, Gareth R., PhD Med/Preventive Med Scientist Interventions/Trials Dwivedi, Yogesh, PhD Psychiatry Senior Scientist Integrative Metabolism Feng, Wenguang, PhD Med/Nephrology Mentored Vascular Disease Fernández, José R, PhD Nutrition Sciences Senior Scientist Integrative Metabolism Fisher, Gordon, PhD Human Studies Mentored Interventions/Trials Fobian, Aaron, PhD Psychiatry Mentored Interventions/Trials Fontaine, Kevin R., PhD Health Behavior Senior Scientist Epidemiology/Genetics Fouad, Mona N, MD, MPH Med/Preventive Med Senior Scientist Interventions/Trials Frank, Stuart J, MD Med/Endocrinology Senior Scientist Molecular Signaling Fu, Yuchang, PhD Nutrition Sciences Scientist Vascular Disease Funkhouser, Ellen M., DrPH Med/Preventive Med Senior Scientist Interventions/Trials Gamble, Karen, PhD Psychiatry Senior Scientist Interventions/Trials Garvey, W. Timothy, MD Nutrition Sciences Senior Scientist Integrative Metabolism Geisinger, Maria "Mia", DDS, MS Dentistry Scientist Diabetes Complications Gilbert, Gregg H, DDS, MBA Dentistry Senior Scientist Diabetes Complications Gilbert, Shawn, MD Surgery Scientist Integrative Metabolism Goss, Amy Miskimon, PhD Nutrition Sciences Mentored Integrative Metabolism Gower, Barbara, PhD Nutrition Sciences Senior Scientist Integrative Metabolism Grams, Jayleen M., MD, PhD Surgery Mentored Integrative Metabolism Grant, Maria A. Bartolomeo, MD - See Bartolomeo, Maria A. Grant, MD Gutierrez, Orlando, MD, MMSc Med/Nephrology Scientist Diabetes Complications Habegger, Kirk, PhD Med/Endocrinology Mentored Vascular Disease Hage, Fadi G., MD Med/Cardiology Scientist Vascular Disease Halade, Ganesh, PhD Med/Cardiology Senior Scientist Vascular Disease Hanaoka, Beatriz, PhD Med/Immunology Mentored Integrative Metabolism Hardy, Robert W, PhD Pathology Senior Scientist Molecular Signaling Harper, Lorie OB/GYN Mentored Epidemiology/Genetics Hartman IV, John L, MD Genetics Scientist Epidemiology/Genetics Hidalgo, Bertha A., PhD Epidemiology Mentored Epidemiology/Genetics Howard, George, PhD Biostatistics Senior Scientist Epidemiology/Genetics Howard, Virginia J., PhD Epidemiology Senior Scientist Epidemiology/Genetics Hunter, Chad S., PhD Med/Endocrinology Scientist Vascular Disease Hunter, Gary R, PhD Nutrition Sciences Senior Scientist Integrative Metabolism Irvin, Marguerite R., PhD, MD Epidemiology Scientist Diabetes Complications Javed, Amjad, PhD Dentistry Senior Scientist Molecular Signaling Jing, Gu, PhD Med/Endocrinology Mentored Islet Biology/ Autoimmunity Jun, Ho-Wook, PhD Engineering Scientist Islet Biology/ Autoimmunity Kabarowski, Janusz H, PhD Microbiology Senior Scientist Vascular Disease Kearney, John F, PhD Microbiology Senior Scientist Islet Biology/ Autoimmunity Kennedy, Richard Med/Geriatrics Scientist Diabetes Complications Kesterson, Robert A, PhD Genetics Senior Scientist Integrative Metabolism Kew II, Clifton E, MD Med/Nephrology Senior Scientist Interventions/Trials Kilgore, Meredith L., PhD Health Care Policy Senior Scientist Interventions/Trials Kim, Jeonga, PhD Med/Endocrinology Scientist Vascular Disease Kucik, Dennis F, MD, PhD Pathology Senior Scientist Vascular Disease Levitan, Emily, PhD Epidemiology Scientist Epidemiology/Genetics Lewis, Cora E (Beth), MD Med/Preventive Med Senior Scientist Interventions/Trials Li, Li, MD Psychiatry Mentored Integrative Metabolism Lingasubramanian, Karthikeyan, PhD Engineering Mentored Interventions/Trials Lloyd, Steven G, MD, PhD Med/Cardiology Senior Scientist Vascular Disease Locher, Julie L., PhD Med/Geriatrics Senior Scientist Interventions/Trials Lorenz, Robinna Gail, MD, PhD Pathology Senior Scientist Islet Biology/ Autoimmunity Lund, Frances E., PhD Microbiology Senior Scientist Islet Biology/ Autoimmunity Mannon, Roslyn B., MD Med/Nephrology Senior Scientist Diabetes Complications Marshall, Caroline B., MD Med/Nephrology Mentored Diabetes Complications Mazzoni, Sara, MD OB/GYN Mentored Integrative Metabolism McCormick, Kenneth L, MD Peds/Endocrinology Senior Scientist Interventions/Trials McGwin, Gerald, PhD Epidemiology Senior Scientist Epidemiology/Genetics McLean, Mamie, MD OB/GYN Mentored Integrative Metabolism Mehta, Tapan Shirish Health Serv Admin Mentored Epidemiology/Genetics Messina, Joseph L, PhD Pathology Senior Scientist Molecular Signaling Michael, Max, III MD Sch Public Health Senior Scientist Interventions/Trials Mirov, Sergey B., PhD Arts&Sci/Physics Senior Scientist Interventions/Trials Mitra, Kasturi, PhD Genetics Mentored Molecular Signaling Moellering, Douglas, Ph.D Nutrition Sciences Scientist Integrative Metabolism Morrison, Shannon, PhD Nursing Mentored Interventions/Trials Muccio, Donald Chemistry Senior Scientist Integrative Metabolism Murphy-Ullrich, Joanne, PhD Pathology Senior Scientist Diabetes Complications Nagareddy, Prabhakara PhD Nutrition Sciences Mentored Molecular Signaling Nagy, Timothy R, PhD Nutrition Sciences Senior Scientist Integrative Metabolism Namakkal Soorappan, Rajasekaran, PhD Pathology Scientist Vascular Disease Norian, Lyse Nutrition Sciences Scientist Integrative Metabolism Oparil, Suzanne, MD Med/Cardiology Senior Scientist Vascular Disease Oster, Robert A, Ph.D. Med/Preventive Med Scientist Epidemiology/Genetics Ovalle, Fernando, MD Med/Endocrinology Senior Scientist Interventions/Trials Patel, Rakesh P, PhD Pathology Senior Scientist Vascular Disease Paterson, Andrew J., Ph.D. Med/Endocrinology Senior Scientist Molecular Signaling Pekmezi, Dorothy, PhD Health Behavior Scientist Interventions/Trials Peng, Ji-Bin, PhD Med/Nephrology Scientist Molecular Signaling Peterson, Courtney M., PhD Nutrition Sciences Mentored Integrative Metabolism Pisu, Maria, PhD Med/Preventive Med Scientist Interventions/Trials Plaisance, Eric P., PhD Human Studies Scientist Integrative Metabolism Pogwizd, Steven, MD Med/Cardiology Senior Scientist Diabetes Complications Pollock, David, PhD Med/Nephrology Senior Scientist Vascular Disease Pollock, Jennifer, PhD Med/Nephrology Senior Scientist Vascular Disease Ponnazhagan, Selvarangan, PhD Pathology Senior Scientist Molecular Signaling Popov, Kirill M, PhD Biochemistry Senior Scientist Molecular Signaling Prabhu, Sumanth D., MD Med/Cardiology Senior Scientist Vascular Disease Prasain, Jeevan Pharmacology Mentored Molecular Signaling Ramanadham, Sasanka, PhD Cell Biology Senior Scientist Islet Biology/ Autoimmunity Redden, David T, PhD Biostatistics Senior Scientist Epidemiology/Genetics Reddy, Michael, DMD, DMS Dentistry Senior Scientist Interventions/Trials Reynolds, Richard J., IV, PhD Med/Immunology Scientist Integrative Metabolism Rowe, Glenn C., PhD Med/Cardiology Mentored Integrative Metabolism Saag, Michael, MD Med/Infectious Dis Senior Scientist Interventions/Trials Salvy, Sarah-Jeanne, PhD Med/Preventive Med Scientist Interventions/Trials Sanders, Paul W, MD Med/Nephrology Senior Scientist Diabetes Complications Scarinci, Isabel, PhD, MPH Med/Preventive Med Senior Scientist Interventions/Trials Sen, Bisakha, PhD Health Care Policy Senior Scientist Interventions/Trials Sha, Bingdong Cell Biology Scientist Molecular Signaling Shalev, Anath, MD Med/Endocrinology Senior Scientist Islet Biology/ Autoimmunity Shelton, Richard C., MD Psychiatry Senior Scientist Integrative Metabolism Shevde-Samant, Lalita, PhD Pathology Scientist Molecular Signaling Shikany, James M, DrPH, PA-C Med/Preventive Med Senior Scientist Integrative Metabolism Smith, Jr., Daniel L., PhD Nutrition Sciences Mentored Integrative Metabolism Sorge, Robert, PhD Med/Nephrology Mentored Interventions/Trials Speed, Joshua S., PhD Psychology Scientist Diabetes Complications Sun, Liou Y., MD, PhD Biology Mentored Integrative Metabolism Szalai, Alexander J., PhD Med/Immunology Senior Scientist Vascular Disease Sztul, Elizabeth, PhD Cell Biology Senior Scientist Molecular Signaling Thornley-Brown, Denyse, MD Med/Nephrology Senior Scientist Interventions/Trials Tipple, Trent, MD Peds/Neonatology Scientist Interventions/Trials Tiwari, Hemant, PhD Biostatistics Senior Scientist Epidemiology/Genetics Tollefsbol, Trygve, PhD Biology Senior Scientist Molecular Signaling Tse, Hubert M., PhD Microbiology Scientist Islet Biology/ Autoimmunity Vaughan, T. Brooks III, MD Med/Endocrinology Scientist Interventions/Trials Vayalil, Praveen Kumar, PhD Nutrition Sciences Mentored Molecular Signaling Wallace, Eric L., MD Med/Nephrology Scientist Diabetes Complications Wallace, Stephenie, MD, MSPH Peds/General Peds Mentored Interventions/Trials Wang, Qin, PhD Cell Biology Senior Scientist Molecular Signaling Wang, Shu-Zhen, PhD Ophthalmology Senior Scientist Diabetes Complications Warriner, Amy, MD Med/Endocrinology Mentored Integrative Metabolism Weech-Maldonado, Robert, PhD Health Serv Admin Senior Scientist Interventions/Trials Wende, Adam R., PhD Pathology Senior Scientist Molecular Signaling White, C Roger, PhD Med/Cardiology Senior Scientist Vascular Biology Willig, Amanda, PhD Med/ Infectious Dis Mentored Integrative Metabolism Wingo, Brooks Occupational Ther Mentored Integrative Metabolism Wyss, J Michael, PhD Cell Biology Senior Scientist Molecular Signaling Xing, Dongqi, M.D., Ph.D. Med/Cardiology Scientist Vascular Disease Xu, Guanlan, PhD Med/Endocrinology Mentored Islet Biology/ Autoimmunity Yang, Qinglin, PhD Nutrition Sciences Senior Scientist Molecular Signaling Yarar, Ceren, PhD Phys Med Rehab Mentored Integrative Metabolism Yi, Nengjun, PhD Biostatistics Senior Scientist Epidemiology/Genetics Yoder, Bradley, PhD Cell Biology Senior Scientist Integrative Metabolism Yother, Janet Microbiology Senior Scientist Diabetes Complications Young, Martin E., DPhil Med/Cardiology Senior Scientist Integrative Metabolism Zhang, Jianyi Biomed Engineer Scientist Diabetes Complications Zhou, Lufang, PhD Med/Cardiology Scientist Diabetes Complications Zhu, Wuqiang, PhD Biomed Engineer Scientist Interventions/Trials

Name/Degrees/Title: H.Olivia Affuso, PhD; Associate Professor, Department of Epidemiology; Associate Scientist, Minority Health and Research Center; Center for Exercise Medicine

Role in DRC: Scientist, Interventions/Trials

Background and Interests: Dr. Affuso was recruited to UAB in 2006 as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Epidemiology. Dr. Affuso obtained her PhD in Nutritional Epidemiology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (Chapel Hill, NC) and completed postdoctoral training at the University of Miami in Exercise Science. Dr. Affuso has won several awards including the NORC Named New Investigator Award, the Best Paper in Nutrition or Obesity 2009 and the UAB School of Public Health Back of the Envelope Award. She has published several papers related to nutrition and/or obesity. Dr. Affuso’s main research interests include obesity, body composition, physical activity/exercise and metabolic syndrome. The key questions addressed by her research are (A) the development of novel methods for measuring body composition; (B) design issues in obesity randomized controlled trials; and (C) the effects of exercise on body composition and cardiometabolic risk factors.

Funding: Current PI: NIH R01HL107916. “A Photographic Method for Human Body Composition Assessment.” Co-I: NIMHD U54MD008176. ( PI: Fouad). Mid-South Transdisciplinary Collaborative Center for Health Disparities Research.

Pending Co-I: AHA. “Improving Participation and Reducing Acute Cardiovascular Hospitalizations with Weight Management (ReACH) PI: LA State U Hlth Sci (New Orleans) “The Grenada Intervention Study: Identifying Mechanisms in Support of Sustainable Diet and Physical Activity Behaviors in Black Adolescent Females”

Recently Completed Junior Investigator: Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) – Field Center Co-I: Design Issues in Obesity RCTs: Building An Evidence Base PI: Academic performance interventions in the prevention of childhood obesity: a systematic review and meta- analysis

Research and Relationship to DRC Effort: Dr. Affuso’s current research seeks to develop a novel method to measure human body composition that will serve as an alternative to BMI in epidemiologic and field-based research where portable but accurate methods are in great need. Dr. Affuso is also conducting research on the design of obesity randomized controlled trials.

Publications (2012-present): Dr. Affuso has 26 articles published on the last five years in such journals as Obesity, Obesity Reiews, Annals of Behavioral Medicine, and J Am Soc Hypertens.

DRC Core Use: Dr. Affuso uses the Human Core for Body Composition services.

DRC Collaborations: Dr. Affuso has grant and publication collaborations with Drs. Allison, Ashraf, Aslibekyan, Barnes, Bamman, Baskin, Calhoun, April Carson, Tiffany Carson, Casazza, H Chen, Y Chen, YY Chen, Dudenbostel, Dulin-Keita, Durant N, Dutton, Fernández, Gower, Hage, Hidalgo, G Howard, VJ Howard, G Hunter, Irvin, Levitan, Lewis, Locher, Oparil, Pekmezi, Sen, Tiwari, Willig, and Xing, and has 19 diabetes- related publications in the past five years.

Name/Degrees/Title: Anupam Agarwal, MD; Professor of Medicine; Director, Division of Nephrology; Executive Vice Dean, UAB School of Medicine Role in DRC: Senior Scientist, Diabetes Complications; DRC Internal Advisory Board Background and Interests: Dr. Agarwal received his MD (1989) and DM (1991) from the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research in India. He joined the University of Minnesota as a Fellow in the Division of Nephrology in 1992 with a Juvenile Diabetes Foundation International Fellowship, and his tenure at the University of Florida started in 1996 with a National Kidney Foundation Young Investigator Fellowship. He was appointed as Interim-Chief in the Division of Nephrology at the University of Florida before moving to UAB in 2003. In addition to serving as the Director for the Division of Nephrology at UAB, Dr. Agarwal is the Executive Vice Dean for the School of Medicine. He has served on numerous grant review panels and NIH Study Sections, and serves on the council of the American Society of Nephrology (2014-2021). He is PI of the UAB-UCSD O’Brien Core Center for Acute Kidney Injury Research. Funding: Current PI: R01 DK59600, “Human heme oxygenase-1 gene regulation in renal injury” PI: P30 DK079337, “UAB-UCSD O’Brien Core Center for Acute Kidney Injury Research” PI: T32 DK007545, “Interdisciplinary Training in Kidney-Related Research” PI: UAB CCTS and ADDA, “Screening for novel modulators of heme oxygenase-1 expression in human disease” Co-PI: R01 AI111940 (PI: A. Steyn), “Heme oxygenase-1 and the bioenergetics threshold of latent TB and HIV co-infection.” Associate Director, UAB-University-Wide Interdisciplinary Research Center grant: “Nephrology Research & Training Center” Pending PI: R01 AI134026 (multi-PI. A. Steyn, J. George), “Immunometabolism of ferritin H in tuberculosis”

Research and Relationship to DRC Effort: Dr. Agarwal is a national leader in molecular mechanisms causing diabetic nephropathy. His research efforts include three main areas: (i) Molecular regulation of the human heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) gene in diabetic nephropathy, renal injury, and transplant rejection. Induction of this gene occurs as an adaptive response to oxidative stress and injury, cytokines, nitric oxide, modified lipids and growth factors (e.g., transforming growth factor-beta). The studies involve molecular biology techniques to study DNA-protein interactions, in vivo footprinting, site-directed mutagenesis, and gel shift assays. (ii) the molecular and biological effects of nitrated lipids on HO-1 gene expression in endothelial cells and in the vasculature using both in vitro and in vivo systems in transgenic animal models of acute kidney injury, diabetes, and atherosclerosis. (iii) Gene delivery approaches in the kidney and the vasculature in animal models of transplantation and diabetes using recombinant adeno-associated viral vectors. Alternate serotypes and capsid mutants of adeno-associated viral vectors are being developed to maximize gene transfer to the vascular compartment with a goal towards targeting diabetic micro and macrovascular disease. Publications since 2012: 55 publications (including such journals as J Biol Chem, Diabetes, Am J Physiol, Am J Pathol). DRC Core Use: Dr. Agarwal is an extensive user of the Bio-Analytical REDOX Biology Core for measures of oxidative stress, mitochondrial bioenergetics and ROS generation. Dr. Agarwal also uses the Human Core for Analytical.services and the Animal Core for Imaging.services. DRC Collaborations: Dr. Agarwal’s collaborations with other DRC members have facilitated numerous funded grants and published manuscripts. He has had (i) funded grants with: Drs. SW Ballinger, S Barnes, Y Chen, X Cui, V Darley-Usmar, J Murphy-Ullrich, PW Sanders, and A Szalai, PhD; and (ii) published manuscripts with: Drs. Barnes, Y Chen, Cui, Darley-Usmar, Feng, Garvey, Gutierrez, Habegger, Hage, Kabarowski, Murphy-Ullrich, Oparil, Prabhu, Sanders, Szalai, and Tipple, and has 11 diabetes-related publications in the past five years.

Name/Degrees/Title: Tomi F Akinyemiju, PhD; Assistant Professor, Epidemiology

Role in DRC: Mentored Scientist in Interventions/Trials

Background and Interests: I am a tenure-track Assistant Professor of Epidemiology with expertise in cancer epidemiologic methods, and a collaborator in the UAB DRC. I have advanced degrees and training in epidemiologic and translational research, and considerable experience in conducting prospective human subjects research. I am the PI of an NCI funded MEND study (Mechanisms for novel and established risk factors for breast cancer in women of African descent), which focuses on understanding the epidemiology of aggressive breast cancer, in particular the hormone-receptor negative subtypes prevalent among women of African descent in relation to metabolic dysregulation. I have a solid background in the biological sciences, interdisciplinary training in global health and cancer epidemiology, and completed a post-doctoral fellowship focused on understanding the molecular aspects of breast cancer risk factors and prevention among African and African-American women.

Funding: Current PI: K01TW010271-01 “Metabolic Syndrome and Epigenetic Markers on Breast Cancer in Nigerian Women” Co-PI: 2P30AG031054 (PI:Burgio) “Adherence to Cancer Prevention Guidelines and Racial Disparities in Cancer” PI: UAB funded (mult programs) “Lifestyle Intervention to Ensure Cancer Survival” PI: UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center Faculty Pilot Grant “Epigenetic markers of aggressive breast cancers” PI: UAB Faculty Development Grant “Adherence to cancer prevention guidelines and cancer mortality among older adults”

Research and Relationship to the DRC Effort: Racial minorities are disproportionately affected by diabetes, cardiometabolic dysfunction, and associated complications such as cancer. My past research has examined racial disparities in breast cancer along the prevention continuum, highlighting the role of poverty and access to healthcare in screening and survival. More recently, I have focused on examining molecular biomarkers for cancer which can better predict prognosis and help to elucidate the underlying biological/genetic mechanisms underlying breast cancer etiology and outcomes. My interest in this area focuses on the role of comorbidities and epigenetics as an outcome of the interaction between genetic background and the environment (including the social environment and disease risk factors such as obesity, high blood pressure and diabetes). Metabolic syndrome is highly prevalent among US adults, especially African-Americans, is adversely associated with breast cancer prognosis, and induces significant changes in expression of key cancer-related genes. My current work is focused on identifying unique metabolic syndrome-related genetic signatures in breast cancer tumors. These may be useful clinically for identifying patients at high risk of relapse who may benefit from additional treatment for metabolic syndrome, and/or inform the development of specific drug targets for genes altered due to metabolic syndrome.

All Publications (2012 to present): Dr. Akinyemiju has 23 publications in the past five years, including such journals as JAMA, Lancet, PLoS One, BMC Cancer, JCE.

DRC Core Usage: Dr. Akinyemiju uses the Human Core for Analytical.services.

DRC Collaborations: Collaborations include Dr. Barbara Gower on Lifestyle Intervention (LIVE Sure) study and work with Drs. M. Ryan Irvin and Stella Aslibekyan on the analysis of HyperGen and GOLDN epigenetics data in relation to metabolic syndrome. Dr. Akinyemiju has grant and publication collaborations with Drs. Gower, Pisu, Shikany, Tollefsbol, and Yi, and has 11 diabetes-related publications in the past five years.

Name/Degrees/Title: David B. Allison, PhD: Distinguished Professor, Department of Nutrition Sciences; Associate Dean for Research & Science, School of Health Professions, Appointments in the Dept. of Biology; Dept. of Biostatistics; Dept. of Genetics; and Dept. of Medicine, Div.of Rheumatology Role in DRC: Senior Scientist in Epidemiology/Genetics Background and Interests: Dr. Allison began his professional career as an obesity researcher in 1991 at the NIH-funded New York Obesity Research Center at St. Luke’s/Roosevelt Hospital Center/Columbia University where he worked until joining UAB in 2001, where he has done much work in diabetes and cardiometabolic risk factors. He has won many awards, including the 2002 Lilly Scientific Achievement Award from NAASO and the 2002 Andre Mayer Award from the International Association for the Study of Obesity, the 2009 Centrum Award from the American Society of Nutrition, the 2009 TOPS Award from the Obesity Society, and the 2016 Bieber Award from the American College of Nutrition. He is an elected member of the National Academy of Medicine and an elected a fellow of the American Psychological Association, the American Statistical Association, the Society for Behavioral Medicine, American Association for the Advancement of Science, and other societies. Dr. Allison’s obesity research interests are wide-ranging. Key foci include: (A) The differential effects of caloric intake, energy balance, body weight, body composition, and changes in each of these variables on longevity in humans and model organisms; (B) The genetic and environmental influences on obesity; (C) Statistical and research methodology as applied to obesity; and (D) Rigor, reproducibility, and transparency in research. Funding Sources: Current PI: P30DK056336 UAB Nutrition Obesity Research Center PI: R01AG043972 Energetics, Disparities, & Lifespan A unified hypothesis Co-PI: R25DK099080 (Allison/Thomas) The Mathematical Sciences in Obesity Research Co-PI: R25HL124208 (Allison/Fontaine) Strengthening Causal Inference in Behavioral Obesity PI: R25GM116167 Beyond textbook, yet simple, statistical tools for reproducible animal research PI: National Dairy Council - Science Dialogue Mapping of Knowledge and Knowledge Gaps Related to the Effects of Dairy Intake on Human Health Co-PI: R01DK104347 (Boyer) Epigenome modification by a dietary pattern rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids PI: NIH T32DK062710 (Allison) UAB Obesity Training Program PI: R25DK113652 Promoting Diversity through Mentored Research Experiences (UAB STEP-UP) Pending PI: DP1OD023978 Energetics, Maternal Glucose, & Mammalian Sex Ratio: Trivers-Willard Hypothesis or Fetal Drive? Co-PI: R01 (Allison/Fontaine) Attenuating Summer Weight Gain in Children by Promoting Fruit and Vegetable Consumption with/out Desire Resistance Messaging: A Randomized Controlled Trial NIH P30DK056336 (Allison) UAB Nutrition Obesity Research Center Recently Completed PI: R01DK078826 Design issues in Obesity RCTs Building an Evidence Base PI: R01DK52431 Molecular Genetic Analysis of Human Obesity. Research and Relationship to DRC Effort: Dr. Allison uses epidemiologic and experimental model organism studies including both rodents and (collaboratively) nonhuman primates. Dr. Allison extensively studies genetic and environmental influences on diabetes, obesity and energy metabolism as well as the response to nutritional interventions. These studies involve humans and model organisms including mice and Drosophila. Dr. Allison’s role is often to direct statistical analyses, help to formulate hypotheses, and interpret results. Finally, Dr. Allison is involved in clinical trials, meta-analyses, epidemiological analyses, and policy analyses as related to obesity treatment and prevention of cardiometabolic diseases. Throughout most of his work, Dr. Allison operates from a statistical perspective, which often leads to recognition of statistical challenges in diabetes and obesity-related research and development of new methods. Publications (2012-present): 153 publications (including Nature, JAMA, NEJM, Obesity, AJCN, Cell Metab, Diabetes, JCEM, PLoS One, Diabetes care, FASEB J, Nat Comm, EJCI, Circulation). DRC Core Use: Dr. Allison uses the Human Core for Analytical.services, the Animal Core for Body Composition.services.and the BARB core for oxidative/stress measures and consultation.services. DRC Collaborations: Dr. Allison collaborates broadly within the DRC. A subset of current collaborations includes studies with Dr Nagy on energetics and longevity in model organisms, Dr. Dutton on clinical trials, Drs Gower and Garvey on clinical research; and Dr. Mehta on statistical methodologic work and applied epidemiology of diabetes, and has 78 diabetes-related publications in the past five years. Name/Degrees/Title: Michael Allon, MD, UAB School of Medicine, Department of Nephrology

Role in DRC: Scientist, Diabetes Complications

Background and Interests: I am a nephrologist with a longstanding interest in clinical research on diabetes, particularly in terms of vascular access for those needing hemodialysis. My research in this area has produced 109 publications in peer-reviewed medical journals during the past 17 years, including several invited reviews. I have provided invited lectures related to vascular access at numerous national and international medical conferences. I have received funding from NIDDK as a PI for several major grants, including three U01 grants, an R01 grant, a K24 training grant, as well as a mentor for two K23 grants. In addition, I have received funding from the Canadian Institute of Health Research. My research has focused on mechanisms of vascular access failure and possible interventions to improve vascular access outcomes. I chaired the CMS Technical Expert Panel on Vascular Access-Related Infections in 2010. Currently, I am the co-chair of a Kidney Health Initiative to define dialysis catheter endpoints. My long-term goal is to identify methods to decrease vascular access failure.

Funding: Current

NIDDK grant R21DK104248, Allon (PI) 7/1/15-6/30/17 Choice of Vascular Access and Patient Outcomes Among Older Hemodialysis Patients

Recently Completed NIDDK grant R01-DK-085027, Allon (PI) 7/1/10-6/30/15 Vascular abnormalities in patients receiving a dialysis access.

NIDDK grant U01-DK-082236, Allon (PI) 1/1/12-5/31/14 Hemodialysis Fistula Maturation (HFM) Consortium

NIDDK grant 7K23-DK-083528 Role: Faculty co-mentor (PI: Timmy Lee, MD) 7/1/09-6/30/14 Novel Biologic Markers in Impaired Arteriovenous Fistula Maturation

Research and Relationship to DRC Effort: Dr. Allon studies disorders of potassium regulation and problems in vascular access in persons with diabetes who are on dialysis therapy.

Publications (2012-present): Dr. Allon has 50 publications in the last five years in such journals as JAMA, Nat Rev Nephrol, J Am Heart Assoc., Am J Kidney Dis, and Nephron.

DRC Core Use: N/A

DRC Collaborations: Dr. Allon has grant and publication collaborations with Drs. Cui and Feng, and has 18 diabetes-related publications in the past five years. Name/Degrees/Title: Rebecca C. Arend, MD; Assistant Professor, Obstetrics and Gynecology

Role in DRC: Scientist in Diabetes Complications

Background and Interests: Dr. Arend is a physician-scientist investigating diabetes and cardiometabolic complications related to cancer risk. She was supported by a NIH T-32 grant and received an FWC grant during her fellowship at UAB. She was the first UAB recipient of an AAOGF Scholarship for her project entitled, “Treatment of Ovarian cancer with Wnt/b-catenin inhibitors.” This is a 3-year training award that requires her to commit to 75% research. She is currently getting her Master’s (MSPH) in Clinical Translational Research through the School of Public Health. She is the Principal investigator of a lab in the Cancer Center under the mentorship of Dr. Buchsbaum. Her research is focused on ovarian cancer and one of her projects includes understanding how metabolic syndrome and obesity effect outcomes in patients with ovarian cancer. She is currently on the dissertation committee of the PhD candidate, Caroline Cohen MS, RD, in the Department of Nutrition Sciences whose thesis project is using a ketogenic diet in patients with ovarian cancer. Dr. Arend served at the clinical lead on Dr. Gower’s American Institute for Cancer Research Grant entitled, “Targeted Disruption to Cancer Metabolism and Growth through Dietary Macronutrient Modification.” The primary objective is to test the hypothesis that a ketogenic diet reduces ovarian cancer cell growth and proliferation by limiting available glucose to serve as fuel; reducing insulin & IGF-1; and interfering with glycolysis.

Funding: Current (Select – see biosketch for complete list)

PI: Foundation for Women’s Cancer, Priming anti-tumor immunity in ovarian cancer with epigenetics PI: The American Board of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Treatment of ovarian cancer with WNT/ß-catenin inhibitors PI: UAB NCTN LAPS Young Investigator Mentoring Program, Evaluation of Insulin-like Growth Factor 2 as a biomarker in uterine carcinosarcoma PI: UAB Personalized Medicine Institute Grant, Personalized Medicine Project in Recurrent Ovarian Cancer Patients PI: SGO Foundation: Wilma Williams Education and Clinical Research Grant for Endometrial Cancer, Using the genomic profile of high intermediate risk endometrial cancer patients to differentiate patients at high risk of recurrence from the majority with low risk of recurrence Co-I: R01-National Institute of General Medical Sciences/NIH/DHHS Grant, Glycosylation-Dependent Mechanisms Regulating Ovarian Tumor Cell Survival

Recently Completed Co-PI: NCTN-LAPS Program Translational Research Initiative; Sub-I:American Institute for Cancer Research; PI: Foundation for Women’s Cancer

Research Projects and Relationshipo to DRC Effort: In collaboration with Dr. Lyse Norian PhD, tumor immunologist, Dr. Sara Cooper PhD, tumor metabolomics and genomics expert at the HudsonAlpha Institute in Huntsville, AL, and Dr. Barbara Gower, I am investigating how multiple factors effect immune response and could enhance a patient’s response to immunotherapy including epigenetics, metabolomics, insulin resistance, obesity, and microbiota. Cancer cells are enriched in receptors for insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), a hormone that shares extensive sequence homology with insulin and affects cancer cell survival, growth, and resistance to chemotherapy. A number of the down-stream factors regulated by both insulin and IGF-1 (e.g., mTOR, PI-3-kinse/Akt, HIF-1α, fatty acid synthase, VEGF, AMPK) are thought to be the targets of anti-cancer drugs that we are studying in the preclinical setting. We are trying to better understand how these pathways interact with cancer immunology and tumor antigen presentation and we are looking at the interaction between diet, obesity, metabolomics, microbiota and immune response in outcomes to chemotherapy. This year, we submitted a Pilot and Feasibility proposal to the UAB Diabetes Research Center (DRC) and the UAB Comprehensive Diabetes Center (UCDC) entitled “Effect of Obesity and Diabetes on Outcomes in Ovarian Cancer Patients,” and while the grant was not funded, we did get excellent comments and feedback that will enhance our application in the future.

Publications (2012-present): 15 publications (including Nucl Med Biol, Gynecol Oncol, IJGC)

DRC Core Usage: Our lab has used the Human Physiology Core to look at serum markers suggestive of metabolic syndrome in patients with ovarian cancer before and after receiving chemotherapy.

DRC Collaborations: Dr. Arend has grant and publication collaborations with Drs. Gower, Kesterson, Mitra, Norian, Oster, and Yoder, and has 2 diabetes-related publications in the past five years. In addition to the above-mentioned collaborations, Dr. Arend and Dr. Lyse Norian co-mentored an MD/PhD student, Jacelyn Peabody, in her summer project looking at immunomodulation of PD-1 in lean and obese syngeneic ovarian cancer models. Dr. Norian and Dr. Arend have a published manuscript together (see biosketch). Name/Degrees/Title: Pankaj Arora, MD, FAHA

Role in DRC: Mentored, Epidemiology/Genetics

Background and Interests: I am an Assistant Professor on the physician-scientist tenure track in the Division of Cardiovascular Disease, Department of Medicine, at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). My research revolves around a central hypothesis that a deficiency in natriuretic peptide signaling promotes cardiometabolic disease, and represents an important therapeutic target for individuals with diabetes.

Funding: Current Amgen, Inc./175701, Rogers, PI [Bittner/Arora, Co-I] 08/23/2012-08/22/2020 A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Multicenter Study Assessing the Impact of Additional LDL- Cholesterol Reduction on Major Cardiovascular Events when AMG 145 is used in Combination with Statin Therapy in Patients with Clinically Evident Cardiovascular Disease

Pending Gilead Sciences (Arora, PI) 01/01/2017 - 12/31/2019 Racial Differences in Natriuretic Peptide Response to Glucose Challenge

Burroughs Wellcome Fund (Arora, PI) 09/01/2015 - 08/31/2021 MicroRNA-425-Atrial Natriuretic Peptide Axis: Novel Pathway in Glucose Intolerance and Diabetes

Recently Completed Career Award for Medical Scientists, Burroughs Wellcome Fund, Newton-Cheh (PI) 09/01/07 - 08/31/12 Career Award for Medical Scientists, Role: Fellow

HL098283, NIH/NHLBI, Wang, Newton-Cheh (PI) 01/01/09-12/31/14 Physiologic Effects of Natriuretic Peptide Genetic Regulation, Role: Fellow

Diasorin, Inc., Wang (PI) 09/01/10-08/31/12 Vitamin D therapy in individuals at high risk of hypertension (DAYLIGHT trial), Role: Co-Investigator

Research and Relationship to DRC Effort: Cardiometabolic disorders such as hypertension, central obesity, and glucose intolerance constitute major sources of morbidity and mortality in the U.S. and worldwide. The management of cardiometabolic abnormalities represents an important public health challenge, given the rising prevalence of obesity and poor adherence to lifestyle interventions. The heart serves a major endocrine function by producing a family of hormones known as the natriuretic peptides (NPs). In the past decade, a large body of experimental evidence has suggested that the NP axis could play a key role in modulating susceptibility to cardiometabolic risk. Nonetheless, data translating these biologic insights to humans are very limited. Our laboratory is focused primarily to translate genetic, molecular and animal discoveries around the NP system into an improved understanding of human physiology through clinically-focused research.

Publications (2012-present): Dr. Arora 31 articles published on the last five years in such journals as Nature, Annals of Neurosciences, JCI, Circulation, Journal of the American Heart Association, and International Journal of Cardiology.

DRC Core Use: Dr. Arora plans to use the Animal Core for Glucose/Energy Metabolism, Body Composition and Consulting services.

DRC Collaborations: Dr. Arora has grant and publication collaborations with Drs. Lloyd, Patel, Prabhu, and Ramanadham, and has 3 diabetes-related publications in the past five years.

Name/Degrees/Title: Ambika P. Ashraf, MBBS, MD, DCH; Professor, Pediatric Endocrinology Role in DRC: Scientist in Integrative Metabolism, Pilot and Feasibility Recipient Background and Interests: A substantial portion of my initial research focus was on assessing the relationships of vitamin D on calcium homeostasis, insulin resistance and cardiovascular health in children and adolescents. Based on this background I have also done considerable amount of research related to insulin resistance, diabetes and cardiovascular health. In addition, I have worked and published in the area of obesity, diabetes (both type 1 and 2 diabetes) and dyslipidemia extensively. I direct the only Pediatric Lipid Clinic in the state of Alabama. I am also a diplomat in Clinical Lipidology. Another one of my strong areas of clinical interest is bone metabolism and I am one of the core physicians of the multidisciplinary Pediatric Metabolic Bone Clinic at Children’s of Alabama. I am preparing a proposal to the NIH on factors influencing metabolic health of children born to mothers with gestational diabetes vs. obesity in collaboration with Dr. Chandler-Laney. Since joining as a faculty in 2006, I have mentored 7 pediatric endocrinology fellows, 3 PhD doctoral students, 12 medical students, 2 residents, one nurse practitioner and 6 graduate/undergraduate students in their research projects.

Funding: Current

PI: industry clinical trials in diabetes and obesity (Merck, Otsuka) Mentor: Thrasher Research Fund Early Career Award. A carbohydrate-restricted diet to reverse fatty liver in adolescents with obesity. PI: Amy Goss Center Co-Inv: NIH (Protocol TN-01) Natural history study of the Development of Type I Diabetes

Recently Completed

PI: K12 HD043397; PI: DRTC pilot and feasibility program award; Synageva BioPharma Corp.

Research and Relationship to DRC Effort: Dr. Ashraf’s research investigated the role of vitamin D in glucose metabolism and cardiovascular risk factors in children and adolescents. She is conducting trials in patients with Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes to determine whether this will facilitate glucose control. Her interest in vit D has expanded her research interests into the area of skeletal health in normal and obese subjects, as well as in patients with diabetes. Her recent data indicate that serum levels of vitamin D are associated with both insulin sensitivity and measures of cardiovascular health. Dr. Ashraf is also one of a number of highly- collaborative DRC members interested in the interactions between bone, lipid, systemic metabolism and insulin sensitivity. Publications (2012-present): 26 journal articles (including J Clin Endocrinol Metab, PLOS and Am J Clin Nutr) DRC Core Use: Dr. Ashraf uses the Human Physiology Core for assays related to glucose homeostasis and vitamin D metabolism. DRC Collaborations: Dr. Ashraf’s collaborations with other DRC researchers have led directly to several manuscripts as well as projects pending funding. In particular, she has joined a collaborative group including S Ramanadham, K Casazza, G Clines, and H Tse interested in the regulatory interface between bone and systemic metabolism. She has had (i) funded grants with: Drs. FA Franklin and KL McCormick; and (ii) published manuscripts with: Drs. M Bray, DA Calhoun, K Casazza, JR Fernandez, and S Ramanadham, among others in the DRC. Dr. Ashraf has 18 diabetes-related publications in the past five years.

Name/Degrees/Title: Stella Aslibekyan, PhD; Assistant Professor, Epidemiology Role in DRC: Mentored Scientist in Epidemiology/Genetics Background and Interests: I am a cardiovascular epidemiologist with a long-held interest in statistical genetics and epigenetics of cardiometabolic disease and diabetes. I earned a Master's degree in Epidemiology at the Harvard School of Public Health and a Doctorate in Epidemiology at Brown University, focusing on the intersection of diet and genetic variation in a large population-based study of myocardial infarction in Costa Rican adults. Since then, I have conducted multiple genome- and epigenome-wide studies of chronic disease risk factors and discovered several novel loci associated with plasma lipids, obesity, and inflammation in a variety of cohorts. Currently, I am conducting a pilot study that aims to identify molecular features that mediate the well-known association between bean consumption and decreased risk of metabolic syndrome in Costa Ricans. I intend expand it into an integrative project characterizing the interplay of genetic variation, dietary patterns, and fine molecular phenotypes in the setting of nutritional transition. I also serve as a co-investigator on multiple NIH- and AHA-funded projects that harness ‘big data’ to attain a deeper understanding of the genetic architecture of cardiometabolic traits. Funding: Current Co-PI: R01 HL091357 (PI: Arnett) “Triglyceride Response to Fenofibrate Therapy and Dietary Fat” Co-PI: R01 DK104347 (PI: Boyer) “Epigenome Modification by Diet Rich in Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids” Co-PI: R01 HL104135, (co-PI: Aslibekyan) “Epigenetic Determinants of Lipid Response to Fat and Fenofibrate” Co-PI: R01 HL055673, (PI: Arnett) “HyperGEN: Genetics of Left Ventricular Hypertrophy” Co-PI: P60 AR064172, ( PI: Redden) UAB Multidisciplinary Clinical Research Center Methodology Core Pending PI: K01 HL136700 “Integrative –Omics Study of Postprandial Lipoprotein Phenotypes” PI: R01 DK114490 “Molecular Signature of the Nutrition Transition in Costa Rica” Co-PI: R01 (PI: Mrug) “Early Life Stress, DNA Methylation, and Health Disparities across Generations” Co-PI: American Heart Association 17SFRN33610070 Strategically Focused Obesity Center, “Intergenerational Transmission of Obesity”. Recently Completed PI: “Metabolomic Patterns of Dietary Habits in the Costa Rica Study” Co-PI: American Heart Association Pathway Grant (PI: Arnett) “Epigenetic Determinants of Left Ventricular Mass and Function in Hypertensive African Americans” Co-PI: R01 HL103612, (PI: Psaty) “Prospective Meta-Analyses of Drug-Gene Interactions: CHARGE GWAS Consortium” Research and Relationship to the DRC Effort: I have led several genome- and epigenome-wide studies of validated bio-markers associated with diabetes such as body mass index, inflammatory phenotypes, plasma lipids, and adiponectin, leveraging the state-of-the-art technology to most comprehensively characterize human variation. This work was conducted in the Genetics and Lipid Lowering Drugs Network (GOLDN) and replicated in several diverse cohorts. Also using data from GOLDN, I have identified novel pharmacogenetic variants associated with response to lipid-lowering interventions, namely fenofibrate therapy; some of these loci were successfully validated and represent potential therapeutic targets. Currently, I am expanding the epigenetic work in GOLDN to cover novel, cutting-edge phenotypes such as trimethylamine-N-oxide. Supported by a grant from the American Heart Association (PI: Aslibekyan), I have collected data and am currently analyzing both DNA sequence and DNA methylation variation with respect to this intermediate, gut microbiota-synthesized metabolite associated with the increased risk of cardiometabolic disease. Additionally, I am leading a consortium effort (N~6500) to identify epigenetic correlates of TNF-alpha concentrations (and thus systemic inflammation) as well as investigate the functional relevance of top hits using expression data, DNA sequence variants, and cross-phenotype associations. Our findings could lead to a deeper understanding of how the nutrition transition influences health and may suggest new ways of preventing cardiometabolic disease among Hispanic individuals. Publications (2012 to present): 47 publications (including PLoS One, AJCN, Diabetes, Metabolism, Obesity, Circulation, JAMA Internal Med, AJHB, Pharmacogenet Genomics, Mol Pharmacol) DRC Core Use: Dr. Aslibekyan uses the Human Core for consulting services DRC Collaborations: Dr. Garvey is a mentor on her K01 application focusing on the role of –omics variation in lipoprotein metabolism, which received a fundable score on its first submission (final funding decision expected in February 2017). Dr. Aslibekyan has grant and publication collaborations with Drs. Affuso, Allison, Cui, Fernandez, Garvey, Irvin, Hidalgo, Redden, Shikany, Sun, and Tiwari, and has 23 diabetes-related publications in the past five years. Steven N. Austad, PhD; Distinguished Professor & Chair, Department of Biology, College of Arts & Sciences

Role in DRC: Senior Scientist in Integrative Metabolism

Background and Interests: Dr. Austad received his PhD in evolutionary ecology from Purdue University. After postdoctoral work at the University of New Mexico, he accepted a position as Assistant Professor in the Department of Organismic & Evolutionary Biology at Harvard University in 1986. After advancing to Associate Professor at Harvard, he moved to the University of Idaho, where he became a Full Professor in 1997. During this time, he became interested in the relationship between diet, metabolism, and aging so subsequently was recruited to the Barshop Institute for Longevity & Aging Studies at the University of Texas HSC in San Antonio, where he became Interim Director. He moved to his current position at UAB in 2014. In addition to his position as Chair of the Biology Department, Dr. Austad directs UAB’s Nathan Shock Center of Excellence in the Basic Biology of Aging. Dr. Austad’s research involves the relationship between energetics, genetics, and aging using a range of animal models and the testing of pharmaceutical agents to slow the aging process. His current projects are focused on the prevention of protein aggregation and sex differences in energetics and aging.

Funding: Current PI: P30 AG050886 “Comparative Energetics and Aging.” Nathan Shock Center of Excellence in the Basic Biology of Aging Co-PI: U24 AG056053 (other co-PI: S. Lederman). ”Nathan Shock Centers Coordinating Center” Co-I: R01 AG043972 (PI: David B. Allison). “Energetics, Disparities, & Lifespan A unified hypothesis” PI: Glenn Foundation for Medical Research Grant. “Dietary Restriction in a Short-lived Killifish

Pending PI: R01AG057434. “A sex difference approach to evaluating resilience as a predictor of healthspan in mice” Co-I: R21 (PI: Kathleen E. Fischer) National Institute on Aging. “A Four Core Genotype (FCG) Approach to Investigating Sex Differences in Health & Longevity” Co-I: R01. NIDDK (PI: David B. Allison). “Obesity and longevity across generations” Co-PI (PI: UAB Component): NSF EPSCoR (PI: Taras Oleksyk). “Enhancing Research Capacity in Comparative Genomics of Life History Evolution”

Research and Relationship to the DRC Effort: Dr. Austad’s current research focuses on comparative energetics, genetics, and aging and how these may relate to chronic disease and diabetes development. Specifically, his interests focus on the impact of sex- and species differences in the relationship between caloric input, activity, and life-long health. His lab is developing new metrics for the assessment of health in old age in mice and in a new animal model, the short-lived turquoise killifish. He is also utilizing a novel genetic mouse model for investigating sex differences in energetics and aging, including the ability to successfully respond to various physical stresses.

Publications (2012 to present): 43 publications (including Diabetes, Nature, Cell Metab, Age, Nat Comm)

Core Use: Dr. Austad uses the Animal Core for Glucose/Energy Metabolism, Body Composition and Consulting services.

DRC Collaborations: Dr. Austad has grant and publication collaborations with Drs. Allison, Barnes, Darley- Usmar, Halade, Hartman, G Howard, VJ Howard, G Hunter, Messina, Nagy, Smith, Sun, and Tollefsbol, and has 2 diabetes-related publications in the past five years. Name/Degrees/Title: Sejong Bae, PhD; Professor and Interim Director Biostatistics & Bioinformatics Shared Facility, Division of Preventive Medicine, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine

Role in DRC: Scientist, Diabetes Complications

Background and Interests: Dr. Bae is Interim director of the UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Shared Facility. Dr. Bae has extensive experience in translational and clinical research, having served as co-director for the biostatistics core of the Cervical Cancer SPORE (with Johns Hopkins University). In addition, Dr. Bae currently serve as co-leader of the Mid-South Transdisciplinary Collaborative Center for Health Disparities Research (U54MD008176), Morehouse School of Medicine/Tuskegee University/UAB CCC Partnership (U54CA118948), National Transdisciplinary Collaborative Center for African American Men’s Health (U54MD008620), the Alabama State University/UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center Partnership (P20CA192973) and deputy director of the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) Coordinating Center (N01-HC-95095). Dr. Bae has worked on many translational research projects including laboratory, animal, and human studies. After completing PhD at UAB in 1999, he went to work at a pharmaceutical company in the area of cardiovascular disease and imaging. After gaining industry experience, he recruited to the University of North Texas Health Science Center as tenure track faculty in 2001 and promoted to Professor with tenure in 2010. Dr. Bae returned to UAB in 2012 as Professor with tenure has since participated and obtained numerous grant awards for studies that focus on chronic disease health disparities and cancer. He is currently involved in projects that examine the disparities in chronic disease burden experienced by African Americans in six Mid-South states and health disparities in conditions affecting African American men on a national scope.

Funding: Current PI: P30 CA13148, Comprehensive Cancer Center Core Support Grant Co-PI: R01CA200624 (PI: Nabors) “Cytoplasmic Multimerization of the RNA-Binding Protein HuR is Oncogenic in Glioma” Deputy Director: N01-HC-95095, (PI: Shikany) “Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) Coordinating Center” Co-PI: R01CA169202, (PI: Samant) “Mechanisms of Resistance to Cancer Therapies” Co-PI: P50 CA098252, (PI: Wu) “SPORE in Cervical Cancer” Co-PI: 1P20CA192973-01, (PI: Manne) “The Alabama State University/UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center Partnership” Co-PI: U54MD008176, (PI: Fouad) “Mid-South Transdisciplinary Collaborative Center for Health Disparities Research” Co-Director Biostatistics Core: U54CA118948, (PI: Manne) “Morehouse School of Medicine/Tuskegee University/UAB CCC Partnership” Co-PI: U01CA136859-05S1, (PI: Rogers) “Enhancing Physical Activity After Breast Cancer Diagnosis”

Research and Relationship to DRC Effort: Dr. Bae is currently involved in many diabetes-related projects. His studies examine the disparities in chronic disease burden experienced by African Americans in six Mid- South states and health disparities in conditions affecting African-American men on a national scope. In addition, he is involved in a longitudinal epidemiology cohort study, the CARDIA Study, to assess coronary artery risk factors in young adults over time.

Publications (2012-present): 36 publications (including Am J Prev Med, PLoS One, Cancer Discov, HEB).

Core Usage: N/A

DRC Collaborations: Dr. Bae has grant and publication collaborations with Drs. Baskin, Cherrington, Durant R, Fouad, Lewis, Moellering, Oster, Scarinci, Shelton, Shevde-Samant, and Shikany, and has 7 diabetes- related publications in the past five years. Name/Degrees/Title: Shannon M. Bailey, Ph.D.; Professor, Division of Molecular and Cellular Pathology, Department of Pathology, School of Medicine

Role in DRC: Senior Scientist, Integrative Metabolism; Pilot and Feasibility Recipient

Background and Interests: My research is focused on the role of mitochondrial dysfunction and other metabolic alterations in alcoholic and nonalcoholic (i.e., obesity-related) fatty liver disease. I have 20 years of experience in the liver and alcohol fields and have specialized knowledge and expertise in the area of mitochondrial metabolism, bioenergetics, lipid and glycogen metabolism, oxidative stress, inflammation, redox signaling, and circadian biology.

Funding Sources: Current PI: 1 R21 AA024543 “Alcohol-induced mitochondrial dysfunction and the hepatocyte clock” PI: Internal Pilot Grant. “Systems genetics approach in understanding NAFLD” PI: Internal Funding – School of Medicine. “Circadian Disruption and Susceptibility to Target Organ Damage”

Pending PI: DoD W81XWH-16-PRMRP-IIRA “Disruption of the hepatic circadian clock in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease”

Recently Completed PI: 1 R21 AA020199 “Hepatocyte clock and alcoholic fatty liver injury” PI: 1 R01 DK084219 “Genetic control of quantitative traits associated with the metabolic syndrome” PI: 1R01 AA018841 “Alcoholic liver dysfunction: potentiation by hyperlipidemia and cigarette smoke”

Description of Research Projects and Relevance to Diabetes and Cardiometabolic Disease My research investigates how genetic, environmental, and/or life-style factors influence the initiation, progression, and severity of liver diseases. Our studies have the goal to identify key factors responsible for triggering the acceleration and severity of both alcoholic and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Principal areas are focused on understanding how disruption in redox signaling and changes to mitochondria contribute to pathology. Recently, we have been investigating how disruption in molecular circadian rhythms or ‘clocks’ contribute to liver disease from chronic alcohol consumption and high fat diets.

Publications (2012 to present): 20 publications (including such journals as AJPEM, J Endo, AJPGLP, J Biol Chem, PLoS One).

Core Usage: Dr. Bailey uses the Animal Core for Glucose/Energy Metabolism.services in mice. Dr. Bailey also uses the BARB core for O2 consumption, bioenergetic flux analysis, tissue/mitochondrial isolation and consultation.services for XF assays.

DRC Collaborations: Dr. Bailey has grant and publication collaborations with Drs. Ballinger, Chatham, Crowe, Darley-Usmar, De Luca, Gamble, Hardy, Moellering, D Pollock, J Pollock, Prabhu, Reddy, Rowe, Shalev, Q Yang, and Young, and has 11 diabetes-related publications in the past five years. These collaborations include studies with Dr. Scott Ballinger using the Mitochondrial-Nuclear Exchange Mouse model to investigate role of mitochondrial genetics in NAFLD, which resulted in paper published in Biochem J; studies with Dr. Martin Young and Dr. Karen Gamble have resulted in one NIH and one internal grant to examine the circadian clock in NAFLD; studies with Dr. Maria DeLuca have led to DRC pilot to examine the genetic underpinning of mitochondrial bioenergetics in NAFLD. Name/Degrees/Title: Scott W. Ballinger, Ph.D.; Professor and Director, Bio-Analytical Redox Biology Core, Department of Pathology, Division of Molecular and Cellular Pathology Role in DRC: Senior Scientist, Vascular Disease; Pilot and Feasibility Recipient Background and Interests: The goal of Dr. Ballinger’s research is to provide state-of-the-art services in mitochondrial and cellular metabolism and oxidative stress assessment to investigators performing diabetes and cardiometabolic research. In this regard, Dr. Ballinger has served as the director of the BioAnalytical Redox Biology (BARB) core within the DRC since its inception. This core has the capability for rigorous assessment of mitochondrial function and oxidative stress in a variety of cells and tissues, derived from both in vivo and in vitro systems. The BARB core has undergone dramatic growth and offers services that are novel to diabetes and cardiometabolic research. Dr. Ballinger has broad experience in the fields of metabolism, cardiovascular and mitochondrial biology, and was among the first to connect mitochondrial mutations and dysfunction with diabetes. In addition, Dr. Ballinger is a long-time collaborator with Dr. Moellering who is the operational director of the BARB core, and Dr. Darley-Usmar, who serves as a consultant. Finally, his research is directed towards understanding how mitochondrial function and response to changes in the cellular environment influence susceptibility for metabolic afflictions such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Funding: Current Co-PI: R21ES024203 (PI: Postlethwait) “Apical trans-membrane electron transport drives ELF reducing capacity” Co-PI: P30AG050886 (PI: Austad) “Comparative Energetics and Aging” Co-PI: R01DK096388 (PI: Gower) “Race – Adiposity Interactions Regulate Mechanisms Determining Insulin Sensitivity” Project leader: P30DK079626 (PI: Garvey) “Bio-analytical Redox Biology Core” PI: T32HL007918 “Training Program in Cardiovascular Pathophysiology” Recently Completed Co-PI: R01HL096638 (PI: Landar) “The interaction of alcohol, hyperlipidemia, and cigarette smoke to exacerbate liver disease and mitochondrial damage.” PI: R01HL094518 “Mitochondrial Associated CVD Susceptibility in Humans and Mice” Co-PI: W81XWH-07-1-0540 DoD (Co-PI: Welch) “Mitochondrial – Nuclear compatibility in Metastatic Susceptibility” PI: R01HL103859 “Mitochondrial Nuclear Interactions and CVD Susceptibility” Co-PI: R01HL109785 (PI: Dell’Italia) “Mitochondrial Haplotype Influences LV Dysfunction in Heart Failure” PI: RO1HL81587 “Metabolic Control of Endothelial Cell Phenotype” Research and Relationship to DRC Effort: There is growing evidence that many forms of disease, including diabetes and cardiometabolic disease, can be initiated by free radical mediated events or energetic deficits that are related to cellular stress and damage. A cellular source and target of free radical production and damage is the mitochondrion. Because mitochondria are essential for multiple cell functions, including energy production, cell signaling, cell growth, proliferation, and programmed cell death, we hypothesize that free radicals cause mitochondrial damage and dysfunction in cells important in various disease processes, and furthermore, that disease risk factors increase mitochondrial damage and dysfunction. Publications (2012-present): 19 publications (including in Science, Biochem J, PLoS One). DRC Core Use: Dr. Ballinger uses the Human Core for Cardiovascular assessment services, the Animal Core for Transgenic, Body Composition, and Imaging services. Dr. Ballinger, while being the director, also uses the BARB core for O2 consumption, enzyme activity assays, bioenergetic flux analysis, tissue/mitochondrial isolation, oxidative/stress measures and consultation services. DRC Collaborations: Briefly, our studies in cardiovascular disease are currently in two areas: The first is the role of mitochondrial genetics on organelle function and its relationship to the development of heart failure due to volume overload. These studies were done collaboratively with Drs. Louis Dell’Italia and Victor Darley- Usmar. The second is the role of mitochondrial genetics on organelle function and its relationship to the development of atherosclerosis, which was done collaboratively with Drs. Victor Darley-Usmar, and Roger White. Dr. Ballinger has grant and publication collaborations with Drs. Allison, Bailey, Barnes, Calhoun, Crowe, Darley-Usmar, Dell'Italia, Fisher, Garvey, Gower, Hardy, Kesterson, Messina, Moellering, Nagy, Oparil, Shalev, Smith, White, and Q Yang, and has 15 diabetes-related publications in the past five years.

Name/Degrees/Title: Marcas Bamman, PhD, FACSM, Professor, Dept. of Cell, Developmental, & Integrative Biology; Director, UAB Center for Exercise Medicine; Director, Core Muscle Research Laboratory, Birmingham/Atlanta VA Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center Role in DRC: Senior Scientist, Integrative Metabolism Background and Interests: Dr. Marcas Bamman joined UAB in 1996 and is a Professor in the UAB Departments of Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology, Medicine, and Neurology; Director of the UAB Center for Exercise Medicine; Director of the UCEM Exercise Clinical Trials Facility; and Director of the UCEM Core Muscle Research Laboratory co-sponsored by the Birmingham/Atlanta VA Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center (GRECC). Dr. Bamman is the Principal Investigator/Program Director of the NIH National Rehabilitation Research Resource to Enhance Clinical Trials (REACT, P2CHD086851); Director of the Coordinating Center for the NIH National Medical Rehabilitation Research Resource (MR3) Network; and Founding Director of the 70-site, CTSA Consortium-affiliated National Exercise Clinical Trials Network (NExTNet) – all of which are designed to foster and increase the scientific rigor and impact of clinical trials.

Funding: Current (select – see Biosketch for complete listing) U01AR071133, Bamman, Goodpaster, Trappe (MPI), 12.06.2016 – 11.30.2022 NIH NIAMS - The Exercise and Physical Activity Collaborative Team: A Proposed MoTrPAC Clinical Center P2CHD086851, Bamman (PD/PI), 09.17.2015 – 06.30.2020 NIH NICHD/NCMRR, NINDS - National Rehabilitation Research Resource to Enhance Clinical Trials (REACT) 3P2CHD086851-S1, Bamman (PD/PI), 02.01.2016 – 06.30.2020 NIH NICHD/NCMRR, NINDS - National Coordinating Center – Medical Rehabilitation Research Resource Network UL1TR001417 Kimberly (PI, Role: Co-investigator) 08.18.2015 – 03.31.2019 R01NS092651 King (PI), 04.01.2016 – 03.31.2021 R01DK096388 Gower (PI) 09.19.2013 – 06.30.2018 Race - Adiposity Interactions Regulate Mechanisms Determining Insulin Sensitivity Recently Completed 1I01RX000305 VA Merit ReviewBamman (PI)07.01.2010 – 12.31.2013 R01AG017896Bamman (PI)09.01.2001 – 03.31.2013 Research and Relationship to DRC Effort: Exercise profoundly impacts the integrity and function of every major organ system, and is therefore considered the only pluripotent form of medicine available. To maximize impact on disease progression, prevention (i.e. risk factor mitigation), and rehabilitation, the state-of-the-art in research is a focus on dose-response trials to provide the evidence base that yields optimal prescriptions in a disease-specific and population-specific manner; most importantly affecting risk for diabetes and cardiometabolic diseases. Publications (2012-present): Dr. Bamman has 30 publications in the last 5 years, including in such journals as Cell Metabolism, Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab., J Appl Physiol, Clin Transl Sci., and Am J Cardiol. DRC Core Use: Dr. Bamman uses the Human Core for Analytical Body Composition services and the BARB core for enzyme activity assays, tissue/mitochondrial isolation and consultation services. DRC Collaborations: Dr. Bamman has grant and publication collaborations with Drs. Affuso, Allison, Ashraf, Casazza, Chatham, YY Chen, X Cui, Dell'Italia, Fisher, Garvey, Gower, Gutierrez, Habegger, Halade, Hanaoka, G Hunter, Lloyd, McCormick, Moellering, Nagy, Ovalle, Smith, Speed, Tollefsbol, Wende, Yarar- Fisher, and Young, and has 9 diabetes-related publications in the past five years. Name/Degree/Title: Ronadip R. Banerjee, M.D., Ph.D, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Div. of Endocrinology Role in DRC: Mentored member, Islet Biology/Autoimmunity Background and Interests: Dr. Banerjee is a physician-scientist with basic science research interests focused on beta-cell biology and prolactin receptor signaling. Prior to joining UAB in July 2016, he was an Instructor at Stanford University School of Medicine. He completed postgraduate medical training in the ABIM Reseach Pathway at Stanford Hospital and Clinics, including a residency in Internal Medicine and a clinical fellowship in Endocrinology (2005-2011). Dr. Banerjee performed postdoctoral research in the lab of Dr. Seung Kim, (Stanford University Department of Developmental Biology) studying mechanisms of hormonal regulation of beta-cell proliferation and function, particularly during pregnancy.

Dr. Banerjee obtained his M.D. and Ph.D. degrees in the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine (1997- 2005). During that time, he completed his doctoral thesis research in the laboratory of Dr. Mitchell A. Lazar, contributing to the initial discovery of the adipocyte secreted hormone, resistin, and generating and characterizing the resistin knockout mouse. He has been the recipient of the Roy G. Williams Award to a student for basic medical science research from the University of Pennsylvania, and a Mentored Clinical Scientist Development Award (K08) from the NIDDK/NIH. Dr. Banerjee also maintains a clinical practice at the Kirklin Clinic of UAB Hospital, focused on general endocrinology.

Funding: Current UAB Institutional Start-Up Funds. 2016-present Recently Completed PI: K08 DK091359. “The role of glucocorticoids in the development and function of the endocrine pancreas” NIDDK. 2011-2016.

Research and Relationship to DRC Effort: Dr. Banerjee’s research focuses on the hormonal regulation of pancreatic islets in health and disease. His current focus is to increase understanding of the mechanisms underlying the adaptation of beta-cells to the increased metabolic demands of pregnancy. During his postdoc, Dr. Banerjee developed a “floxed” prolactin receptor (PRLR) allele, allowing tissue-specific deletion of PRLR in murine models, and demonstrated that PRLR signaling within the beta-cell is required for pregnancy glucose homeostasis, whereas loss of PRLR signaling results in gestational diabetes (GDM). These studies also revealed a novel link between PRLR signaling and induction of genes critical for beta-cell proliferation during pregnancy, including the transcription factors MafB, FoxM1 and cell cycle regulators. Ongoing studies in the lab are aimed at understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying PRLR signaling mediated adaptations, and identifying novel targets responsible for beta-cell proliferation which are hoped can be developed into novel therapeutic strategies for beta-cell mass expansion. Dr. Banerjee is developing collaborations with multiple other members of the UAB Division of Endocrinology as well as other members of the broader metabolism community that are represented in the UAB DRC. Publications: 10 publications (including first-author publications in Science, Diabetes and JBC) DRC Core Use: In just his first year at UAB, Dr. Banerjee’s work has already been strongly supported by the DRC including use of the Animal Physiology Core, and the BARB core for bioenergetic flux analysis and consultation services; mentoring and administrative support by the DRC leadership.

DRC Collaborations: Dr. Banerjee is developing collaborations with other DRC members including Drs. Stuart Frank, Chad Hunter, Scott Ballinger, and Martin Young. He has already published a co-author article with Dr. Sushant Bhatnagar. Dr. Banerjee has grant and publication collaborations with Drs. Bhatnagar and Chattopadhyay, and has 1 diabetes-related publication in the past five years.

Stephen Barnes, PhD; Professor of Pharmacology & Toxicology, SOM/JHS (primary); Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, SOM/JHS; Professor of Environmental Health Sciences, SOPH; Professor of Genetics, SOM; Professor of Justice Sciences, CAS; Professor of Vision Sciences, SOO

Role in DRC: Senior Scientist, Integrative Metabolism

Background and Interests: Dr. Barnes joined the faculty at UAB in 1977, receiving promotion to Associate Professor with tenure in 1985 and full professor in 1994 in Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Environmental Health Sciences, Genetics, Justice Sciences, Pharmacology and Toxicology and Vision Sciences. Besides bile acid metabolism, he also became a leader in research on the roles of soy isoflavones in models of health and disease which led him to become the Associate Director of the Purdue-UAB Botanicals Research Center (2000-2011) and Director of the UAB Center for Nutrient-Gene Interaction (2003-2011). In 2009, he became the Director of the Targeted Metabolomics and Proteomics Lab. He became the Director of the NIH Metabolomics Workshop (2012-2017) and has promoted the use of metabolomics technologies to a wide variety of UAB investigators with a particular interest in the Krebs cycle and associated pathways several of whom are working in the area of diabetes research.

Funding: Current Co-PI: R01 AG043076-05 (Co-PI: Hartman) “Constructing Gene-Regulatory Networks to Reveal the Metabolic Basis of Lifespan in Yeast” Director: P30 DK079337-09 (PI:Agarwal) “UAB-UCSD O'Brien Core Center for Acute Kidney Injury Research” Co-PI: 5P30 DK056336-15 (PI: Allison) Clinical Nutrition Research Center PI: R25 GM103798-05 “UAB Metabolomics Workshop: from Design to Decision” Co-director: P60 DK079626-09 (PI: Garvey) “UAB Diabetes Research and Training Center” Co-PI: R01 GM113980-02 (PI: Falany) “SULT4A1 in Zebrafish Development” Pending Co-PI: NSF (PI: Du) “ABI Innovation: Development of Computational Algorithms for Mass Spectrometry-Based Big Data Metabolomics and Application of the Algorithms to Microbial Metabolism” Co-PI: P01HL114470 (PI: Thannickal) “Therapeutic Targeting of the Myofibroblast in Fibrotic Lung Disease” Co-PI: 5P30 DK056336-15 (Allison, PI) “Clinical Nutrition Research Center” Recently Completed Co-PI: 4R00 HL111322, (Wende, PI) “Mechanisms of Glucose-Mediated Cardiac Mitochondrial Dysfunction”.

Research and Relationship to DRC Effort: A principal goal of Dr. Barnes’ research is in the use of metabolomics as the fundamental tool to investigate disease. He has examined the changing metabolism in a yeast of human aging using untargeted metabolomics. He also continues to work with and mentor Dr. Adam Wende in Pathology in Mechanisms of Glucose-Mediated Cardiac Mitochondrial Dysfunction. Other projects that are ongoing include work with Dr. Agarwal on the role of heme oxygenase 1 on metabolism and with Dr. Darley-Usmar in a cell model of Type I diabetes mellitus. With Tim Selatti’s group, LC-MS assay of oxylipins was applied to lipoxin A4. A second type of lipidomics is MSMSALL assays that examines all observable lipids – this amounts to 2000-3000 different lipid species. It was used to assist Dr. McCormick’s group in their studies of the effect of n-3 and n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids on microsomal P450 steroidogenic enzyme activities and in vitro cortisol production in adrenal tissue from male Yorkshire boars. A final type of lipidomics is the application of imaging mass spectrometry to examine the distribution of lipids during the onset of a disease event. It was applied to early lipid changes in acute kidney injury. Publications (2012-present): 69 publications (including in Endocrinology, AJCN, JAS, AJPEM, HMBCI). DRC Core Use: Dr. Barnes is part of the BARB core and provides cores services (assays and consultations) to DRC investigators. He also took part in a cross-Core collaboration with the Human Physiology Core to develop a LC-MRM-MS assay for testosterone and 17-estradiol. Dr. Barnes uses the Human Core for Body Composition services. DRC Collaborations: Dr. Barnes has grant and publication collaborations with Drs. Affuso, Agarwal, Allison, Austad, Ballinger, Biga, Casazza, Chandler-Laney, X Cui, Darley-Usmar, Dell'Italia, Dreer, N Durant , Fobian, Gamble, Garvey, Gower, Gutierrez, Halade, Harper, Hartman, G Hunter, Kabarowski, Kucik, Li, Moellering, McCormick, McLean, Mehta, Mitra, Nagy, Pekmezi, Plaisance, Prasain, Ramanadham, Sanders, Shevde- Samant, Smith, Sun, Szalai, Tiwari, Tollefsbol, Wende, White, Willig, Wyss, Yang, and Yarar-Fisher, and has 18 diabetes-related publications in the past five years. Name/Degrees/Title: Maria Bartolomeo Grant MD, Professor, Department of Ophthalmology

Role in DRC: Senior Scientist, Diabetes Complications

Background and Interests: Dr. Bartolomeo Grant graduated from University of Florida and then received her MD degree and training in Internal medicine and her fellowship in Endocrinology at the University of Florida. She worked as a clinician scientist in the Department of Medicine until 2002. She also was Chief of Endocrinology her last 5 years in the department. In 2002, She became a full time basic scientist in the Department of Pharmacology and Therapuetics at the University of Florida. In 2013 she moved to Indiana University Department of Ophthalmology and held the Maralyn Glick Senior Chair in Opthalmology. In July of 2017 she is joining the faculty at University of Alabama. Her research interests are focused on the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the development of diabetic complications as well as the therapeutic strategies to prevent and treat vascular dysfunction. The specific commitment of her lab is to integrate basic science with clinical medicine. Her current research projects include 1) mesenchymal, hematopoietic and vascular stem/progenitor cells in diabetes: evaluating possible therapeutic modulation of these cells to interrupt the pathologic processes leading to diabetic complications and 2) exploring alterations induced by diabetes on the bone marrow structure and function, which is considered to be responsible of the defective tissue repair associated with diabetes and that contribute to development and progression of complications. Funding: Current Co-I: 5R01 EY012601-17 Dysfunction of endothelial precursor subtypes dictates the outcomes of diabetic retinopathy PI: 1R01 HL110170-01 "Vascular reparative Mechanism by ACE2/Ang-(1-7) in Diabetes" Co-I: 2R01EY007739-22 "Bone marrow neuropathy drives retinopathy" PI: 1R01EY023629-01 "Optimizing systemic stem/progenitor cell therapy for AMD" Co-I: R01EY025383-01A1 "LXR as a novel therapeutic target in diabetic retinopathy" Co-I: DOD " Electro acupuncture promotes soft tissue repair and bone regeneration via recruitment of mesenchymal stem cells" Co-I: R01EY025641 " Ferrochelatase as a mediator of ocular angiogenesis" Co-I: Michigan State University R01EY016077 "Dyslipidemia and Diabetic Retinopathy" Pending R01 EY028037-01A1 Somatostatin blockade of CNS autonomic hyperactivity for treatment of diabetic retinopathy. Project Period Begin Date: 07/01/2017- 06/30/2022

Research and Relationship to DRC Effort: The Bartolomeo Grant laboratory has had a longstanding interest in examining the role of hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells in physiological and pathological vascular repair to address complications associated with diabetes and cardiometabolic disease. We have focused on diabetes and the associated dysfunction in the stem/progenitor cell population that contribute to defective endogenous reparative mechanisms. We have shown that circulating cell populations mirror finely regulated processes involved in hematopoiesis, immunosurveillance, and peripheral tissue homeostasis.

All Publications (2012 to present): I have over 50 articles published on the last five years in such journals as Circulation Research, Diabetes, Diabetes Care, American Journal of Pathology, Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab, and J Biol Chem.

Core Usage: I plan to use the Animal Physiology Core for the current project I have using a mouse model of diabetic retinopathy.

DRC Collaborations: I am new to UAB as of July, 2017, but I plan on starting collaborations with the circadian biologist Karen Gamble and will use the Gnotobiotic Animal Core. I also plan to work with vascular biologists David and Jennifer Pollock for projects related to NO. Name/Degree/Title: Monica L. Baskin, PhD; Professor, Preventive Medicine Role in DRC: Senior Scientist, Interventions/Trials Background and Interests: Dr. Baskin joined UAB as an Assistant Professor in 2003. She is a licensed psychologist and behavioral scientist with research focusing on minority health and health disparities. Dr. Baskin has extensive funded research experience in lifestyle intervention science related to diabetes and diabetes prevention (including nutrition, physical activity, and obesity). Her research involves comprehensive, evidence-based, and culturally relevant interventions to reduce health disparities related to diet and/or physical activity. Specific patient outcomes of interest include body mass index, cardiometabolic risk factors, health behaviors, diabetes risk, and quality of life. Dr. Baskin is a nationally recognized scientist with memberships in numerous national professional organizations focused on health promotion. In addition, she is also a member of the African-American Collaborative Obesity Research Network (AACORN), a national research group of investigators with social and cultural grounding in African American life experiences and obesity-related expertise, as well as the local Jefferson County, Alabama team leader for the Jefferson County Collaborative for Health Equity (JC-CHE), part of a national initiative of over 23 teams focused on identifying and addressing social, economic, and environmental causes of racial and ethnic health inequities like diabetes and other chronic conditions. Baskin has won numerous awards and has numerous publications in the areas of health behavior, nutrition, diabetes, and obesity. Funding: Current PI: R13HD077085 8/01/13 – 07/31/17, The Role of Obesity in Maternal and Child Health Disparities in Jefferson County

PI: R24MD008102 01/01/13 – 05/31/17, My Mommy and Me: A Head Start to Reducing Health Disparities

Sub-Project PI: U54MD008176 09/26/12 – 07/31/17, Mid-South Transdisciplinary Collaborative Center for Health Disparities Research - Determinants of Gestational Weight gain in Overweight Women in the Deep South

PI: R01CA160313 05/01/12 – 03/31/17, Promoting Weight Loss in African-American Cancer Survivors in the Deep South

Sub-Project PI U54CA153719 (Partridge) 09/07/10 – 08/31/17, Deep South Network for Cancer Control

Co-I: U58DP005814 (Fouad) 09/30/14 – 09/29/17, Birmingham REACH for Better Health Research and Relationship to DRC Effort: A primary focus of Dr. Baskin’s research is to understand the sociocultural influences on dietary intake among African Americans in the Deep South, and the contribution of these factors to increased rates of diabetes and obesity. Current study findings will provide data necessary to design and test tailored interventions. Dr. Baskin is also investigating the impact of evidence-based community-level strategies to support increased access to healthy affordable foods and safe and convenient opportunities for physical activity, in addition to a group-based evidence-based weight loss intervention for African American women living in the Deep South. As diabetes is one of the biggest health problems for African Americans in the Deep South, Dr. Baskin’s research on the cultural influences on diets provides information that is critical to the DRC’s mission of treating and preventing diabetes. Publications (2012-present): 21 publications (including Prev Med, Prev Chronic Dis, Ann Behav Med). DRC Core Use: Dr. Baskin uses the Human Core for Analytical and Body Composition services. Much of her work at present is formative and psychology-based, and these activities will require increased core utilization in the future, i.e., DRC Interventions & Translation Core, at the time of study implementation. DRC Collaborations: Dr. Baskin’s extensive collaborations with other DRC members have resulted in numerous funded grants and published manuscripts. Dr. Baskin has grant and publication collaborations with Drs. Affuso, Allison, Bae, Biggio, Carson, Casazza, Chandler-Laney, Cherrington, De Luca, Dulin-Keita, N Durant , Dutton, Fontaine, Fouad, Garvey, Gower, G Hunter, Levitan, Lewis, Martin, Pekmezi, Piyathilake, Redden, Scarinci, Sen B, Shikany, and Wingo, and has 9 diabetes-related publications in the past five years. Name/Degrees/Title: Zsuzsanna Bebok, M.D.; Associate Professor, Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, School of Medicine

Role in DRC: Senior Scientist, Molecular Signaling

Background and Interests: I have a strong background in pathology, cellular physiology, cellular and molecular biology, with a focus on diabetes, cardiometabolic disease, and their complications. My research concentrates on gene expression regulation by the unfolded protein response (UPR). My laboratory has established techniques to study UPR-associated transcriptional and micro-RNA-mediated regulation of gene expression. The second focus in my laboratory concentrates on how synonymous mutations affect protein biogenesis. Our studies indicate that synonymous mutations contribute to disease development and phenotype. Considering that the UPR plays significant role in the development diabetes and cardiometabolic disorders and the consequences of synonymous mutations in these disorders have not been investigated in detail, our research has significant relevance to the mission of the present application. In addition to research, I have been a medical educator for 15 years and presently serve as course director for the Cell Biology core curriculum course in the UAB General Biomedical Sciences PhD program. I also serve as director of the Genetics Genomics and Bioinformatics Theme.

Funding: Current Co-PI: RO1 HL133006-01 (PI: Woodworth) “CFTR activators for chronic sinonasal disorders”. Co-Director: 4P30DK072482-10 (PI: S. Rowe) “Research development program, Core B”. Co-PI: P30 DK074038. (PI: Phillip Bell) “CDIB/Nephrology, Hepato/Renal Fibrocystic Diseases Core Center, Core C”. Pending PI: Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Research Grant “CFTR expression regulation by stress-induced factors.

Recently Completed PI: CFF BEBOK14P0 “Synonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms and CFTR function” PI: RO1 HL076587 “CFTR Biogenesis and Function in Epithelia”

Research and Relationship to DRC Effort: Cellular stress responses play significant role in the development diabetes and cardiometabolic disorders. My laboratory studies the basic science aspects of the endoplasmic reticulum stress response, the unfolded protein response (UPR). More specifically, we are investigating cellular mechanisms that lead to transcriptional repression of different genes by key stress response factors such as ATF6 and XBP1. We also study micro-RNAs that are induced or inhibited by different UPR factors and their role in governing gene expression in different cell types. Understanding how different pathways of the UPR regulate gene expression at transcriptional and posttranscriptional levels is necessary to develop interventions to regulate such responses. Furthermore, recent studies from us and others suggest that synonymous mutations contribute to individual differences in the symptoms of complex disorders such as diabetes and cardiometabolic diseases. Our studies concentrate on identification of synonymous mutations which lead to alterations in the function of the encoded protein.

Publications (2012 to present): 10 publications (including Cell Mol Physiol, PLoS One, IJBCB, FASEB J).

Core Usage: N/A

DRC Collaborations: Dr. Bebok has grant collaborations with Dr. Rowe and Sztul. Name/Degrees/Title: Mark O. Bevensee, BA, PhD; Associate Professor, Director, Renal Module, School of Medicine Preclerkship Curriculum; Co-Director, M.S. Biomedical and Health Sciences Program; Dept: Cell, Developmental & Integrative Biology (CDIB), Division: Medicine/Dentistry

Role in DRC: Senior Scientist, Molecular Signaling

Background and Interests: I joined the Department of Physiology and Biophysics (now Cell, Developmental & Integrative Biology, CDIB) at UAB as an Assistant Professor in 2000, and was promoted to Associate Professor with tenure in 2009. The Bevensee laboratory studies the cellular and molecular physiology of intracellular pH (pHi) regulation and the role of acid-base transporters, with an interest in how such transporters contribute to Na+ hyperabsorption in models of autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease – (ARPKD), as well as dysregulated acid-base handling and epithelial HCO3 secretion in cardiometabolic disease.

Funding: Current PI: 14GRNT2048002. “Molecular Physiology of Na/Bicarbonate Cotransporters” PI: 1R01GM126023-01. “Functional Domains of Na+-coupled Bicarbonate Transporters” Co-Director of the Pilot and Feasibility Program: P30 DK074038 (PI: Yoder) “The Hepato/Renal Fibrocystic Disease Core Center” PI: 1R21NS093971-01A1 “Frequency-dependent Modulation of Synaptic Transmission and Plasticity by pH” Pending PI: 1R01000000-00 “Functional Domains of Na-coupled Bicarbonate Transporters”

Recently Completed Co-PI: R01 DK067343 (Co-PI: Schwiebert) “Ion Transport Dysregulation in Cilium-deficient ARPKD” PI: 2 R01 NS046653-06A2 “Na/HCO3 Cotransporters in Brain” PI: 12IRG9210005 “Influence of Neuronal Activity and Ischemia on the pH of Mouse Brain Cells: An In-Vivo Study with a Genetic pH Reporter”

Research and Relationship to DRC Effort: My laboratory studies the cellular and molecular physiology of intracellular pH (pHi) regulation, which is critical for the optimal functioning of tissues but often compromised in diabetes/cardiometabolic dysfunction. Changes in pHi and/or associated extracellular pH (pHo) can influence the activity of enzymes and ion channels, and the overall metabolism of cells. Large changes in pH can lead to cell/tissue damage under pathological conditions such as hypoxia and ischemia/reperfusion, as well as other forms of energy deficiency seen in cardiometabolic diseases. Understanding the function, regulation, and structural details of NBCe1 and related proteins is critical for designing therapeutic agents to treat cardiometabolic diseases. the pHi physiology of freshly isolated pancreatic ducts. We plan to examine the role – – of HCO3 -dependent transporters in regulating pHi and HCO3 secretion in these ducts from cilium-deficient models of ARPKD.

All Publications (2012 to present): 9 publications (including in AJP:Cell Physiol, PLoS One, J Physiol).

Core Usage: N/A

DRC Collaborations: My laboratory continues to collaborate with Brad Yoder (CDIB), Cathy Fuller (CDIB), Robin Lester (Neurobiology), Michal Mrug (Medicine/Nephrology), and P. Darwin Bell (Medicine/Nephrology) in working with cell and animal models of autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease (ARPKD) to explore the role of degenerin proteins (including the epithelial sodium channel [ENaC], and acid-sensing ion channels [ASICs]) and acid-base transporters in Na+ reabsorption, acid-base status, and cystogenesis. We have also worked with Chad Hunter (Medicine/Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism) to begin examining pHi physiology of cells in isolated pancreatic ducts. Name/Degrees/Title: Sushant Bhatnagar, PhD; Assistant Professor, Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Diabetes, Department of Medicine.

Role in DRC: Mentored, Islet Biology/Autoimmunity

Membership in Another NIDDK-Funded Center at UAB: Diabetes Research Center and NORC

Background and Interests: Dr. Sushant Bhatnagar is a scientist trained in the area of obesity and type 2 diabetes. He received his PhD from the West Virginia University in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry. During his PhD, he worked on understanding the mechanism by which fibroblast growth factor-19 affects lipid and carbohydrate metabolism in liver hepatocytes. After completing his PhD, he started his postdoctoral training in the laboratory of Dr. Alan Attie, at the University of Wisconsin at Madison on understanding the genetics of type 2 diabetes. Using forward genetics approach, he positionally cloned a gene, tomosyn-2 that increases susceptibility to type 2 diabetes. After receiving K99/R00 NIH Pathway to Independence award from NIDDK, NIH he started his Assistant Professor position in the Department of Medicine at UAB. He is currently working on understanding the mechanisms of insulin secretion from pancreatic beta cells in type 2 diabetes.

Funding: Current PI: 4 R00 DK95975-03, “The role of tomosyn-2 in insulin secretion” Recently Completed PI: 1K99DK095975-01A1, “The role of tomosyn-2 in insulin secretion”

Research and Relationship to DRC Effort: Dr. Sushant Bhatnagar’s research is currently focused on two areas of inquiry: 1) The role of tomosyn-2 in insulin secretion. Tomosyn-2 is an inhibitor of insulin and works by inhibiting the formation of the SNARE complex, which is required for insulin secretion. Increased abundance of tomosyn-2 is proportional to the reduction in insulin secretion, thus increasing the susceptibility to type 2 diabetes. His laboratory is working on understanding the mechanism by which tomosyn-2 regulates insulin secretion and how beta cells alter the activity of tomosyn-2 to regulate insulin secretion. 2) Identification of novel regulators of beta cell function. His laboratory integrates transcriptomics, data analysis, and functional analysis to identify novel regulators of beta cell function. He developed an automated method to identify novel candidate secreted proteins using omics data obtained under contrasting metabolic conditions. Using this methodology, he has identified a novel pathway that inhibits insulin secretion from pancreatic beta cells. His laboratory is currently working on understanding the role of this pathway in the pathophysiology of obesity and type 2 diabetes.

Publications from Jan 2012 to present: Three Diabetes-related publications in the last 5 years in such journals as Diabetes and Journal of Biological Chemistry.

DRC Core Use: N/A DRC Collaborations: Dr. Bhatnagar has grant and publication collaborations with Drs. Banerjee and Prabhu, and has 3 diabetes-related publications in the past five years. Dr. Bhatnagar also collaborates with Dr. Jeonga Kim on understanding the role of ATG7 in regulating insulin secretion.

Name/Degrees/Title: James A. Bibb, M.S., PhD., Professor and Vice Chair of Research, Department of Surgery

Role in DRC: Scientist, Islet Biology/Autoimmunity

Background and Interests: Dr. Bibb studies intracellular signal transduction as it pertains to molecular and cellular neuroscience and neuroendocrine cancer biology. This research which focuses on the mechanistic and physiological functions of protein phosphorylation/dephosphorylation is frequently relevant to cardiovascular and endocrine function, and has applications to diabetes. Dr. Bibb’s research has been published in high impact journals and recognized by numerous awards and news articles. Dr. Bibb holds the Champs Lyons Endowed Chair for General Surgery.

Funding: Current PI, 2011 R01 National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, 1R01 NS073855-01, “Aberrant Signal Transduction in Stroke and Ischemia” $250,000 direct cost for 5 years, April 1, 2012 – March 31, 2017 PI, 2011 R01 National Institute of Drug Abuse, 1R01DA033485-01, “NMDA Receptor Regulation in Drug Addiction”, $250,000 direct cost for 5 years, April 1, 2012 – March 31, 2017. Pending PI, 2017 R01 National Institute of Mental Health, unassigned, “Integration of dopamine and glutamate signaling in basal ganglia circuitry”, $250,000 direct cost for 5 years, in revision for A1 submission March 5 deadline. PI, 2017 R01 National Cancer Institute, “Preclinical development of thyroid cancer diagnostics and treatments”, $250,000 direct cost for 5 years, A0 Submitted for Oct. 5, 2016 deadline PI, 2017 R01 CA NIH Appl. ID: 9422540, “Identification and Targeting of Tumorigenic Signaling Mechanisms in Neuroendocrine Cancers” $250,000 direct cost for 5 years, A0 Submitted for Feb 5, 2017deadline Completed PI, 2011 American Cancer Society Research Scholars Grant for the MEN2 Thyroid Cancer Consortium, “The Development of New Treatment Strategies for MEN2 Cancer”, $200,000/year for 5 years July 1. 2011- June 30, 2016. Grant number 121400-RSGM-11-190-01-TBG. PI, 2010 R01 National Institute of Mental Health 1R01MH083711-01, “Novel Signal Transduction Mechanisms in Cognition”, $250.000/year for 5 years, April 1 2010-March 31, 2015, PI, National Institute of Mental Health, RO1, MH079710-01, ”The Regulation of Dopamine Neurotransmission by Cdk5”, $250.000/year for 4 years, April 1, 2008-Marchy 31, 2012

Research and Relationship to DRC Effort: For the past 23 years, I have been studying the function of Cdk5 in excitable cells. As we have pursued the mechanistic functions of Cdk5 in the brain, some of our discovered have been shown to be important to cardiovascular functions and angiogenesis. Our work in the brain has been relevant to cognitive performance, brain injury (stroke, TBI), depression, and other neuropsychiatric and neurological disorders for which diabetes is a risk factor.I am fully committed to working with the UAB Comprehensive Diabetes Center on these translational research programs and important health care issues.

All Publications (Jan 2012 to present): 19 publications focusing on neuronal and cellular metabolism in such journals as Scientific Reports, Nature Neuroscience, Nature Communications, Journal of Biological Chemistry and Trends in Cancer.

Core Usage: While I am just now moved to UAB, I am eager to interact with DRC scientists. Cores that we expect to use include the Pilot & Feasibility Grant program, the Enrichment and Training Program, the Animal Physiology Core, and the Bioanalytical REDOX Biology Core. We expect our Gut-Brain Initiative to also mesh with the Human Physiology Core and the Interventions and Translation Core.

DRC Collaborations: We are just beginning to discuss collaborations with DRC members including Dr. Shalev and those in Obesity, Islet Transplantation, Metabolic Disease, Beta Cell Biology, and Immunology Research areas. We are looking forward to working more with DRC researchers as we get established. Name/Degrees/Title: Peggy Biga, PhD; Assistant Professor, Department of Biology

Role in DRC: Scientist, Vascular Disease

Background and Interests: I am classically trained in endocrine physiology with a special emphasis on growth endocrinology in teleost models. Fishes exhibit unique physiology related to their aquatic environment making their metabolic regulation interesting to study. In addition, rainbow trout specifically exhibit a natural metabolism that resembles type 2 diabetes, so we are interested in the endocrine regulation of this metabolic phenotype.

Funding: Current PI: 1R13OD021974-01, 8th Aquatic Animal Models of Human Disease Conference Pending PI: R01DK114416, Nutrigenomics: elucidating the mechanisms of methionine restriction resulting in improved metabolic health. PI: R01AI13295-01, “Egg allergy understanding from a unique perspective: the hen producing the egg.” PI: R21OD024787-01 “Comparative modeling: using natural growth potential variation to understand human disease.” Co-PI: NSF,IOS Preliminary Proposal: “Differential cortisol action regulates variation in muscle stress responsiveness.” Co-PI: NSF, IOS Preliminary Proposal: “Unraveling growth potential in vertebrates while promoting scientific potential in underrepresented groups”.

Research and Relationship to DRC Effort: The goal of our diabetes-related research is to analyze the methionine restriction (MR) metabolic phenotype in relation to miRNA regulation via methylation profile changes and identify key mRNA targets and pathways associated with miRNA changes in response to MR. Metabolic syndrome is an obesity-related set of risk factors (i.e., glucose intolerance and abdominal adiposity) that significantly raise the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. Aging is an important contributor to the etiologies of metabolic decline and related diseases, with impairments representing major components of metabolic syndrome, including unrestrained hepatic gluconeogenesis, adipose lipogenesis, defective glycogen synthesis, and impaired glucose uptake in skeletal muscle. To date, the most effective intervention delaying the onset of age-related metabolic decline is caloric restriction. Methionine restriction (MR) produces comparable life extension without requiring food intake restriction, and improves muscle insulin sensitivity while decreasing systemic inflammation, and can prevent age-dependent increases in adiposity that can lead to metabolic syndrome. Methionine's beneficial effects on healthspan are attributed to decreases in visceral fat deposition via alterations in lipid metabolism and increased metabolic flexibility. With the observable increased aging obese population, the potential role of MR in preventing or reversing existing metabolic pathologies is the most relevant translational context for dietary MR. However, little insight exists regarding the mechanisms of MR action on improving metabolic phenotypes. Our current work will build on previous work demonstrating that MR potentially acts directly via epigenetic regulation of metabolic pathways by altering levels available methyl groups in the body leading to the MR phenotype (i.e. increased fat oxidation and glucose tolerance).

Publications (2012-present): 11 publications (including in Gen Comp Endocrinol, J Nutr Biochem), one of which is related to diabetes.

DRC Core Use: Dr. Biga uses the BARB core for enzyme activity assays and fluorescence/luminescence services and the Animal Physiology Core for imaging services.

DRC Collaborations: Dr. Biga has grant and publication collaborations with Drs. Barnes and Smith, and has 1 diabetes-related publication in the past five years. Name/Degrees/Title: Joseph R. Biggio Jr., MD, MSHQS; John C. Hauth Professor and Vice-Chair for Research and Quality, Director, Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine

Role in DRC: Senior Scientist, Interventions/Trials

Background and Interests: I am obstetrician/gynecologist with subspecialty training in maternal-fetal medicine and genetics of diabetes, cardiometabolic diseases and their complications. I have been the director of the Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine for the last 7 years and have directed the research endeavors in our Division and Department. I have been involved in a number of different research projects over the last 15+ years with several focusing on preterm birth, prenatal genetics, and medical complications of pregnancy, but I have also been involved in a number of projects that have evaluated various aspects involving glycemic and metabolic control during pregnancy. My initial foray into this area examined associations with fetal anomalies, but later work focused on glycemic variation in relation to diurnal activity, interventions to improve control, and better ways to diagnose gestational diabetes. I have mentored a number of junior faculty members in this arena and have partnered with a number of basic science and social science investigators in this area as well.

Funding: Current Co-PI: R13HD077085 (PI: Baskin). “The Role of Obesity in Maternal and Child Health Disparities in Jefferson County” Co-PI: U54MD008176 (PI:Fouad). “Mid-South Transdisciplinary Collaborative Center for Health Disparities Research: Determinants of Gestational Weight gain in Overweight Women in the Deep South” PI: 1D1CMS33145. “Strong Start for Women and Newborns” Pending PI: NICHD. “The Genetics and Epidemiology of Placental Abruption” PI: NICHD. “High-Risk Human Papilloma Virus and Preeclampsia: A Nested Case-Control Study” Recently Completed PI: R03DK104010. “The Snack Study”.

Research and Relationship to DRC Effort: Together with Dr. Monica Baskin and Dr. Paula Chandler-Laney, our research team has been involved in a number of projects examining maternal weight gain during pregnancy, eating habits and risk factors weight retention, glycemic control and glycemic excursion, insulin resistance, neonatal body composition and a variety of other metabolic factors. In addition, I have worked as a mentor for Dr. Lorie Harper on the development of her research strategies investigating whether early screening for gestational diabetes is beneficial as well as investigating new modalities and cutoffs for gestational diabetes diagnosis. Given my background and experience, I have the expertise to continue to be a collaborator and contributor to the UAB DRC.

Publications (2012-present): Dr. Biggio has 16 diabetes related publications in the past 5 years, published in such journals as Diabetes Care, Obstetrics and Gynecology and the American Journal of Perinatology.

DRC Core Use: Dr. Biggio uses the Human Core for Body Composition services.

DRC Collaborations: My key collaborations have been with Dr. Chandler-Laney and Dr. Baskin. I have worked with Dr. Chandler-Laney on a number of projects that examined glycemic control during pregnancy in obese and overweight women as well as looked at other markers of metabolic control and disease. I have worked with Dr. Baskin to look at social determinants of healthy lifestyles with regard to weight gain and eating habits during pregnancy as well as the post-partum period. Both of these collaborations have turned into grant- funded projects. I have also served as a mentor for Dr. Lorie Harper in her work on different modalities for screening for gestational diabetes during pregnancy as well as her projects on metabolomics in gestational diabetes. Name/Degrees/Title: Vera A. Bittner, MD, MSPH; Professor of Medicine; Section Head of General Cardiology, Prevention and Imaging in the Division of Cardiovascular Disease

Role in DRC: Senior Scientist, Interventions/Trials

Background and Interests: I am a trained physician scientist and am currently Professor of Medicine and Section Head of General Cardiology, Prevention and Imaging in the Division of Cardiovascular Disease. I also serve as Medical Director of the Coronary Care Unit and of the cardiac rehabilitation program at UAB. In addition to my clinical expertise, I have 29+ years’ experience as a clinical investigator conducting clinical trials and epidemiologic investigations, most related to secondary prevention of coronary heart disease and in particular, lipid-lowering therapy and cardiac rehabilitation, including CVD outcomes with alogliptin in T2DM and acute coronary syndrome. My role, as senior scientist of the UAB DRC, is to provide clinical opportunities for training, as well as the clinical research I perform specifically related to nutrition and/or obesity with Drs. Gower, Hunter, Oparil, Plaisance and others.

Funding: Current PI: Bayer Healthcare Pharmaceuticals Inc. “COMPASS - Cardiovascular Outcomes for People Using Anticoagulation Strategies” Recently Completed Site-PI: NIH/Abbott/Axio Partners in Research. “AIM HIGH”. PI: Protocol NC20971 – RO 4607381. The effects of RO4607381 on cardiovascular risk in stable CHD patients with a documented recent acute coronary syndrome

Research and Relationship to DRC Effort: Hypercholesterolemia, often found in persons with cardiometabolic disease and diabetes, is causally linked to the development of atherosclerosis. The initial focus was on LDL particles, but it is clear that particles other than LDL are linked to the atherosclerotic process and that levels of these particles are associated with cardiovascular outcomes. As chair of a working group of the NHLBI-funded BARI trial, I was able to show that non-HDL cholesterol was a powerful predictor of prognosis among patients with diabetes and coronary heart disease. I was an investigator in the HERS study which was the first randomized clinical outcomes trial to demonstrate that postmenopausal hormone therapy did not improve prognosis among women with established coronary heart disease. I also participated in the WAVE and ERA studies, angiographic trials that demonstrated that postmenopausal hormone therapy did not favorably influence coronary lesion progression.

Publications (2012-present): Dr. Bittner has 9 publications in the last five years related to diabetes or cardiometabolic disease in such journals as Circulation, JAMA, NEJM and American Journal of Medicine.

DRC Core Use: Dr. Bittner plans to use the ITC Core for Evaluation and Data Management Services.

DRC Collaborations: Dr. Bittner has grant and publication collaborations with Drs. G Howard, VJ Howard, Kilgore, Levitan, Plaisance, Reddy, Reynolds, and Shikany, and has 4 diabetes-related publications in the past five years. Name/Degrees/Title: Scott W. Blume, MD; Associate Professor, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine

Role in DRC: Senior Scientist, Molecular Signaling

Background and Interests: Dr. Blume received his MD at UAB in 1986 and was awarded an American Cancer Society Postdoctoral Fellowship award that allowed him to perform postdoctoral research in experimental chemotherapeutics with Donald Miller, MD/PHD at UAB. He joined the UAB faculty in 1996 as an Associate Scientist, and established his laboratory focusing on basic mechanisms regulating gene expression, protein-DNA interactions, and how transcription factors might be exploited for the development of novel molecular therapeutic strategies. Dr. Blume discovered a previously hypothetical protein now designated mrtl (myc-related translation/localization regulatory factor) encoded within the 5’-“untranslated” region of the c-myc P0 mRNA, which appears to function in cis to modulate Myc translation further downstream. Recent data emerging from a number of laboratories have illuminated how such regulatory functions of RNA and versatility in protein-coding capacity as illustrated with his previous work, are actually common occurrences, and add previously unrecognized layers of complexity to the regulation of gene expression. His current studies on the translational regulation of the type I insulin-like growth factor receptor (IGF1R) gene are providing new information concerning therapeutic targets in diseases that involve growth factors and growth factor receptors.

Funding: Current PI: R01 CA108886, “Dysregulation of IGF1R Translational Control” 08/18/2004 - 07/31/2017

Recently Completed PI: W81XWH-09-1-0183, “Targeting mrtl to reverse Myc in Breast Oncogenesis” 06/01/2009 - 05/31/2013 Primary Mentor: ASCO Young Investigator Award (Vaklavas), “Targeting IRES-mediated Translation in Cancer Therapeutics” 7/1/2012 - 6/30/2014

Research and Relationship to DRC Effort: Dr. Blume is a productive scientist in the molecular signaling area of excellence in the DRC. His primary research investigates mechanisms by which IGF1R gene expression is regulated at the translational (RNA to protein) level by regulatory RNA. Importantly, translational regulation is one of the ways in which IGF1R and the closely-related insulin receptor (INSR) are distinguished. Although the IGF1R and INSR ligand binding domains are highly homologous, and their kinase domains are essentially identical, the 5’-untranslated sequences where the IRES is located and where the translation-regulatory proteins bind, are quite disparate. Thus, these translation-regulatory molecules and mechanisms may be key to understanding circumstances under which either IGF1R or INSR is dysregulated. These studies are of particular importance to the pathophysiology of diabetes, as canonical cap-dependent translation is known to be markedly suppressed and IRES-mediated translation stimulated under hyperglycemic conditions. Dr. Blume is engaged in a major collaborative effort to develop small molecule modulators of IGF1R translational efficiency. The lead compounds exhibit the ability to selectively block IGF1R protein synthesis with minimal or no influence on the insulin receptor. These agents may ultimately have exciting clinical applications in diabetes, cardiometabolic, and oncological disorders, and also serve as probes for studying the role of IGF-1 signaling in cell biology.

Publications (2012 to present): 11 publications (including in J Cell Biochem, Mol Cell Endocrinol), one related to diabetes.

Core Usage: Dr. Blume uses the Animal Physiology Core regularly for metabolic phenotyping of rodents administered small molecule inhibitors of IGF-1R.

DRC Collaborations: Dr. Blume collaborates with Dr. Frank in growth factor signaling and with Dr. Shalev on possible effects of IGF-1R on beta cell biology and insulin secretion. Name/Degrees/Title: Mary M. Boggiano, PhD; Associate Professor, Department of Psychology Role in DRC: Senior Scientist, Integrative Metabolism Background and Interests: As a psychologist, Dr. Boggiano is interested in the behavioral aspects of overeating and abnormal patterns of eating that increase risk for obesity. She has developed rodent models of binge-eating and diet-induced obesity. Ensuing data was instrumental in obtaining an R03 NIH grant to further describe the interplay between environmental and biological factors that sustained binge eating. The DRC Human Metabolism Core was instrumental in identifying metabolic substrates that did and did not contribute to binge eating. With the help of DRC Core facilities, Dr. Boggiano was able to study the role of mu-opioid- receptors, central PYY3-36, and melanocortin system peptides (AgRP, α-MSH), and HPA-axis hormones in the binge-eating and diet-induced obesity models. Consultations are still ongoing with academic and industry labs using these models. Finally, Dr. Boggiano is now investigating motivations behind the intake of highly palatable foods in the absence of hunger in humans, and more recently, she is testing the efficacy of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), a noninvasive neuromodulation technique, to reduce food craving and intake in participants with binge-eating disorder (BED) and non-BED obesity. Funding: Past funding sources have included the NIH (NIDDK), the first award given by the National Eating Disorders Association, NORC-sponsored pilot and feasibility grants. A predoctoral training grant in obesity recently awarded to one of Dr. Boggiano’s students will increase collaborations with other DRC members and lead to the use of the more DRC resources available at UAB. Other support has included internal faculty development grants and departmental merit awards. Research and Relationship to DRC Effort: Dr. Boggiano is building on her large body of work in eating behavior by exploring new methods to reduce food cravings and intake in persons at risk for eating disorders and obesity, which are often co-occurring with diabetes and cardiometabolic dysfunction. Publications (2012-present): 14 publications (including Eat Behav, Int J Eat Disord, J Health Psychol. Psychoneuroendocrinology) DRC Core Usage: Dr. Boggiano has used the Metabolism Core in animal studies and will use the Biostatistics, Metabolism, and Physical Activity Cores in upcoming tDCS studies.

DRC Collaborations: Dr. Boggiano has grant and publication collaborations with Drs. Allison, Chandler-Laney, Fontaine, Garvey, and Wingo, and has 1 diabetes-related publications in the past five years. Publications and ongoing studies with Drs. Soleymani and Lokken of the EatRight Program and Dr. Fontaine, primary mentor on Dr. Boggiano’s graduate student’s predoctoral training grant and dissertation project. Dr. Allison continues to be a constant and invaluable primary career mentor. Name/Degrees/Title: Pamela G Bowen, PhD, CRNP, FNP-BC, BBA; Assistant Professor, School of Nursing:

Role in DRC: Mentored Member, Interventions/Trials

Background and Interests: Dr. Bowen is a nurse-scientist and a seasoned certified family nurse practitioner (FNP) interested in building a program of research focused on increasing physical activity in African American adults, thus reducing obesity. Her dissertation study, “A Phenomenological Study of Obesity and Its impact on Functional Status, Life-Space Mobility, and Physical Activity in Southern African American Older Women”, examined the lived experiences of being overweight or obese among community-dwelling, African-American older women. She found that older adults understand the benefits of engaging in regular physical activity but they need to be empowered to do so. Because of her research, clinical nursing experience, and the successful completion of the UAB Health Disparity Research Training Program, Dr. Bowen is aware that increasing physical activity among minorities will require a multifaceted approach. She is currently conducting a study titled “Physical Activity Text Message Library for Older African American Adults”. The purpose of this study is to develop a physical activity promotion text message library based on focus group feedback and existing published physical activity materials to motivate this population to increase their physical activity levels. Dr. Bowen is also conducting a study titled “Promoting Physical Activity among African Americans through Policy”. The purpose of this study is to determine, what policies are in place to support provider discussions of physical activity and whether a policy level intervention can increase the frequency of those discussions. Her long-term goal is to build a research program that incorporates multidimensional approaches to increased physical activity among African Americans, thereby managing or reducing chronic conditions, such as diabetes and cardiometabolic diseases.

Funding Sources: Current PI: Promoting Physical Activity among African Americans through Policy- Diversity Supplement U54MD008602 9/1/2015-10/31/2017 Pending PI: Text Messaging to Promote Physical Activity with Older African American Women- RFA-RCMAR 7/1/17-6/30/18 Recently Completed PI: Physical Activity Text Message Library for Older African American Adults- RFA-RCMAR-15-001 1/11/2016-1/11/2017

Research and Relationship to DRC Effort: Dr. Bowen is a seasoned FNP whose patient population has been predominantly low-income and African Americans with obesity-related chronic illnesses, such as hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease. Obesity is a leading risk for all of these chronic conditions and the occurrence of one or more of these illnesses may negatively impact physical activity participation. In the clinical setting, Dr. Bowen has personally witnessed the struggles that vulnerable people with limited resources face in regard to adopting healthier lifestyle behaviors in order to reduce exacerbations and management of chronic conditions such as diabetes. Dr. Bowen is building a research program that incorporates multidimensional approaches to increased physical activity among African Americans that will empower this population to achieve the Healthy People 2020 objective to improve health behaviors while simultaneously decreasing the negative consequences of physical inactivity.

Publications (2012 to present): 7 publications (including in Journal of Nurse Practitioner, J Gerontol Nurs)

DRC Core Use: Dr. Bowen plans to use the ITC Core for consulting and data management services.

DRC Collaborations: Dr. Bowen’s research mentor for the U54 diversity supplement grant is Dr. Pisu. She has published articles with Drs. Olivio Clay, Michael Crowe, Michelle Martin, Fernando Ovalle and Annette Hess and submitted abstracts with Drs. Clay, Martin and Crowe. Name/Degrees/Title: Brigitta C. Brott, M.D.; Professor of Medicine and Biomedical Engineering Role in DRC: Scientist, Interventions/Trials Background and Interests: I am a physician scientist who has worked diligently to prevent the complications of diabetes and cardiometabolic disorders. I have led the development, evaluation and optimization of a novel endothelium-mimicking coating for cardiovascular stents, in order to reduce the risks of in-stent restenosis and thrombosis.

Funding: Current

PI: Abiomed, Inc. “USpella (Impella 2.5®) Data Registry” Co-PI: R01HL125391. “Prohealing Multifunctional Endothelium Nanomatrix Coated Stent” Site-PI: For multiple drug trials, including Astrazeneca, Abbott, Bristol Myers Squibb Pending Co-PI: NSF. “Novel Tissue Engineered Atherosclerosis Model in a Physiological Bioreactor”. Co-PI: LSU. “Addressing Health Disparities in Precision Medicine: The PRISM (Precision Medicine Research Initiative for Southern Minorities) Transdisciplinary Collaborative Center - Project 2”

Research and Relationship to DRC Effort: As a high volume interventional cardiologist, I am involved in a number of clinical research protocols at any given time. Many of these are locally initiated, including guidance of complex coronary interventions using advanced imaging techniques, and validation of FFR or OCT in various settings. My role in studies, aside from enrolling patients, is to participate in weekly data analysis sessions, provide input into data interpretation, and enroll patients in the study as a perform clinical stent procedures. This work is consistent with and builds on my prior engineering training and medical experience as an interventional cardiologist. I perform both translational and clinical research, focusing on the evaluation of new cardiovascular devices, stent coatings, and imaging techniques. Diabetes critically affects all cardiovascular interventions. I will serve as a clinical resource for basic science investigators, and serve as a mentor for the next generation of diabetes investigators in the UAB DRC.

Publications (2012-present): Dr. Brott has 22 publications over the last five years related to diabetes and cardiometabolic disease in such journals as Circulation, Tissue Engineering; Methods, JACC Cardiovasc Interventions, Biomaterials Research and Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics.

DRC Core Use: Dr. Brott plans to use the ITC core for data management services.

DRC Collaborations: Dr. Brott has grant and publication collaborations with Drs. G Howard, VJ Howard, Jun HW, Kennedy, Kim, Murphy-Ullrich, and Tiwari, and has 6 diabetes-related publications in the past five years with center members. Name/Degree/Title: David A. Calhoun, MD; Professor of Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Disease; Faculty, Sleep/Wake Disorders Center

Role in DRC: Senior Scientist in Vascular Disease

Background and Interests: Dr. Calhoun earned his MD from the University of Virginia and completed medical residency at UAB. In pursuing a career as a physician-scientist, he completed a postdoctoral research fellowship in vascular biology under the tutelage of Dr. Suzanne Oparil. He became an Assistant Professor at UAB in 1993 and a Professor in 2007. Dr. Calhoun currently has joint faculty appointments in the UAB Hypertension Program and in the Center for Sleep/Wake Disorders. Dr. Calhoun is an active clinical investigator and an expert in the assessment of cardiovascular function in humans. His major research focus has been on defining causes of resistant hypertension including aldosteronism, the role of the renin- angiotensin system in insulin resistance and cardiometabolic disease, and hypertension therapy in persons with diabetes and other disease states characterized by medication-resistant hypertension.

Funding: Current PI: R01 HL113004 “Mechanisms of Refractory Hypertension” PI: AHA SFRN: “Mechanisms of Nocturnal Hypertension and Non-Dipping Blood Pressure” Co-PI: R01 DK096388 “Race Adiposity Interactions Regulate Mechanism Determining Insulin Sensitivity” PI; P50 AR060772: “CORT Project N.2 The Effects of Urate Lowering Therapy on Inflammation, Endothelial function and Blood Pressure” PI: Medtronic Vacular Inc. Symplicity HTN-3. “Renal Denervation in Patients with Uncontrolled Hypertension- Symplicity HTN-3”. PI: ReCOR Medical RADIANCE-HTN “The "RADIANCE-HTN" Study. A Study of the ReCor Medical Paradise System in Clinical Hypertension” Recently Completed PI: R01 HL075614: “Etiology of Sleep Apnea-Related Hyperaldosteronism” Co-PI: R01 HL103859: “Mitochondrial-Nuclear Interactions and CVD Susceptibility”

Research and Relationship to DRC Effort: The primary focus of Dr. Calhoun’s laboratory is to identify mechanisms underlying cardiometabolic disease that involve abnormal aldosterone secretion. This research has led to important findings implicating aldosterone excess as an important cause of resistant hypertension, obstructive sleep apnea, and metabolic syndrome. Dr. Calhoun’s current studies test the hypothesis that relative hyperaldosteronism is an important factor impairing insulin sensitivity in patients with resistant hypertension. His data support the preferential use of aldosterone antagonists in patients with resistant hypertension since this can blunt or even prevent the increase in insulin resistance and the worsening of cardiometabolic disease risk factors that normally occur with the use of conventional thiazide-type diuretics. Dr. Calhoun’s research also addresses sleep apnea as a trait that accompanies the metabolic syndrome, and he is testing the hypothesis that the resulting hyperaldosteronism is responsible for resistant hypertension and exacerbation of insulin resistance in these patients.

Publications (2012 to present): 74 publications, including in Am J Hypertens, Adv Chronic Kidney Dis, Am J Med, Circulation, Clin J Am Soc Nephrol., Lancet)

DRC Core Usage: Dr Calhoun’s studies require the DRTC Human Physiology Core for measurements of vascular function, including flow-mediated dilation of the brachial artery and carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity. He also uses the Human Physiology Core for hormone and metabolite assays.

DRC Collaborations: Dr. Calhoun is currently collaborating with Dr. Gower on a funded grant project investigating individualized treatment strategies for prevention and reversal of insulin resistance and with Dr. K. Saag on a funded grant to determine if serum urate contributes to the development of hypertension. He is a long-term collaborator with Drs. Oparil and Dell’Italia on studies of vascular regulation, and is collaborating with UAB experts in sleep disorders to promote studies of insulin resistance and dysregulated aldosterone metabolism in persons with sleep apnea.

Name/Degree/Title: April P. Carson, PhD/MSPH; Associate Professor, Epidemiology Role in DRC: Mentored Scientist in Epidemiology/Genetics; Co-Investigator, Diabetes Research Center Intervention and Translational Core; Pilot and Feasibility Recipient Background and Interests: Dr. Carson received her PhD in Epidemiology from U. of North Carolina in 2006 and worked as an Epidemiologist for the Department of Mental Health in Montgomery, Alabama before joining UAB in 2008. Dr. Carson’s research focuses on investigating social, behavioral, and clinical factors related to the occurrence of diabetes and its complications. Currently, she is investigating 1) the role of glycemic markers in the development of diabetes and its complications, 2) racial/ethnic differences in glycemic markers, and 3) health disparities in cardiovascular health factors. Funding: Current Co-I: NHLBI 268201300026C-2-0-1 (PI: CE Lewis), “Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA): Field Center,” 12/01/09-06/30/18 Co-I: NIDDK P30DK079626 (PI: WT Garvey), “Interventions and Translational Core,” 10/01/16-02/28/17 Co-I: American Heart Association Pathway Grant, “Epigenetic Determinants of Left Ventricular Structure and Function in Hypertensive African Americans,” 7/01/16-01/31/17 PI: Amgen, Inc., “Long Term Low Levels of Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol and Cognitive Dysfunction: The Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults Study,” 10/20/16-09/30/17 Pending/Under Review PI: NIDDK R01, “Using Social Determinants of Health to Identify Individuals at High Risk for Diabetes and Its Complications,” 07/01/17-06/30/22 Subcontract PI: NIDDK R01, “Markers of Renal Failure and Vascular Events in African Americans with Diabetes,” 04/01/17-03/30/22 Co-I: NINDS U01NS041588, “VCID and Stroke in a Bi-Racial National Cohort,” 12/01/17-11/30/22 Completed PI: NIDDK K01DK095928, “The Role of Nontraditional Glycemic Markers in Diabetes and Albuminuria,” 09/10/13-09/30/16 Co-I: Amgen, Inc, “Cardiovascular Disease, Prevention, Treatment, and Outcomes,” 07/01/13-01/31/15 Co-I: NHLBI R01HL117323, “Incorporation of a Hypertension Working Group into the Jackson Heart Study,” 07/15/13-09/09/13 PI: Pilot Grant from UAB Minority Health and Health Disparities Research Center and Center for Clinical and Translational Science, “Racial Differences in Glycemic Markers, Diabetes, and Albuminuria,” 10/01/12- 09/30/13 Research and Relationship to DRC Effort: Dr. Carson is actively involved in investigating different glycemic markers and their role in the development of vascular disease. Dr. Carson is chairing the Diabetes Working Group for the Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke Study (ReGARDS) and is leading projects related to incidence of diabetes among older adults, risk factor control among adults with diabetes, and social determinants of diabetes. These projects are central to Dr. Carson’s research interests in racial/ethnic disparities in glycemic markers and the association between glycemic markers and diabetes complications. Publications (2012-present): 24 publications (including in Diabetes Care, Hypertension, JAMA). DRC Core Use: Dr. Carson worked extensively with the Interventions and Translational Core. Dr. April Carson uses the Human Core for Cardiovascular assessment services. Dr. Carson also meets with the Interventions and Translational Core’s Community Advisory Board. This effort has created an avenue for community partners to provide feedback on research ideas and to bring up issues pertinent to their communities and day- to-day activities. DRC Collaborations: Dr. April Carson has grant and publication collaborations with Drs. Affuso, Calhoun, Chandler-Laney, Durant R, Fernandez, Fisher, Frank, Garvey, Hidalgo, G Howard, VJ Howard, Irvin, Levitan, Lewis, and Shalev, and has 13 diabetes-related publications in the past five years.

Name/Degree/Title: Tiffany L. Carson, PhD, MPH; Assistant Professor, Division of Preventive Medicine, Department of Medicine

Role in DRC: Mentored Scientist in Interventions/Trials/Community Research

Background and Interests: Dr. Carson is an Assistant Professor in the Division of Preventive Medicine in the Department of Medicine at the UAB School of Medicine. She is an Associate Scientist in the UAB Nutrition Obesity Research Center, the UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center, and the UAB Minority Health and Health Disparities Research Center. Dr. Carson completed her Bachelor’s Degree at Florida State University. She later received her Master’s degree and Ph.D. in Epidemiology from UAB and completed a post-doctoral fellowship at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Center for Obesity Research. As an applied epidemiologist, Dr. Carson has a breadth of research expertise with a central theme of population-based, bio- behavioral observational and intervention studies for the treatment of obesity and obesity-related diseases.

Funding: Current PI: K01CA190559: “The interplay of behavior, environment, and microbiota in colorectal cancer risk” Co-I: U54MD008176 :“Mid-South Transdisciplinary Collaborative Center for Health Disparities Research Determinants of Gestational Weight gain in Overweight Women in the Deep South”

Recently Completed PI: UAB MHRC Pilot Funding: “Exploring stress as a contributor to racial and gender health disparities”

Research and Relationship to DRC Effort: Dr. Carson’s research focuses on identifying and implementing bio-behavioral approaches for the treatment of obesity and obesity-related diseases. Using observational studies, Dr. Carson collects and analyzes data to help inform knowledge about how the intersection of biological factors (e.g., race, gut microbiota), psychological factors (e.g., stress, depression, body image), and behavioral factors (e.g., dietary choice, physical activity) contribute to health outcomes. She has published work describing the associations between psychosocial factors and dietary choices of females in rural areas who often suffer a disproportionate burden of obesity and obesity-related diseases. Dr. Carson is also currently a co-investigator (PI-Fouad; Project Leader-Baskin) on an observational study examining the social determinants of health on birth outcomes of low-income pregnant women with conditions like gestational diabetes as a major point of interest for potential intervention. She also leads 2 studies investigating the role of the gut microbiota in health disparities. Dr. Carson has also published work related to behavioral weight loss interventions in underserved populations which may be a vital step towards reducing obesity and improving cardiometabolic health among these groups.

Publications (2012 to present): Dr. Carson has published 11 articles in the past 5 years, with another one in press: Johnson E, Baskin ML, Levitan E, Affuso O, Carson TL, Affuso O. (in press) Journal of Health Psychology. Description of body image and body image dissatisfaction among overweight and obese rural Deep South African American women participating in a weight loss intervention. Other journals publishing her work include: Preventing Chronic Disease, Obesity Reviews, Health Education Reviews and Preventive Medicine.

DRC Core Usage: The Human Physiology Core directed by Barbara Gower has provided valuable support for several of Dr. Carson’s projects. Particularly, the HP Core has provided serum analysis for previous and ongoing projects. Given that the role of stress in health is a central focus of Dr. Carson’s research, analyses including cortisol and inflammatory markers are vital to answering and generating research questions. Dr. Carson uses the ITC Core for Intervention; Development and Implementation; Measurement; Recruitment and Retention; Evaluation and Data Management services; she also uses the Human Core for Analytical services.

DRC Collaborations: Dr. Carson collaborates with other DRC investigators and has successfully secured grant funding and/or publications with investigators including Drs. H. Olivia Affuso (4 publications), David Allison (1 publication), Monica Baskin (6 publications, 2 grants; Carson-PI, Fouad-PI/Baskin-Project Leader), Paula Chandler-Laney (1 grant; Fouad-PI/Baskin-Project Leader), and Mona Fouad (1 grant; Fouad-PI/Baskin- Project Leader). Name/Degrees/Title: Krista Casazza, PhD, RD; Associate Professor of Pediatrics Role in DRC: Scientist, Integrative Metabolism; Pilot and Feasibility Recipient Background and Interests: Dr. Casazza is an Associate Professor in the Department of Pediatrics, Division of Adolescent Health with a background in metabolism and physiology and licensure as a Registered Dietitian. Her previous research activities include clinical studies in the pediatric population with particular emphasis on the growth and development and risk factors for diabetes and cardiometabolic disease. Specifically, her expertise resides in the intersection of nutrient delivery and utilization and the musculoskeletal system. The majority of the studies her research team has conducted have primarily focused on the obese pediatric population investigating the reciprocal relationship between fat and bone to study the cross-talk between tissues during critical periods of growth. Children and adolescents have not been studied in this context, yet this dynamic developmental stage represents a period in which “metabolic programming” has profound impact.

Funding: Current R01DK099550 “Redox Regulation of Anti-Viral Responses in Type 1 Diabetes”. PI: Hubert Tse, Casazza Co-I MCH Nutrition Leadership Program (PI) (2013-2018). MCH Leadership Education in Adolescent Health (Co-PI) (2012-2017). NIH (Barnes) Casazza: Co-I Metabolomics Workshop: From Design to Discovery. (07/01/12-06/30/17) Pending Simpson, Tina Y (Casazza, Co-I) Simpson, Tina Y Health Resources and Services Administration/DHHS Leadership Education in Adolescent Health (07/01/2017 - 06/30/2022) Dannon Institute International (Casazza, PI) Health Benefits of Yogurt Consumption in Improving Outcomes of Sports-Related Concussion Complications in Adolescents (02/01/2017 - 01/31/2019) Kaul Pediatric Research Institute (Casazza, PI) Nutrition as Medicine: Improving Outcomes in Sports- Related Concussions (02/01/2017 - 01/31/2019) Recently Completed (select) 1K99/R00 DK83333- Casazza (PI), (06/01/2009-05/31/2014), Puberty Related Intervention to Improve Metabolic Outcomes - The PRIMO Pilot Study American Cancer Society Casazza (PI) (06/01/11-05/31/2012) Cycles - Contribution of adiposity during childhood to breast cancer risk Diabetes Research Center Pilot/Feasibility. Casazza (PI) 03/01/12-02/28/13 Diseasome of Physical Inactivity.

Research and Relationship to DRC Effort: Dr. Casazza’s background is in nutrition and physiology, with a specific focus on critical periods of growth and development. Research interests reside in mechanisms underlying body composition and fuel utilization in early childhood, particularly as these mechanisms relate to the bone-fat interface and how it influences risk for diabetes, obesity and related co-morbidities. Her current project with Dr. Tse characterizes the importance of reactive oxygen species (ROS) synthesis and oxidative stress on innate immune responses in Type 1 diabetes. Dissipation of ROS synthesis can prevent and delay T cell-mediated autoimmune destruction of pancreatic β-cells. The proposed studies will expand knowledge of how pro-inflammatory innate immune signals synergize and influence autoreactive T cell responses in Type 1 diabetes.

Publications (2012-present): Dr. Casazza has 39 publications over the past 5 years in such journals as NEJM, Metabolism, Diabetes Res Clin Pract, J Clin Transl Endocrinol, J Pediatr, Clin Endocrinol, Obesity Reviews, and Endocrine.

DRC Core Use: Dr. Casazza uses the Human Core for Analytical, Body Composition and Glucose Metabolism services; she also uses the BARB core for oxidative/stress measures and consultation services.

DRC Collaborations: Dr. Casazza has grant and publication collaborations with Drs. Affuso, Allison, Ashraf, Bamman, Barnes, Baskin, Brown, Chandler-Laney, Cherrington, Clay, Crowe, X Cui, De Luca, Durant N, Dutton, Fernandez, Fontaine, Garvey, Goss, Gower, Gutierrez, Hidalgo, G Hunter, Kabarowski, McCormick, McGwin, Mehta, Morrison, Nagy, Pekmezi, Prasain, Ramanadham, Sen, Smith, Tiwari, Tse, Wallace S, and Willig, and has 32 diabetes-related publications in the past five years. Name/Degrees/Title: Paula Chandler-Laney, PhD; Assistant Professor, Nutrition Sciences

Role in the DRC: Mentored Scientist in Integrative Metabolism; Pilot and Feasibility Recipient

Background and Interests: My overall research program focuses on the bio-behavioral mechanisms that underlie the development of obesity and metabolic disease such as type 2 diabetes. I have a PhD in Psychology (Behavioral Neuroscience) and received postdoctoral training in clinical nutrition research. I have held a tenure-track faculty position at the rank of Assistant Professor since 2011, and have a K01 career development award, and R03, from NIH, to identify and pilot test targets for intervention during pregnancy that will improve glucose tolerance and offspring outcomes related to risk for diabetes and cardiometabolic disease.

Funding: Current PI, NIH, R03DK104010, The Snack Study PI, NIH, K01DK090126, Mechanisms underlying associations between maternal and offspring obesity Co-I, UAB HSF-GEF, Enhanced body composition and infant feeding analysis for UAB Core Co-I, NIH, U54 MD008176-010, Social and environmental determinants of gestational weight gain among Black and White women in the South

Pending PI, NIH, R01DK112867, Use of an infant feeding sensor to characterize meals in the home environment. Project PI, AHA, 17SFRN33610101, lntergenerational Transmission of Obesity in a Cohort of Mother-Offspring Dyads. Co-I, NIH, In-home obesity prevention to reach low-income infants through maternal and social transmission.

Recently Completed Co-PI, UAB DRC; Development of automated processing techniques for time-series CGM data PI, UAB NORC; Does infant feeding behavior mediate the association between maternal metabolic health during pregnancy and infant gain in adiposity? PI, UAB NORC; The use of a jaw motion sensor to objectively measure infant feeding behavior Co-I, UA System; Development of an integrated system of physiological sensors to improve real-time processing of data from continuous glucose monitoring sensors.

Research and Relationship to the DRC Effort: My K01 career development award is a prospective study of the role of maternal metabolic health during pregnancy on children’s growth, body composition, and feeding behavior. This work informed the R03-funded project, which is testing the feasibility of reducing late-night intake, particularly of high glycemic load foods, during late pregnancy, in order to improve glucose tolerance and infant outcomes.

Publications (2012 to present): 20 published since 2012 (including in J Nutr, J Ped Endocrin Met, Endocrine, Matern Child Nutr., Metabolism, and Obesity)

DRC Core Usage: I use the Human Physiology Core to assess body composition and circulating biomarkers, and also consult with the leadership of this Core when developing new grant proposals. I regularly attend the Interventions and Translation Core meetings to receive feedback on my work, to consult about engaging with the community and developing grant proposals.

DRC Collaborations: I have funded research projects with Drs. Biggio, Harper, Baskin, Carson, Gower, that have led to several publications regarding the developmental origins of obesity and metabolic disease. I also have several proposals pending funding, with Drs. Salvy, Harper, Garvey, Allison, Lewis, Durant, Hidalgo, Aslibekyan.

Name/Degree/Title: John C. Chatham, DPhil; Professor of Pathology and Director, Division of Molecular and Cellular Pathology, Department of Pathology Role in DRC: Senior Scientist in Integrative Metabolism. Background and Interests: Dr. Chatham completed his PhD in Biochemistry at the University of Oxford, England in 1987 and then completed postdoctoral training at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. He joined the faculty at UAB in 2000 as Associate Professor in the Division of Cardiovascular Disease and became Division Director in the Department of Pathology in 2011. Dr. Chatham’s research interests initially concentrated on the role of alterations in cardiac energy metabolism on cardiomyocyte function, particularly in the setting of metabolic disease such as insulin resistance and diabetes. More recently his work has focused on the nutrient regulated post-translational modification O-linked N-acetylglucosamine (O-GlcNAc) and how this contributes to impaired cell signaling and survival in diabetes. Funding: Current Multi-PI: R01 HL122975, “Disruption of the Clock O-GlcNAc Axis in Diabetic Cardiomyopathy” Multi-PI: R01 NS076312, “O-GlcNAcylation and Hippocampal Synaptic Plasticity” Co-Investigator: R01 DK100847, “O-GlcNAcylation Regulates Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells in Diabetic Vasculopathy” Multi-PI: UAB SOM AMC21 Reload, “Protein O-GlcNAcylation a Central Mediator of Metabolic Induced Cardiovascular Complications” Pending PI: DoD 12273815, “Dysregulation of Stromal Interacting Molecule-1 Dependent Calcium Signaling Plays Key Role in the Development of Diabetic Complications” PI: DoD 12276781, “Circadian Disruption Accelerates Cardiovascular Dysfunction During Diabetes via Abbarent O-GlcNAc Signaling” Recently Completed PI: R01HL101192 Protein O-GlcNAcylation and the regulation of cardiac function 07/01/10 – 04/30/16 PI: STIM1 mediated Ca2+ entry: metabolic regulation of cardiomyocyte Ca2+ signaling 04/15/12 – 02/28/15 Co-PI: R21NS063359 (Co-PI: McMahon). O-linked glycosylation and synaptic function in the hippocampus 05/15/09 – 04/30/12 Research and Relationship to DRC Effort: Over the past 10 years studies in my laboratory have focused on understanding the role of O-GlcNAc modification of proteins in mediating the effects of diabetes on cellular function, signaling and stress responses. We have shown that increases in O-GlcNAc levels impairs angiotensin II induced increases in cardiomyocyte Ca2+ and this is associated with blunted hypertrophic signaling. We have also demonstrated that in cardiomyocytes from type-2 diabetic mice exhibit blunted hypertrophic signaling in an O-GlcNAc dependent manner. Moreover we found that Stromal Interacting Molecule-1 (STIM1), which plays a key role in IP3 mediated signaling is an O-GlcNAc target and that increased O-GlcNAcylation of STIM1 impairs its function. We have reported that autophagic signaling is blunted in cardiomyocytes from diabetic mice and this is also mediated via increased O-GlcNAcylation. Taken together these observations suggest that diabetes leads to increased O-GlcNAc levels in cardiomyocytes, resulting in an abnormal response to stress stimuli such as hypertension, which leads to impaired function, increased cell death and ultimately more rapid progression to heart failure. In collaboration with Dr. Martin Young in the Department of Medicine, we have been studying the interaction between O-GlcNAc regulation and the cardiomyocyte circadian clock. In 2011 we reported in Journal of Biological Chemistry demonstrating for the first time that the circadian clock regulated O-GlcNAc levels and that acute changes in O-GlcNAc levels phase shifted the intrinsic cellular clock. We also showed that components of the circadian clock were O- GlcNAcyated. The cardiomyocyte circadian clock is also phase shifted in response to diabetes and so we postulated that this might be a contributing factor to the cardiac dysfunction associated with diabetes. Publications: 23 publications (including in Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol., J Mol Cell Cardiol, J Biol Chem.) DRC Core Usage: We have primarily used the Human Physiology Core for the serum analyses of glucose and lipids in our animal models. Most recently we have used the core to determine whether our cardiomyocyte STIM1 KO mouse has a systemic metabolic phenotype. A manuscript is currently in preparation. DRC Collaborations: Dr. Chatham has grant and publication collaborations with Drs. Bailey, Bamman, Bray, Chen J, Y Chen, Darley-Usmar, Dell'Italia, Gamble, Garvey, Halade, Marchase, Namakkal, Oparil, Paterson, Prabhu, Rowe, Wende, Yang, Young, Shalev, Zhou L, and Zhu L, and has 13 diabetes-related publications in the past five years. Name/Degree/Title: Debasish Chattopadhyay, PhD; Professor, Infectious Disease

Role in DRC: Senior Scientist in Integrative Metabolism

Background and Interests: My expertise is in the areas of structure-function analysis of proteins and structure-based drug design. I received my PhD degree in Chemistry and Crystallography, and my postdoctoral training at the Upjohn Company on structure-based inhibitor design. I also have expertise in the application of various computational tools and in-silico docking techniques. I have crystallized and determined structures of a wide variety of proteins and their ligand complexes, and deposited over 60 structures of protein and protein- ligand complexes in the Protein Data Bank.

Funding: Current

Co-PI: RO1 (PI Sthanam) “Complement Evasion by Group B Streptococcus”.

Research and Relationship to the DRC Effort: My research focuses on enzymes regulating key metabolic pathways. Among these, we study the structure-function relations of a number of enzymes in the glycolytic pathway. This pathway drives the anaerobic metabolism of glucose and plays critical role in insulin secretion. Although the main subjects of our study are enzymes from eukaryotic and prokaryotic pathogens, our research involves in depth comparison with corresponding human enzymes. We are studying human protein phosphatase 5 (PP5), which plays a significant role in glucose homeostatis. Suppression of PP5 enhances insulin secretion in beta cells. PP5 may also be a potential target for treatment of obesity and PP5 inhibitors may have applications in the medical management of diabetes. The goal of our research is to apply structure- based methods to develop potent and selective inhibitors of human PP5.

Publications (2012 to present): 10 publications (including in Biochem Pharmacol., J Biol Chem., PLoS One)

DRC Core Usage: I plan to use the BARB core for tissue/mitochondrial isolation.

DRC Collaborations: In collaboration of Dr. Anath Shalev we made recombinant constructs of human TXNIP. We also collaborate with Dr. Banerjee.

Name/Degree/Title: Ching-Yi Chen, PhD; Associate Professor, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics; Nutrition and Obesity Research Center Member

Role in DRC: Senior Scientist in Molecular Signaling

Background and Interests: I have been interested in post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression focusing on mRNA decay for the past 20 years. My current research aims at determining the in vivo functions of KSRP, miR-145, and miR-150 in post-transcriptional regulation of adipocyte lipid metabolism and insulin signaling. Towards this end, my group has successfully generated Ksrp knockout mice and characterized phenotypes associated with KSRP deficiency. In addition, transgenic mice with miR-150 overexpression in adipose tissue have been generated. I have a broad background in biochemistry and molecular and cellular biology. I have also gained tremendous knowledge and developed skills in the areas of metabolic research and adipocyte biology for the past 6 years through studying adipocyte and liver lipid metabolism and whole-body metabolism of Ksrp-null mice. These studies have expended my previous research area in basic research to translational research focusing on post-transcriptional regulation of whole-body adiposity, insulin signaling, and glucose homeostasis to understand basic mechanisms in diabetes and cardiometabolic disease.

Funding: Current

PI: Diabetes Action Research and Education Foundation “Understanding the role of KSRP in control of insulin signaling”

Pending

PI: DoD: “Understanding the Role of KSRP in Control of Insulin Signaling”

PI: American Diabetes Association: “KSRP and Mir-150 in Browning of White Adipose Tissue”

Research and Relationship to the DRC Effort: Post-transcriptional regulation plays an important role in determining levels of gene expression. The goals of our research are: 1) to understand the role of KSRP in glucose and insulin homeostasis and 2) to understand the roles of miR-150 and miR-145 in whole-body metabolism, adipocyte functions, and glucose homeostasis. As obesity and type 2 diabetes still pose growing therapeutic challenges in industrialized societies, identification of the factors and mechanisms governing adipocyte lipid metabolism and insulin/AKT signaling should lead to a better understanding of the development of obesity and its related disorders. Our research is expected to identify novel factors that may provide future therapeutic targets to control obesity-related disorders such and cardiometabolic dysfunction and type 2 diabetes.

Publications (2012 to present): 48 publications (including in Clin Nutrition, Diabetes, Eur J Nutrition, Endocrine Research, Journal of Nutrition, Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry)

Core Usage: Dr. Chen uses the Animal Physiology Core and the BARB Core services.

DRC Collaborations: Dr. Ching-Yi Chen has grant and publication collaborations with Drs. Gamble, Garvey, and Yi, and has 1 diabetes-related publication in the past five years.

Name/Degree/Title: Herbert Chen, MD; Professor and Chairman, Surgeon-in-Chief, Department of Surgery; Senior Advisor, University of Alabama Comprehensive Cancer Center; Fay Fletcher Kerner Endowed Chair; Professor of Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering

Role in DRC: Senior Scientist in Diabetes Complications

Background and Interests: I am a surgeon-scientist who conducts translational research in the lab, clinics, and operating room. I have had a funded research program focused on neuroendocrine and thyroid cancer for over a decade supported by multiple agencies including the NCI, NIDDK, American Cancer Society, American Association for Cancer Research, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Doris Duke Foundation, and others. We had a long-term interest in studying the signaling pathways which regulate neuroendocrine and thyroid cancer proliferation, differentiation, and metastatic phenotype. Our group has translated several laboratory discoveries into clinical trials for patients with advanced endocrine cancers. I have been very active in leading national and regional efforts to develop new therapies for thyroid cancer.

Funding: Current PI: Caring for Carcinoid Foundation-American Association for Cancer. “Multifunctional Nanomedicine for Targeted Carcinoid Cancer Therapy” PI: ACA. “MEN2 Thyroid Cancer Professorship” PI: American Cancer Society MEN2 RSG. “Notch signaling in Medullary Thyroid Cancer”. PI: Alabama Academic Enrichment Fund. “Signaling Pathways in Endocrine Malignancies”. PI: Novo Nordisk. “Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma Surveillance Study” PI: Aly Wolff Memorial Fund for Neuroendocrine Carcinoma Research. “Targeting Synaptic Vesicle 2 with the Non-toxic fragment of Botulinum Neurotoxin Type A for Neuroendocrine Malignancies”. Co-PI: Aly Wolff Memorial Fund for Neuroendocrine Carcinoma Research. “A Pilot Study on Targeted Delivery of Thailandepsin-A, a New Type of Natural Small Molecule Class I HDAC Inhibitor to Neuroendocrine Cancers using Unimolecular Micelles”. Recently Completed (select – see biosketch) PI: RO1 CA121115. “GSK3-beta Signaling in Medullary Thyroid Cancer” PI: RO1 CA109053. “Modulating Neuroendocrine Phenotype in Cancer” Co-I: Novartis. A Phase II Clinical Trial of LBH589 for Thyroid Cancer Co-PI: Novartis: A Phase II Clinical Trial of LBH589 for Gastrointestinal Neuroendocrine Cancers

Research and Relationship to the DRC Effort: My research is focused neuroendocrine cancer mechanisms [e.g. liver and Medullary thyroid cancer (MTC)] and therapies. The contribution of diabetes and cardiometabolic dysfunction to these conditions is important to understand mechanistically and therapeutically. Liver resection is the preferred treatment for primary hepatic tumors, as well as hepatic meta-stases from colorectal and neuroendocrine (NE) cancers such as carcinoid, islet cell tumors, and medullary thyroid cancer. We are working to engineer a family of unique upconversion nanoparticle (UCNP)-based theranostic unimolecular micelles conjugated with KE108, a true pansomatostatin synthetic nonapeptide, as AB3 and photosensitizer nanocarriers for combined chemotherapy and PDT and fluorescence imaging. We will demonstrate that AB3- loaded UCNP-based nanotheranostic micelles conjugated with both KE108 (as a novel NET targeting ligand) and photosensitizer can improve tumor uptake and anticancer efficacy while decreasing systemic toxicity, thereby making them desirable for treating and palliating NE cancer patients. MTC is a neuroendocrine tumor derived from the calcitonin-producing thyroid C-cells and accounts for 3-5% of cases of thyroid cancer. We have shown that activation of Notch1 markedly suppresses cellular growth and reduces hormone secretion in human MTC cells in vitro and in vivo, and the Notch pathway has an important role in diabetes.

Publications (2012 to present): 20 publications (including in Am J Pathol, Biomaterials, JAMA Surg, Thyroid, Sci Rep, Surgery).

DRC Core Usage: Dr. Chen plans to use the BARB core for bioenergetic flux analysis and tissue/mitochondrial isolation services.

DRC Collaborations:Dr. Herbert Chen has grant and publication collaborations with Drs. Affuso, Ashraf, and Frank, and has 4 diabetes-related publications in the past five years. Name/Degrees/Title: Junqin Chen, PhD; Instructor, Department of Medicine

Role in DRC: Mentored, Islet Biology/Autoimmunity

Background and Interests: My training is in microbiology and bacteriology. I have recently become interested in the mechanisms of how thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP) works as a key regulator of important cellular processes including redox state, inflammation, apoptosis and plays a particularly critical role in pancreatic β- cell biology and diabetes development. TXNIP deficiency protects against pancreatic β-cell apoptosis and increases β-cell mass. This pathway may prove to provide means of new therapies for diabetes and cardiometabolic diseases.

Funding: Current

Co-I: R01DK078752 (PI: Shalev), “TXNIP Regulation of Endogenous Beta Cell Mass”

Research and Relationship to DRC Effort: My research focuses on mechanisms of beta cell loss in diabetes. We have identified thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP) as a critical factor in diabetic beta cell loss, elucidated the molecular regulation of beta cell TXNIP expression, revealed novel roles of microRNAs in beta cell biology and developed novel approaches to promote endogenous beta cell mass and function in diabetes. Additionally, I have contributed to uncovering new aspects of GLP-1 function and of insulin production.

Publications (2012-present): Dr. Chen has 10 articles published on the last five years in such journals as Nature Medicine, Diabetes, JBC and Mol Endocrinol.

DRC Core Use: Dr. Chen plans to use BARB core for bioenergetic flux analysis and tissue/mitochondrial isolation services.

DRC Collaborations: Dr. Junqin Chen has grant and publication collaborations with Drs. Ahmed, Chatham, Dell'Italia, Jing G, Reddy, Shalev, Xing, Xu G, Q Yang, Young, and Zhou J, and has 10 diabetes-related publications in the past five years. Name/Degree/Title: Yabing Chen, PhD; Professor, Department of Pathology; Director, GBS Pathobiology and Molecular Medicine Program

Role in DRC: Senior Scientist in Vascular Disease

Background and Interests: Dr. Chen received her BS degree from Fudan University and her Ph.D. from Xiamen University in China. She completed postdoctoral training at the University of Vermont and joined the faculty of Department of Pathology at UAB in June 2004. She is currently Professor in Molecular and Cellular Pathology as well as Principal Investigator at the Birmingham VA Medical Research Division. Her major research programs are focused on studying the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying phenotypic modulation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) and their contributions to the development of vascular diseases, including atherosclerosis, arterial stiffness and diabetic vasculopathy.

Funding: Current PI: R01DK100847. “O-GlcNAcylation regulates vascular smooth muscle cells in diabetic vasculopathy”. PI: R01HL092215. “Molecular regulation of vascular calcification in atherosclerosis”. PI of Project 2 & Dir. of Molecular Pathology Core: 1IP1BX001595 VA Program Projects Award. “Novel regulators for vascular disease.” PI: 1I01BX002296 VA Merit Review Award. “Death Receptor Signaling in Pancreatic Cancer: Mechanisms and Therapeutic Targets” Recently Completed PI of PPA: VA Program Project Awards. Principal Investigator of projector 2 Novel regulator for vascular disease & Director, Molecular Pathology Core. Co-I: NIH/NCI R21. (Co-PI, Krishna) “C-Src Kinase-Calmodulin Interaction: A Therapeutic Target For Pancreatic Cancer” PI: NIH/NHLBI R01. “Molecular signaling of oxidative stress-induced vascular calcification”. PI: VA merit review. “Molecular mechanism of Toll-like receptor signaling in pathogenesis of pulmonary hypertension” Co-I: VA Merit Review. “Calmodulin Regulates Fas-Mediated Apoptosis: A Target for Cancer Therapy” PI: NIH/UAB Diabetes Center Pilot Award. “Function of hyperglycemia in regulating vascular calcification”. PIL NIH/NHLBI. ARRA Award “Molecular signaling of oxidative stress-induced vascular calcification”.

Research and Relationship to the DRC Effort: Our studies in uncovering molecular mechanisms underlying diabetic vascular calcification have led to the discovery of the function of protein O-GlcNAcylation in regulating Runx2 activity in vascular calcification. We have determined that chronic protein O-GlcNAcylation promotes vascular calcification by enhancing AKT activation through O-GlcNAcylation of AKT that leads to elevation of the Runx2 transactivity (Circ Res 2014). Using constitutively activated AKT, we further demonstrated that AKT activation regulated FOXO1/3-mediated Runx2 ubiquitination that upregulates Runx2 and promotes VSMC calcification (ATVB 2015). This line of research has been recognized in the field as manifested by accompanying editorial, selected as a best basic science paper in the 2013 AHA scientific sessions and a most-often read paper in Circ Res (August 2014).

Publications (2012 to present): 27 publications (including 1 book chapter, and in Circ Res, Redox Biol, Oncotarget, Bioorg Med Chem Lett, J Biol Chem, Circulation)

DRC Core Usage: We use the Redox Biology Core directed by Scott Ballinger and Doug Moellering to determine the changes of Redox signaling in the process of vascular smooth muscle cell calcification. In addition, we use the Animal Physiology Core directed by Tim Nagy to evaluate the effects of diabetes on animal body composition and bone density.

DRC Collaborations: I have grant and publication collaborations with Drs. Affuso, Agarwal, Chatham, Darley- Usmar, Dell'Italia, G Hunter, Li, Morrison, Namakkal, Oparil, Peng, Sanders, Shalev, Wang SZ, Wende, Wingo, Q Yang, Yarar-Fisher, and Young, and have 19 diabetes-related publications in the past five years. Name/Degrees/Title: Yiu-Fai Chen, PhD; Assistant Professor, Division of Cardiovascular Disease, Department of Medicine

Role in DRC: Senior Scientist, Vascular Disease

Background and Interests: I have a long track record of research in the area of complications of diabetes and cardiometabolic risk in the vasculature. Early in my career I studied the mechanisms of the sexual dimorphism of hypertension. I then went on to study the role of endothelin-1 (ET-1) and its receptors (ET-AR and BR) in the development of hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension and vascular hypertrophy. From 1990 to 2011, I was funded to study the role of ANP and its receptors in the pathogenesis of hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension. Following this work, I investigated the interaction of ANP-cGMP-PKG and transforming growth factor [TGF]-β-Smads pathways in LV with pressure overload stress. We demonstrated that ANP produced in atria acts as a “door-guard” to protect heart under stressful conditions. During pressure overload stress, expression of both anti-fibrogenic factor ANP and pro-fibrogenic factor TGF-β are enhanced in hearts; TGF-β contributes to cardiac remodeling with increased cardiac fibrosis and eventual cardiac dysfunction, while the increased ANP plays a counter-regulatory role and protects against these events.

Funding: Current PI: NIH/NHLBI R01 HL116727, 08/01/2013-03/31/2017 “Targeted Delivery of iPS-Endothelial Cells for the Repair of Cardiovascular Injury”

NIH/NHLBI T32 HL07457 (Postdoctoral Fellow Training Program),07/01/2016-06/30/2021 Oparil, Suzanne (PI and Director) "Mechanisms of Hypertension and Cardiovascular Diseases"

Pending PI: NHLBI/NIH/DHHS R01HL116727 Targeted Delivery of iPS-Endothelial Cells for the Repair of Cardiovascular Injury 07/01/2017-06/30/2022

Recently Completed The First William Featheringill Innovative Award in Cardiovascular Science 10/01/2013-09/30/2014 University of Alabama at Birmingham, Comprehensive Cardiovascular Center (CCVC) (a seed fund)

Research and Relationship to DRC Effort: The goal of my current research is to investigate mechanisms of vascular dysfunction that are observed in diabetes and cardiometabolic diseases. We test the innovative strategy that targeted delivery of induced-pluripotent endothelial stem cells (iPS-ECs) or iPS-cardiomyocytes (CMs) that overexpress neutrophil interleukin-8 (IL8) RA and RB receptors (IL8RA/B) or monocyte/macrophage chemokine receptor type 2 and 5 (CCR2/5). These can mimic the behavior of neutrophils or monocytes/macrophages that target and adhere to injured vascular and cardiac tissues, and in doing so will compete with and inhibit neutrophil and/or monocyte/macrophage infiltration, respectively, and attenuate subsequent inflammatory responses and structural and functional damage to vascular and/or cardiac tissues.

Publications (2012-present): Dr. Chen as 30 publications in the last five years in such journals as Circulation, American Journal of Physiology - Heart and Circulatory Physiology, Stem Cells, Molecular Endocrinology, Circulation RSesearch and Hypertension.

DRC Core Use: Dr. Y-F Chen uses the BARB core for bioenergetic flux analysis services and the Animal Core for imaging services.

DRC Collaborations: Dr. Yiu-Fai Chen has grant and publication collaborations with Drs. Feng, Hage, Halade, Oparil, Szalai Wyss, Xing D, and Yi, among others, and has 3 diabetes-related publications in the past five years.

Name/Degree/Title: Yuying Chen, MD, PhD; Associate Professor of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R), Director of the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center (NSCISC)

Role in DRC: Senior Scientist in Integrative Metabolism Research

Background and Interests: Dr. Chen obtained her MD at Chung Shan Medical University, Taiwan, in 1990. After completing her residency in Taiwan, she completed her MPH at Yale (1996) and her PhD in Epidemiology at UAB (2000). She became an Assistant Professor at UAB in 2002. With the unique blend of medical and research training, Dr. Chen has been productive and gained international recognition for her research involving epidemiology, mortality, and secondary conditions after spinal cord injury (SCI). Her diabetes-related research specifically addresses questions including: (A) body composition, energy metabolism, obesity, and cardiovascular health in people with SCI, (B) development and evaluation of class- and home-based weight management program for persons with SCI, (C) physical and psychosocial well-being in relation to body mass index in persons with SCI, and (D) social determinants of obesity after SCI. She currently serves on the Editorial Board of the Topics in SCI Rehabilitation and chairs the American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine SCI Interdisciplinary Special Interest Group and the Sociodemographic data set of the International SCI Data Sets Committee. As Director of the National SCI Statistical Center (NSCISC), she has continuously provided consultation and technical assistance to investigators in the US and outside US who are interested in analyzing the NSCISC database for research.

Funding: Current PI: (U54MD008176) “Race, Neighborhood, and Obesity after Spinal Cord Injury” PI: (90DP0083). “National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center” PI: Oculus Innovative Sciences, Inc (MIC-WC-001). "A Six Month Randomized Open-Label Trial of Pressure Ulcer Healing with Microcyn® Skin and Wound Care with Preservatives Versus Sterile Saline in Adult Spinal Cord Injury Subjects"

Research and Relationship to DRC Effort: Dr. Chen is a national leader in obesity and weight management for people with SCI. As a result of a number of factors, including immobility and alterations in endocrine levels, SCI patients are at a greater risk for cardiometabolic disorders including obesity, insulin resistance, and diabetes. As part of an effort to counteract obesity and obesity-related complications in SCI patients, Dr Chen have designed and conducted a series of research initiatives that address obesity and cardiovascular health after SCI.

Publications (2012 to present): 34 publications, including in Arch Phys Med Rehab, Spinal Cord, BMC Cancer, Int J Clin Exp Med).

DRC Core Usage: Dr. Chen plans to use the ITC Core for Intervention; Development and Implementation; Measurement; Recruitment and Retention; Evaluation; and Data Management services.

DRC Collaborations: Dr. Chen has had fruitful collaboration with DRC investigators over the years, resulting a number of publications. For example, she collaborated with Drs. Hunter and Ceren Yarar-Fisher on studies related to BMI and serum leptin levels after SCI. She and Dr. Olivia Affuso published research that addresses weight change during the first year after SCI. Dr. Chen will continue to work with Dr. Rimmer and DRC leadership, together with the Interventions & Translation Core, to develop Lakeshore Foundation as a venue for diabetes research in disabled persons.

1

Name/Degree/Title: Andrea Cherrington, MD, MPH; Associate Professor, Department of Medicine, Division of Preventive Medicine; Medical Director, Diabetes Clinic, Cooper Green Mercy Health Systems, Birmingham, AL Role in DRC: Scientist in Interventions/Trials/Community Research; Director, Interventions & Translation Core; Member DRC Scientific Review Committee; Pilot and Feasibility Recipient Background and Interests: Dr. Cherrington is a physician-scientist trained in community-based research methods, and her research focuses on diabetes prevention and management in underserved communities. More recently her research interests have expanded to include a focus on patient reported outcomes in diabetes and interventions that bridge community and health systems/population health. Dr. Cherrington has served as co-Director for the DRC Intervention and Translational Core. She also directs a multidisciplinary diabetes clinic one half day/week in the county’s safety net hospital system as well as a weight management program within the same setting. Funding: Current PI: R18DK109501: “The Alabama Care Plan: Assessing the Impact of Regional Care Organizations on Diabetes Outcomes” 03/01/16 – 02/28/21 MPI: S-EDS1516-AC47: “Emotional Distress in a Comparative Effectiveness Trail of Diabetes Treatments” 04/01/15 – 03/31/20 Site-PI: R-AD-1306-0365 (Safford; Cherrington) “Improving Medication Adherence in the Alabama Black Belt” (PCORI) 05//01/14 – 04/30/17 MPI: UH3HL130691 “Collaboration to Improve Blood Pressure (BP) in the US Black Belt – Addressing the Triple Threat” 09/28/15 - 08/31/20: Co-PI: 1U01DK098246 (Garvey) “The Glycemia Reduction Approaches in Diabetes: A Comparative Effectiveness Study.” 01/01/13 – 07/31/20 Co-I/Core co-Director: RFA-DK-11-015 (Garvey) UAB Diabetes Research Center 03/01/13 – 02/28/18 Co-I: R01DK106041 (Dutton): “Primary Care Obesity Management in the Southeast (PROMISE)” 04/01/16 - 03/31/21 Co-I: R03DK1017951 (Dutton): “Understanding Racial/Ethnic Differences in Weight Loss Maintenance and Regain” 04/01/14 – 03/31/17 (NCE) Pending Co-I: NIDDK R01, “Using Social Determinants of Health to Identify Individuals at High Risk for Diabetes and Its Complications,” 07/01/17-06/30/22 Recently Completed PI: ADA, “Developing a Mobile Health Intervention to link Diabetes CHWs with Primary care” PI: K12 HS019465, “UAB K12 in Comparative Effectiveness Research. Developing 2 distinct programs for peer-delivered diabetes management- K12 scholar” PI: UAB Health Services Foundation, “Training Residents to Counsel: Motivational Interviewing for Obesity” Co-I: R18 HS019239 (PI: Safford): “Using CERS to Optimize quality for Life in diabetics with chronic pain”

Research and Relationship to DRC Effort: Dr. Cherrington’s research focuses on the development and evaluation of community-based lifestyle interventions for diabetes prevention and management in underserved communities. She is particularly interested in interventions that utilize the Community Health Worker (CHW) model - an approach that relies on “natural helpers” from within the community to serve as a bridge between their community and the health system. Publications (2012-present): 46 publications (including Ann Intern Med, Ann Fam Med, Prev Chronic Dis) DRC Core Use: Dr. Cherrington’s work has benefitted tremendously from the Intervention and Translational Core of the DRC for community access, study design, measurement, and training of CHWs as well as engagement with diabetes investigators across UAB’s campus. DRC Collaborations: Dr. Cherrington collaborates with Dr. Pisu to evaluate the cost effectiveness of peer support interventions and a web-based intervention to enhance communication between CHWs and Diabetes Educators. She has had (i) funded grants with: Drs. G Dutton, AP Carson, MN Fouad, M Pisu, T Garvey and J Shikany; (ii) published manuscripts with: Drs. MN Fouad, G. Dutton, M Pisu, R Durant, J Willig, L Lee, J Locher, R Oster, and A Willig; and (iii) selected conference abstracts with: Drs. G Dutton, M Pisu, and J Willig, and has 33 diabetes-related publications in the past five years.

Name/Degree/Title: Olivio J. Clay, PhD; Associate Professor, Department of Psychology

Role in DRC: Scientist in Interventions/Trials/Community Research

Background and Interests: Dr. Clay is a lifespan developmental psychologist trained in health disparities research, methodology, and advanced statistical methods. He is a Gerontological Society of America Fellow and the long-term goal of his research is to aid in developing and translating theory-based, culturally relevant interventions targeted to help reduce health disparities. He is interested in examining disparities between African American and Caucasian older adults in the incidence of diabetes, as well as, disparities within older African Americans and Caucasians with diabetes on complications associated with the disease. He has published on the relationship between diabetes and cognitive decline as well as identified correlates of depressive symptoms among older adults with diabetes.

Funding: Current

Co-I: CDC Prevention Research Center; 1U48DP005037-01 (Davies PI). “Community Influences Transitions of Youth: CITY Health.” 09/30/14 – 09/29/19. PI: Deep South Resource Center on Minority Aging Research (RCMAR) Pilot Grant. “An enhanced social support intervention for African American caregivers.” 07/01/16 – 06/30/17.

Pending Co-I: RFA-RCMAR-15-001 (Bowen, PI). “Physical Activity Text Message Library for Older African American Adults.” 1/11/2016-1/11/2017.

Recently Completed PI: UAB Minority Health & Health Disparities Research Center & UAB Center for Clinical & Translational Science. “Racial Differences in Diabetes Distress: Examining Factors Related to Health Disparities.” 10/01/11 – 09/30/13. PI: Mid-South Transdisciplinary Collaborative Center for Health Disparities. “Examining associations between social determinants of health, obesity and comorbid conditions, and longitudinal outcomes among older African American and Caucasian Medicare beneficiaries.” 04/01/16 – 07/31/16.

Research and Relationship to DRC Effort: Dr. Clay served as Co-PI of the UAB Diabetes and Aging Study of Health (DASH; Clay and Crowe PI’s). Community-dwelling participants were recruited from a commercially available list of older adults (from Equifax) in the Birmingham metropolitan area and using data gathered and maintained by the UAB Roybal Center for Translational Research on Aging and Mobility. Clinic participants were recruited from patients of F. Ovalle of the UAB Diabetes & Endocrinology Clinic. Older African Americans and Caucasians with diabetes were followed for 2 years, and diabetes-specific measures in addition to measures of cognitive functioning, physical health, social support, physician trust, and perceived discrimination were collected. Dr. Clay has also presented multiple times at the DRC’s Intervention and Translational Seminar Series. He is also interested in multiple chronic conditions and clusters of conditions that occur within older adults. Dr. Clay’s current work uses advanced statistical techniques to categorize commonly occurring conditions (including diabetes) and assessing their effects on the longitudinal physical and mental health outcomes of older adults.

Publications (2012-present): 18 publications (including Neurology, Rehabilitation Psychology, Psychology & Aging, and Social Science and Medicine).

DRC Core Usage: Dr. Clay uses the ITC Core for Intervention; Development and Implementation; Recruitment and Retention; Evaluation; and Data Management services.

DRC Collaborations: Dr. Clay collaborates with Dr. P. Bowen and is a Co-I on her recent pilot grant submission to evaluate the effectiveness of a previously validated text message library to increase the physical activity of African American women. Dr. Clay has previously published with: M. Crowe, A. Cherrington, P. Bowen, F. Ovalle, R. Lee, M. Martin, and M. Safford.

Name/Degree/Title: David K. C. Cooper, MD, PhD, FRCS; Professor, Department of Surgery

Role in DRC: Senior Scientist in Islet Biology/Autoimmunity

Background and Interests: David Cooper studied medicine in the UK at Guy’s Hospital Medical School (now part of King’s College London), and trained in general and cardiothoracic surgery in Cambridge and London. Between 1972 and 1980, he was a Fellow and Director of Studies in Medical Sciences at Magdalene College, Cambridge. In 1980 he took up an appointment in cardiac surgery at the University of Cape Town where, under Professor Christiaan Barnard, he had responsibility for patients undergoing heart transplantation. In 1987, he relocated to the Oklahoma Transplantation Institute in the USA where he continued to work in both the clinical and research fields. After 17 years as a surgeon-scientist, he decided to concentrate on research, initially at the Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School in Boston, and subsequently at the University of Pittsburgh, and now at UAB (since 2016). His major interest is in developing cross-species transplantation with the aim of using pigs as sources of organs, cells, and corneas for transplantation in humans, in particular to address diabetes and cardiometabolic disease. Professor Cooper has published 850 medical and scientific papers and chapters, has authored or edited 11 books, has given more than 300 invited presentations worldwide, and received numerous awards for his work.

Funding: Current PI: NIH5U19AI090959; “Genetically-Engineered Pig Organ Transplantation into Non-Human Primates”. PI of Project 4. 5P01 HL107152; (Co-PI:Desai): “Therapeutic Assessment of Synthetic Heparin Sulfates in Transplantation Models” Recently Completed PI: 5U19AI090959 “Genetically-engineered pig organ transplantation into nonhuman primates”. Co-PI: U01AI091197 “Alemtuzumab and Regulatory T cells for Heart Transplant Tolerance in Monkeys” Co-I: NIH-5U01A1066331. Robson (PI) “Thromboregulatory strategies to prolong xenograft survival.” PI: NIH-1U01AI51731-09 “Tolerance to cynomolgus monkey islet allografts using alemtuzumab.” PI: NIH/NHPCSG Opps Round 7 Pool. “The gastric submucosal space (GSMS) as a site for islet allotransplantation”. Co-I: NIH-1U01AI051698. Thomson (PI). “Rhesus monkey dendritic cells for transplant tolerance”.

Research and Relationship to DRC Effort: Dr. Cooper’s research currently encompasses pig islet or composite islet-mesenchymal stromal cell xenotransplantation in the omentum .Our hypotheses are that (i) the omental pouch is a preferable site for islet transplantation (Tx) than the liver (via the portal vein), and (ii) mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) either from porcine adipose tissue or of human embryonic stem cell origin, mixed with porcine islets at the time of Tx into omental pouches, will suppress the initial inflammatory and immune responses, and promote islet engraftment through faster revascularization, which will shorten the time to normoglycemia. By avoiding the instant blood-mediated inflammatory reaction, islet Tx into omental pouches may not require the co-Tx of MSCs, though it is likely that MSCs may help control the immune response. However, we anticipate that transplants composed of mixed islets/MSCs will normalize blood glucose levels more rapidly than islets alone. We anticipate that both sources of MSCs will be effective in supporting islet engraftment, though (based on unpublished data) the hESC/MSCs may induce more rapid engraftment and normalization of glycemia. Longer follow-up may be necessary to determine the fate of MSCs in the recipient and their effect on such factors as cytokine and chemokine production, though early data on changes in cytokines/chemokines will prove valuable.

Publications (2012 to present): 119 publications (including gin AHJ, Cell Transplant, BMJ, Diabetes, Endocrine Res, Immunology, Islets, J Pathol, Kidney Int, Lancet, PLoS One).

DRC Core Usage: Dr. Cooper plans to use the BARB core for bioenergetic flux analysis and tissue/mitochondrial isolation services

DRC Collaborations: Dr. Cooper collaborates with Drs. Shalev and Jun. Name/Degree/Title: Rita M. Cowell, PhD; Associate Professor, Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Neurobiology

Role in the DRC: Senior Scientist in Molecular Signaling

Background and Interests: Since becoming a professor at UAB in 2006, the aim of my lab has been to elucidate the mechanisms of transcriptional regulation of metabolism in neurons, with a particular focus on the gene programs regulated by the transcriptional coactivator peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α). While we focus primarily on neurons and models of neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disease, my work is particularly important for understanding of the ways that tissues with high metabolic demand (liver, heart, and muscle) regulate their function. Furthermore, as polymorphisms in PGC-1α have been associated with diabetes, our work has the potential to reveal mechanisms underlying cardiometabolic and central nervous system comorbidities.

Funding: Current PI: Target Validation Award (#10758) “Utilizing Transcriptional Pathways to Enhance Mitochondrial Health in Models of PD” Co-I: HSF General Endowment Fund. Brooks (PI) “Gross Anatomy Laboratory Upgrades for the Millennial Health Professional Learner”. Pending PI: 1R01NS101958-01. “Transcriptional Regulation of Metabolism in Neurons”.

Research and Relationship to DRC Effort: Since 2006, my lab has focused on determining how transcriptional dysfunction contributes to the generation of abnormal motor behaviors in developmental and neurodegenerative disorders. Specifically, we aim to determine the transcriptional mechanisms that underlie selective neuronal vulnerability in pathological states. Our recent work has revealed a critical role for the transcriptional coactivator PGC-1α (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator-1α) in the maintenance of neuronal gene programs for mitochondrial function, axonal integrity, and synchronous neurotransmitter release. Ongoing projects in the lab focus on identifying ways to enhance signaling through this pathway with the overarching goal of designing approaches to prevent neuronal cell loss and circuit dysfunction in diseases such as Parkinson’s Disease (PD), Huntington Disease, and schizophrenia. Collectively, our work is redefining how neuroscientists think about the functional consequences of PGC-1α deficiency and improving our general understanding of how disruption of transcription in a cell-selective manner gives rise to circuit dysfunction. Because PGC-1α is central to stress-induced transcriptional responses in many tissues, our efforts to understand PGC-1α’s mechanisms of action in different cell types have the potential to improve general understanding of the transcriptional control of systemic metabolic homeostasis. We will continue to explore the possible overlap between our work and the research of other individuals within the Diabetes Research Center to maximize chances for advancement of the field and the success of the center.

Publications (2012 to present): 13 publications including Biochem J, Biol Psychiatry, J Neurosci, Hum Mol Genet, PLoS One, Neuropharmacology, Nat Comm)

DRC Core Usage: I use the BARB core for enzyme activity assays, bioenergetic flux analysis and tissue/mitochondrial isolation consultation services.

DRC Collaborations: I collaborate with DRC members related to mechanisms of PGC-1 and mitochondrial biogenesis in the CNS and effects on systemic metabolism, especially Karen Gamble, whose lab investigates the circadian regulation of behavior and systemic metabolism (4 co-authorships), and have 1 diabetes-related publication in the past five years.. Name/Degree/Title: Michael Crowe, PhD; Associate Professor, Department of Psychology; Assistant Director, Roybal Center for Research in Applied Gerontology

Role in DRC: Scientist in Interventions/Trials/Community Research

Background and Interests: I am a clinical psychologist with specialized training in aging, neuropsychology, and cognitive behavioral therapy. Most of my research has been in the area of risk and protective factors for cognitive decline and dementia in older adults, particularly factors that are modifiable or are related to health disparities, including diabetes. I am currently engaged in research relevant to understanding the interrelationship of cognitive impairment, depressive symptoms, and diabetes/cardiometabolic dysfunction in later life.

Funding: Current PI: R21 AG 045722. “Cognitive Aging in a Population-Based Sample of Older Adults in Puerto Rico”.

Research and Relationship to DRC Effort: Drs. Michael Crowe and Olivio Clay were PIs of a longitudinal cohort study that examined risk factors for cognitive impairment and depressive symptoms in older adults with diabetes. This project was particularly focused on the role of health disparities in cognitive and mental health. We completed baseline assessments for 250 older adults (age 65+), approximately 50% African American, and gathered longitudinal data for these participants. This study was originally funded using our startup funds from the UAB Psychology Department, followed by a pilot grant from the NIH-funded UAB Roybal Center for Research on Applied Gerontology to expand the sample and collect one-year longitudinal data, and then a Charles Barkley award from the UAB Minority Health Research Center to collect two-year follow-up data. We have now published several papers from this study and data have been used for a number of graduate student thesis or dissertation projects, so further publications are forthcoming. Since the last DRC renewal, we have also begun to study risk factors for cognitive impairment and depressive symptoms in a population-based sample of older adults from Puerto Rico. Puerto Ricans have particularly high prevalence of diabetes and we have recently submitted papers related to the interrelationship between diabetes, cognitive decline, and depressive symptoms, as well as the association between diabetes and outcomes such as mortality and disability in this sample.

Publications (2012 to present): 17 publications (including in Journal of Diabetes Research, Ethnicity & Disease, J of Epidemiology and Community Health, Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, Neurology)

DRC Core Usage: Dr. Crowe plans to use the ITC core for consultation services.

DRC Collaborations: Olivio Clay: collaboration on several papers and grants related to diabetes and cognitive and mental health outcomes in older adults. Fernando Ovalle: helped recruit older adults with diabetes from UAB clinic. Richard Kennedy: collaborating on new projects related to diabetes and cognitive outcomes with the Reasons for Racial and Geographic Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) study. Dr. Crowe also has grant and publication collaborations with Drs. Allison, Bailey, Ballinger, Bowen, Casazza, Cherrington, G Howard, VJ Howard, Morrison, and has 5 diabetes-related publications in the past five years. Name/Degree/Title: Xiangqin Cui, PhD; Associate Professor, Department of Biostatistics, Section on Statistical Genetics

Role in DRC: Senior Scientist in Epidemiology/Genetics

Background and Interests: I am an associate professor of Biostatistics at UAB with research effort in data analyses of omics studies. Since I joined UAB in 2004, I have been conducting methodology and application research in genome-wide studies, such as gene expression (both arrays and next-generation sequencing), DNA methylation, metabolomics, and microbiome. I have served as a Co-investigator/Biostatistician for statistical data analyses in many grants involving transcriptomics and/or epigenomics studies.

Funding: Current CoI: R01CA186646, (Brown, PI). “Molecular characterization of myeloma and related asymptomatic precursor states” Co-I: R21CA182861, (Brown, PI). “The Role of Exosome Heparanase and miRNAs as Biomarkers for Myeloma”. Co-I: R01CA178441. (Tollefsbol, PI). “Combinatorial Epigenetic-Based Prevention of Breast Cancer” Co-I: P30 DK079337, (Agarwal, PI). UAB-UCSD O'Brien Core Center for Acute Kidney Injury Research PI: P60AR064172. “Multidiscipllinary Clinical Research Center - Methods Core”

Pending Co-I: NIH/NCI (PI: Tollefsbol) “Early life prevention of breast cancer with combined epigenetic botanicals” Co-I: NIH/NINDS (Cowell) 1R01NS101958. “Transcriptional Regulation of Metabolism in Neurons.”

Recently Completed Co-I: 1R01HL109785-01A1 (Dell'Italia, PI). “Mitochondrial Haplotype Influences LV Dysfunction in Heart Failure.”

Research and Relationship to DRC Effort: I have served as a Co-investigator/Biostatistician for statistical data analyses in multiple funded grants involving transcriptomics and/or epigenomics studies. I have performed analyses on several datasets of DRC members related to kidney disease, diabetes, insulin resistance and cardiometabolic disease.

Publications (2012 to present): 32 publications (including in AJCN, Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol, Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol., BMC Bioinformatics, BMC Genomics, Epigenetics, Front Genet, J Am Soc Nephrol.)

DRC Core Use: N/A

DRC Collaborations: Dr. Cui has grant and publication collaborations with Drs. Agarwal, Allison, Allon, Aslibekyan, Bamman, Barnes, Casazza, Cowell, Dell'Italia, Garvey, Gutierrez, Jun, Kabarowski, Kilgore, Oparil, Oster, Prasain, Redden, Reynolds, Sanders, Tiwari, Tollefsbol, and Yi, and has 6 diabetes-related publications in the past five years. Name/Degrees/Title: Victor M. Darley-Usmar, PhD; Endowed Professor of Mitochondrial Medicine and Pathology; Vice Chair for Research, Department of Pathology; Director, Center for Free Radical Biology Role in DRC: Senior Scientist, Vascular Disease Background and Interests: Dr. Darley-Usmar joined UAB in 1995 where he is now Director of the Center for Free Radical Biology and vice chair of Research for the Department of Pathology. Dr. Darley-Usmar is internationally recognized for his pioneering work in free radical biology and bioenergetics. Currently, his research program focuses on redox cell signaling and molecular bioenergetics in metabolism, and how abnormalities contribute to the pathogenesis of diabetes and vascular disease. He is developing novel methods to assess the measurement of oxidative stress in mitochondria and defining how the mitochondrial response to oxidative stress contributes to bioenergetic dysfunction in diabetes.

Funding: Current R21 AA023273 Multi PI (Contact PI: Darley-Usmar, Singal) Translational Bioenergetics in Patients with Alcoholic Liver Disease P30 AG 050886 National Institute on Aging (PI: Austad, Darley-Usmar Core Director) Comparative Energetics and Aging. Nathan Shock Center of Excellence in the Basic Biology of Aging Co-I: R21HL127599 A (PI: Zhou) Novel Optogenetic Tool for Precise Mitochondrial Control Co-I: P30DK079337 UAB/UCSD O'Brien Core Center for Acute Kidney Injury Research - Core C Pending Co-I: Chatham, John C DOD Circadian Disruption Accelerates Cardiovascular Dysfunction During Diabetes via Abbarent O-GlcNAc Signaling Recently Completed (select – see biosketch) R01HL109785 (Multi PI:Darley-Usmar, Dell’Italia) Mitochondrial Haplotype Influences LV Dysfunction in Heart Failure. R01HL107585-01 (PI: Zmijewski, Darley-Usmar Co Investigator) AMPK activation and acute lung injury

Research and Relationship to DRC Effort: Dr. Darley-Usmar is a leader in the DRC in the areas of free radical biology, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction in diabetes and cardiometabolic disease. His research focuses on cellular redox signaling and molecular bioenergetics in the pathogenesis of metabolic and vascular disease processes. These studies have broad implications in the mechanisms through which cells initially adapt to stress during inflammation or therapeutic intervention. His recent efforts have included the development of mitochondria-targeted therapeutics for the treatment of vascular complications associated with diabetes. The development of mitochondrial therapeutics and the emerging importance of mitochondrial genetics in susceptibility to disease recently prompted Drs. Darley-Usmar and S Ballinger to establish a Mitochondrial Medicine Laboratory at UAB. The goal of this initiative is to translate the expertise in mitochondrial bioenergetics, genetics, and assessment of cellular bioenergetics to human populations. This will include determining the impact of mitochondrial DNA sequence in human populations on the development of Type II Diabetes, and the impact of diet on this process.

Publications (2012-present): Dr. Darley-Usmar has articles published on the last five years in such journals as Redox Biol, FASEB Journal, Redox Biol, Autophagy, and Free Radic Biol Med.

DRC Core Use: Dr. Darley-Usmar uses the Bio-Analytical REDOX Biology core for expertise in preparation of mitochondria for bioenergetic flux analysis, oxidative/stress measures and consultation services

DRC Collaborations: Dr. Darley-Usmar has grant and publication collaborations with Drs. Agarwal, Allison, Austad, Bailey, Ballinger, Barnes, Chatham, Y Chen, Dell'Italia, De Luca, Garber, Garvey, Gower, Halade, Hardy, Hartman, Hunter, Kesterson, Kim, Mitra, Moellering, Nagy, Namakkal, Oparil, Patel, Pollock, Ramanadham, Sanders, Shalev, Smith, Szalai, Tiwari, Tollefsbol, Vayalil, Wende, White, Willig, Young, and Zhou, and has 26 diabetes-related publications in the past five years. Name/Degree/Title: Susan L. Davies, PhD; Associate Professor, Department of Health Behavior

Role in DRC: Scientist in Interventions/Trials/Community Research

Background and Interests: I am a behavioral scientist with expertise in tailored health communications and behavioral intervention research. I received my B.S. from Florida State University, Master’s from George Mason University and PhD from UAB. I completed a pre-doctoral fellowship by the National Cancer Institute through the UAB Cancer Prevention and Control Training Grant. I have worked collaboratively with families, schools and community groups in designing, implementing and evaluating theory-based interventions for a broad array of special populations and in training health educators, peer educators, and community volunteers. I teach courses in family and community health, intervention development, and program evaluation. I mentor Master’s and doctoral students from numerous academic programs across campus, as well as junior faculty in Health Behavior, Medicine, Sociology and related disciplines. I serve on numerous community, state, and national boards and advisory committees focusing on at-risk youth and families.

Funding: Current PI: 1U48DP001915-01; CDC; CITY Health II PI; UAB SOPH Dean’s Office Back of the Envelope Awards; Finding positive deviants among at-risk minority males to promote self-agency Co-I: R01 MH098348-01; Neurobiological Mechanisms of Lower Internalizing Disorders in Black Americans Pending PI: Outcomes, Disparities and Population Health Research Pilot awards RFA; Making the Most of the Early Adolescent Preventive Care Visit Recently Completed PI: 1R01AA017880-01A1; Time Horizons Co-I: NIMHD (Pilot Award); Stop Obesity Now: A Family-Based Intervention to Reduce Obesity in the Black Belt PI: 1U19DP002665-01; PI; CDC; Healthy Passages.

Research and Relationship to DRC Effort: My research activities broadly involve efforts to improve health and quality of life among at risk youth and caregivers living in urban poverty. My two main content areas are adolescent risk and protective behaviors that precipitate early childbearing, HIV and other STIs; and mental health and adaptive coping in mothers with multiple burdens and few resources. I have served as PI for several longitudinal studies relevant to this application, including Community Influences Transition of Youth (CITY Health II), an HIV prevention study that uses respondent driven sampling to reach and engage African American emerging adults (N=400) in a randomized controlled community-based study using entertainment education and local bands to share targeted risk reduction messages via social media platforms among peer networks; Healthy Passages, a prospective study of adolescents and parents to investigate the impact of multiple positive and negative contextual factors on health behaviors and outcomes in a large (N=5,000) multi- ethnic cohort of 5th graders and their primary caregivers living in three diverse US communities (Birmingham, Houston, and Los Angeles); My Sister’s Keeper, a study to examine maternal depression among low-income single mothers in Birmingham, using community based participatory research (CBPR) methods; and MOMS (Making Our Mothers Stronger), a behavioral intervention study aiming to reduce parenting stress while building trusting relationships among mothers living with HIV. I have worked collaboratively with academic researchers from a range of disciplines to help them identify and address community needs through designing, implementing and evaluating theory-based interventions for a broad array of special populations and in training health educators, peer educators, and community volunteers to address health behaviors that affect sexual and mental health, as well as risks for cardiometabolic dysfunction and diabetes in high risk populations.

Publications (2012 to present): 25 publications (including in Pain Med, J Adolesc Health, Acad Ped, J Health Care Poor Underserved. Archives of Community Med and PH, Pediatrics, Am J Pub Health, NEJM)

DRC Core Use: N/A

DRC Collaborations: Dr. Davies has grant and publication collaborations with Drs. Dutton, G Hunter, Michael, and Weech-Maldonado, and has 1 diabetes-related publication in the past five years. Name/Degree/Title: Jennifer DeBerry, PhD; Assistant Professor, Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine

Role in DRC: Mentored Scientist in Diabetes Complications

Background and Interests: I earned a PhD in Psychology - Behavioral Neuroscience in 2010 from the University of Alabama at Birmingham followed by postdoctoral training in Neurobiology at the University of Pittsburgh and in the Pittsburgh Center for Pain Research. My graduate training focused on descending modulation of visceral pain related to early-in-life inflammation and stress, and I expanded my focus during my postdoctoral training to include primary afferent neurobiology and mechanisms underlying chronic bladder pain. Currently, I am an Assistant Professor in the Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine in the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine. The overarching focus of my research is on understanding how changes in information processing lead to persistent pain and/or organ dysfunction, still with a primary focus on bladder. We utilize a combination of in vivo and in vitro techniques to study the function of distinct anatomical and neurochemical subsets of sensory neurons and their central connections in animal models of inflammation, and more recently diabetes and chemotherapy-induced neuropathy.

Funding: Current PI: K01 DK101681. Optogenetic dissection of the functional properties of bladder afferent populations PI: Comprehensive Cancer Center Junior Faculty Development Grant. “Role of growth factors (ARTN, GDNF) in TRPA1-dependent mechanisms of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy”

Completed PI: F32 DK094593. “Effects of inflammation in a mouse model of interstitial cystitis”. PI: American Pain Society Future Leaders in Pain Research. “Mechanisms underlying long-term afferent sensitization and persistent bladder pain.”

Research and Relationship to DRC Effort: Although autonomic neuropathy was traditionally viewed as the underlying cause of diabetic bladder dysfunction, a more current view accounts for the potential roles of other sensory components. However, sensory innervation of the urinary bladder is complex, and comprised of heterogeneous neuronal types that contribute to multiple processes, e.g., monitoring of homeostatic mechanisms and detecting potentially damaging stimuli. Anatomical and neurochemical properties, such as whether neurons have myelinated or unmyelinated fibers or express neuropeptides, compound the heterogeneity of each functional group. We are particularly interested in how subtypes of these neurons contribute to changes in bladder sensation leading to bladder dysfunction (overactivity or underactivity). We are currently conducting pilot and feasibility studies in two areas examining the contributions/role of urothelial versus non-urothelial neurons to DBD, and the importance and underlying mechanisms of glial cell line-derived family of growth factors in driving sensory neuronal changes that lead to bladder dysfunction.

Publications (2012 to present): Dr. DeBerry has 11 publications (including in PNAS, Brain Res, J Pain, Inflamm Bowel Dis, J Neurosci, Pain, Cancer Res, PLoS One).

DRC Core Use: Dr. DeBerry plans to use the BARB core for BARB core tissue/mitochondrial isolation services.

DRC Collaborations: Hubert Tse, PhD has provided guidance and expertise on animal models of diabetes to help inform the design of ongoing pilot studies to examine primary afferent mechanisms contributing to altered bladder sensation and function in diabetes.

Name/Degree/Title: Louis J Dell’Italia, MD; Professor, Department of Pathology; Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology; Associate Chief of Staff for Research, Birmingham VA Medical Center

Role in DRC: Senior Scientist in Vascular Disease

Background and Interests: The overarching theme of my research is to understand the biochemical and molecular mechanisms that regulate left ventricular (LV) remodeling in various forms of heart failure. Over the past 25 years my laboratory has implemented a multi-disciplinary approach incorporating in vitro and in vivo systems in addition to translational / clinical studies that have provided the impetus for biochemical and molecular mechanisms of LV myocardial remodeling in response to a pure volume overload. Toward this goal we my laboratory and collaborators have made seminal contributions to the compartmentalization and actions of the serine protease chymase in angiotensin II formation and other direct protease actions of chymase in tissue. This has now expanded from the extracellular space to chymase actions within cardiomyocytes and fibroblasts in addition to extending the paradigm from mast cells as the only source of chymase to its production and release from fibroblasts and endothelial cells.

Funding: Current PI: R01 HL109785-01. “Mitochondrial Haplotype Influences LV Dysfunction in Heart Failure”. PI: VA Merit Review “Chymase-Angiotensin-(1-12) Axis in Human Heart Disease”. Mult-PI: UAB AMC21 (Multi-PI: Sanders/Chen/Dell’Italia/Collawn) “Cardiovascular Complications of Renal Disease”. Mult-PI: P01HL051952 - 21A1 (Role: Project 2: Dell’Italia PI) “Chymase-Angiotensin-(1-12) Axis in Human Heart Disease” PI: 1I01BX003664-01 Merit Review. “Pathophysiology of Extracellular Matrix and Desmin Breakdown in Volume Overload Heart.” Co-I: 1 U01 ES027697-01 (Jilling/Matalon – PI) “CIALIS® reverses halogen induced injury to pregnant animals and their offspring”. Completed Research PI: R01 HL097176-04. “Xanthine Oxidase and Bioenergetic Function in Volume Overload.”

Research and Relationship to DRC Effort: My laboratory has been active in providing physiological function for studies of diabetes in particular hemodynamic and noninvasive evaluation of cardiac and vascular function in animals and humans. Diastolic dysfunction or heart failure with preserved ejection fraction is a very common problem in diabetic and obese patients. Our work with Dr. Shalev has demonstrated insights into how TXNIP regulates myocardial fatty acid oxidation via miR-33a signaling. In addition our collaborative work with Drs. Chatham and Chen has studied the effect of glycosylation on cardiovascular function and autophagic signaling in the heart. Finally, as outlined below in Core Activity, we have found that much of mitochondrial ROS production that is characteristic of the diabetic heart is also an important component of cardiomyocyte remodeling and function in the pure volume overload through our collaborations with Dr. Ballinger.

Publications (2012 to present): 56 publications (including in Am J Cardiol., Am J Med, Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol., Biochem J, Circulation, Cleve Clin J Med., J Am Soc Nephrol., PLoS One, Toxicology.)

DRC Core Use: Our work in mitochondrial function in the pure volume overload has required the collaboration of Dr. Scott Ballinger and the BARB Core. Dr. Dell’Italia uses the Animal Core for Transgenic services. Dr. Dell'Italia uses the BARB core for enzyme activity assays, tissue/mitochondrial isolation and consultation services.

DRC Collaborations: Dr. Dell'Italia has grant and publication collaborations with Drs. Ballinger, Bamman, Barnes, Calhoun, Chathem, Chen J, Y Chen, YY Chen, Cui, Darley-Usmar, Garber, Kesterson, Lloyd, Moellering, Prasain, Sanders, Shalev, Young, and Zhou, and has 14 diabetes-related publications in the past five years.

Name/Degree/Title: Maria De Luca, PhD; Associate Professor, Department of Nutrition Sciences Role in DRC: Senior Scientist, Molecular Signaling; Pilot and Feasibility Recipient Background and Interests: Dr. De Luca joined UAB in November 2002 as a research-track fellow in the Department of Environmental Health Sciences, and subsequently joined the faculty in the Department of Nutrition Sciences, where she became an Associate Professor in 2011. Dr. De Luca has a background in human molecular population genetics acquired throughout her graduate research and postdoctoral fellowships. As a post-doctoral fellow in the Dept. of Genetics at NC State University, she expanded her research experience to genetics and analysis of quantitative traits using D. melanogaster as an experimental organism. Dr. De Luca studies the effects of genes on metabolic phenotypes in Drosophila such as size of the fat body, mitochondrial energetics, and glycogen content of wing musculature. Her research was initially focused on the genetics of aging, but she has now largely transitioned to Drosophila models of genetic variation governing energy metabolism to identify new genes causing human obesity, diabetes, and the cardiometabolic syndrome. Funding: Pending PI: 1R21AG054826-01 “Genetic basis of variability in mitochondrial function response to ACE inhibition with aging” Recently Completed PI: UAB DRTC Pilot/Feasibility award, “A role for Sdc4 in cellular senescence in adipose tissue” Co-I: UAB DRTC Pilot/Feasibility award (PI: S Bailey), “Systems Genetics Approach in Understanding NAFLD” PI: R01 DK084219, “Genetic control of quantitative traits associated with the metabolic syndrome” Co-I: R01 GM069430 (PI: N Yi), “Bayesian Methods for Genome-Wide Interacting QTL Mapping” Co-I: UAB DRTC Pilot/Feasibility award (PI: D Moellering), “Calmodulin-binding transcription factors affecting mitochondrial uncoupling and energy metabolism” Research and Relationship to DRC Effort: Substantial progress has been made in our understanding of the cellular mechanisms linking adipose tissue and adverse health effects in the last decade. However, a major gap in our understanding is that little is known about the genetic control linking these metabolic disorders in natural populations. This lack of information limits our ability to design preventive and therapeutic treatments directed at genetic targets to maintain and/or restore proper metabolic function. To address this need, Dr. De Luca is investigating the genetic architecture of several traits that are involved in whole organism energy homeostasis in Drosophila melanogaster. The long-term goal of these studies is to identify evolutionary conserved genetic pathways underlying variability in endophenotypes associated with the metabolic syndrome in humans. Dr. De Luca and her colleagues have already used Drosophila to identify genetic variants in human genes, such as Laminin, alpha 5 (LAMA5) and syndecan-4 (SDC4), which are associated with inter-individual variability in metabolic traits. Currently, she is exploring the role of SDC4 in adipose tissue inflammation and cellular senescence through a study funded by the UAB DRTC Pilot/Feasibility program. Publications (2012-present): 8 peer-reviewed publications (including Cell Metabolism and Mechanisms of Ageing and Development) DRC Core Use: Dr. De Luca uses the Bio-Analytical REDOX Biology Core extensively for measuring mitochondrial respiration in mitochondria isolated from thoraces of flies. She also uses the Animal Physiology Core for measuring body composition in live flies with quantitative magnetic resonance and the core has also created systems for assessing energy expenditure in small numbers of specific Drosophila strains.

DRC Core Use: Dr. DeLuca uses the Animal Core for Transgenic services and the BARB core for O2 consumption, enzyme activity assays, bioenergetic flux analysis, tissue/mitochondrial isolation, oxidative/stress measures and consultation services. DRC Collaborations: Dr. De Luca is engaged in many successful collaborations with other DRC members, including those with Drs. Bailey and Moellering to identify the regulatory genes controlling muscle mitochondria coupling efficiency in D. melanogaster; Drs. Garvey, Fernandez, Gower, and Hunter to investigate genetic variation affecting quantitative traits associated with the metabolic syndrome in humans; and Dr. Yi to apply novel statistical methods for the analysis of complex traits to energy metabolism data in Drosophila. She has had (i) funded grants with: S Bailey, JR Fernández, D Moellering, N Yi; and (ii) publications with: DR Moellering, PC Chandler-Laney, JR Fernández.

Name/Degree/Title: Laura E. Dreer, PhD; Associate Professor, Department of Ophthalmology

Role in DRC: Senior Scientist in Interventions/Trials/Community Research

Background and Interests: Dr. Laura Dreer is a licensed clinical medical rehabilitation psychologist and neuropsychologist by training as well as a, scientist practitioner with extensive expertise in developing, delivering, and evaluating the impact of medical psychological rehabilitation interventions, neuropsychological assessments, health behaviors, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) based health promotion programs, health disparities, and capacity-related issues. She is the Director of the UAB Psychological & Neuropsychological Clinical Research Services that focuses on both clinical and research efforts across disabilities (traumatic brain injury; eye diseases such as diabetic retinopathy) and age groups (pediatrics to older adults). More recently, she is examining the impact of adjustment to diabetic retinopathy (e.g., depression, physical activity, nutrition, obesity) as well as traumatic brain injury (TBI) and obesity.

Funding Current PI: UAB Nutrition Obesity Research Center (NORC); Title: Examination of obesity, nutrition/dietary intake, physical activity, and lifestyle behaviors among people with vision impairments: Implications for the development of a tailored weight management behavioral health program. 0/7/01/16-07/01/17. PI: National Institute of Health (NIH) / National Eye Institute (NEI) 1R01EY025331-01; Title: Enhancing Glaucoma Medication Adherence Among African Americans. 04/01/15-03/31/20. Co-PI: ACL / National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR) #90DP0044; Title: UAB Traumatic Brain Injury Model System (TBI). Project PI on Research Project “Evaluation of a Telehealth-Based Lifestyle Program for Patients with Moderate/Severe TBI Who Are Overweight/Obese” 10/01/12-09/30/17.

Research and Relationship to DRC Effort: We have several ongoing projects at various stages examining the adjustment to disability and/or evaluating the impact of lifestyle interventions on patient-health outcomes among persons with disability. Given the co-morbidity of diabetes in these areas (e.g., obesity and diabetes in people with TBI, older adults, diabetic retinopathy and other eye diseases), this is an important area. One project is designed to look at the prevalence of obesity/overweight problems among various eye diseases (diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma) as well as the barriers related to physical activity and healthy dietary intake due to vision loss. The goal is to use the information to develop a lifestyle intervention to foster health promoting behaviors. Another project is designed to evaluate a telehealth-based weight management program for overweight/obese patients with TBI. Many of these patients also have or are at risk for diabetes and other secondary complications post-injury.

Publications (2012 to present): 31 publications (including in Neurology, Health Promot Pract., Am J Occup Ther., J Health Dispar Res Pract., J Aging Health., J Clin Psychol.)

DRC Core Use: I plan to utilize the ITC Core for consultation and training that will ultimately enhance our research in obesity (vision loss among patients with diabetic retinopathy; diabetes and traumatic brain injury) for some of the work in our developing projects in disability and obesity/diabetes related research.

DRC Collaborations: Given our current projects and relevance to diabetes (risk for diabetes or living with diabetes-related complications), we anticipate consulting with DRC collaborators (e.g., Dr. Lewis, Dr. Cherrington) as data becomes available. This will enhance our interpretation of findings and pursuit of future projects related to diabetes. I have grant and publication collaborations with Dr. Barnes, and have 1 diabetes- related publication in the past five years. Name/Degree/Title: Nefertiti H. Durant MD, MPH; Associate Professor, Pediatrics; Director, Eating Disorders Clinic, Adolescent Health Center, Children’s of Alabama Role in DRC: Scientist in Interventions/Trials/Community Research Background and Interests: Dr. Durant was recruited to the UAB School of Medicine in 2006 as an Assistant Professor in the Division of Pediatrics. Prior to coming to UAB, Dr. Durant completed her Adolescent Medicine Fellowship and her Pediatrics Health Services Research Fellowship at Children’s Hospital in Boston in 2006. Dr. Durant has also completed a MPH in Maternal Child Health at the Harvard School of Public Health, as well as the Commonwealth Funded Harvard University Minority Health Policy Fellowship. Dr. Durant has a secondary appointment at the UAB Division of Preventive Medicine. Additionally, she has appointments in the UAB Outcomes and Effectiveness Research and Education (COERE) and the UAB Minority Health Research Center (MHRC). Dr. Durant’s research focus is the promotion of physical activity and nutrition via innovative technologies, especially in adolescents, young adults, African American women, and other underserved populations. Dr. Durant has expertise in: formative data collection and analyses, recruitment and retention among young diverse populations, and physical activity measurement including utilization of accelerometers and heart rate monitors to appropriately monitor physical activity. Dr. Durant has received several awards and is a member of the Editorial Board of Childhood Obesity. Funding: Current PI: American Heart Association 09SDG2250272, “FIT HARRT (Fitness with Technology – Heart Risk Factor Reduction Tool: Walking, CVD Risk Factors and Young Black Women)” PI: RWJF 66330, “Weight Loss and Physical Activity in Young Adult African American Women: Harnessing the Power of Technology (WEBSTEP)” PI: UAB Minority Health Research Center / Center for Clinical and Translational Sciences (CCTS): “WEBWALK: Exercise in Young African American Women: Advancing methods of promotion of PA via development of internet-based intervention delivery” Co-I: NHLBI N01-HC-48047 (PI: CE Lewis), “Coronary Artery Risk Disease in Young Adults (CARDIA) Year 25 Study Contract Renewal” Recently Completed PI: Pilot grant award from UAB Nutrition and Obesity Research Center (P30 DK05636). Research and Relationship to DRC Effort: Dr. Durant is another member of a strong research nucleus of DRC investigators engaged in diabetes prevention research. She is developing innovative culturally relevant weight loss intervention strategies that promote physical activity and healthy eating in overweight African American women ages 19-30, a population at high risk for developing diabetes and cardiometabolic diseases later in life. Dr. Durant is interested in determining whether physical activity and nutrition interventions can be delivered via the internet and other innovative technologies in this vulnerable population. Currently, Dr. Durant is developing and piloting prototypes for culturally adapted internet-based interventions to promote physical activity and healthy eating among young, overweight African American women. The goal of Dr. Durant’s study FIT HARRT is to develop a culturally relevant, technology-based physical activity promotion intervention for overweight African American women ages 19-30. This intervention aims to promote moderate intensity physical activity and to explore the effects of the intervention on insulin sensitivity. Through funding from the RWJF (WEBSTEP) Dr. Durant is also developing and pilot testing a culturally appropriate theory-based technology intervention to promote walking among overweight and obese African American undergraduate and graduate students. Overall, results from Dr. Durant’s studies will establish culturally appropriate interventions to promote weight loss and prevent diabetes in this at-risk population. Publications (20012-present): 13 publications (including Prev Med, Am J Health Promot, Pediatr Exerc Sci) DRC Core Use: Dr. Durant has used both the Metrics and Health Services Research and Community Engagement Cores of the DRC and will use the Interventions & Translation Core of the DRC for assessment of lifestyle measures. DRC Collaborations: Dr. Durant collaborates extensively with DRC members HO Affuso, JD Ard, GR Dutton, CE Lewis and DB Allison. She has (i) funded grants with: HO Affuso, JD Ard, GR Dutton, CE Lewis; and (ii) publications with: HO Affuso, DB Allison, K Cassazza, D Pekmezi, K Fontaine and CE Lewis.

Name/Degrees/Title: Raegan Durant, MD, MPH; Associate Professor, Department of Medicine, Division of Preventive Medicine

Role in DRC: Scientist in Interventions/Trials/Community Research

Background and Interests: Dr. Durant is a physician scientist in the Division of Preventive Medicine within the Department of Medicine. He also serves as the Medical Director for Primary Care at Cooper Green, a local safety net health system in Jefferson County. He earned his MD from John Hopkins University in 2000 and went on to complete fellowship training in General Internal Medicine at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center from 2003-2006. Since his arrival at UAB in 2006, his research interests include health disparities and chronic disease with an emphasis on minority recruitment. To that end, much of his research has focused on the identification of barriers to minority participation in clinical trials as well as the study of racial disparities in cardiovascular disease outcomes. More recently, he has begun to focus on interventions aimed at improving minority participation in clinical trials. As a Co-PI of a 5-member consortium study, he is currently leading efforts to explore the use of patient navigation to increase minority recruitment in therapeutic cancer clinical trials.

Funding: Current PI: U24MD006970 Enhancing Minority Participation in Clinical Trials (EMPaCT): Phase II Project PI: NIH U54MD008620 (PI:Vickers, Co-PI:Shikany) National Trans-disciplinary Collaborative Center for African American Men’s Health – Patient Navigation to Reduce Readmissions Among Black Men with CHF Co-I: NIH N01HC95095 (PI: Shikany) Longitudinal Studies of Coronary Heart Disease in Young Adults Pilot PI: National Institutes of Health/DHHS U54CA118948 Morehouse School of Medicine/Tuskegee University/University of Alabama Cancer Center Partnership

Complete Co-I: R01HL080477 (PI: Safford) REasons for Geographic And Racial Differences in Stroke-Myocardial Infarction PI: AHA 0835403N Social Support, Patients’ Needs, and Hospital Use for Heart Failure

Research and Relationship to DRC Effort: Dr. Durant is an expert in minority recruitment. In the next funding cycle, Dr. Durant will formally make this expertise available to DRC investigators as part of the ITC faculty. He has also conducted work related to the intersection of social support, heart failure self-care, and outcomes among African Americans with heart failure. He is currently the PI on a project exploring a patient navigator- delivered educational and support intervention to reduce readmission rates among African American men with heart failure. Dr. Durant will provide guidance on strategies to enhance minority recruitment and retention in diabetes-related research studies as well as expertise on measurement specific to health disparities research. In his capacity as Medical Director of Cooper Green Mercy Health System he will also help to facilitate research in partnership with that institution.

Publications (2012 to present): 15 publications (J Racial Ethn Health Disparities, Am Heart J, Ann Epidemiol., Circulation, BMC Public Health, Am J Prev Med, J Am Heart Assoc., JAMA, BMC Health Serv Res.

DRC Core Usage: Dr. Durant’s research collaboration with the ITC specifically leveraging Dr. Cherrington’s community work with local African American churches facilitated the completion of a pilot study on self-care for hypertension among African-Americans. Additionally, Dr. Durant has benefited from engaging Dr. Lewis and her extensive experience in large trials for his ongoing RCT to recruit 400 older adults with NYHA stage III/IV Heart Failure.

DRC Collaborations: Dr. Durant collaborates closely with Drs. Fouad, Lewis, Pisu, and Cherrington. He has facilitated recruitment for ITC members including Drs. Garvey, Gower, Bowen and Lee within Cooper Green Mercy Health System. Dr. Durant has grant and publication collaborations with Drs. Affuso, Allison, Barnes, Baskin, Bebok, Casazza, Cherrington, Durant R, Dutton, Fontaine, Garvey, Lewis, Mehta, Pekmezi, Sen, Shikany, Smith, and Wang Q, and has 13 diabetes-related publications in the past five years.

Name/Degree/Title: Gareth R. Dutton, PhD; Associate Professor, Dept. of Medicine, Div. of Preventive Medicine Role in DRC: Scientist in Interventions/Trials; Pilot and Feasibility Recipient Background and Interests: Dr. Dutton received his PhD in Clinical Psychology with a specialization in Behavioral Medicine from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, LA. He completed his pre-doctoral clinical internship at Brown University, and served as an Assistant Professor at the Florida State University College of Medicine (2005-2011) before joining UAB in 2011. Dr. Dutton’s research interests include behavioral/lifestyle interventions for weight loss, increasing physical activity, and diabetes prevention. He has particular interests in interventions as they are implemented in applied and community-based settings and with underserved and minority populations. Related areas of interest include predictors of weight loss maintenance, the modification of maintenance programs to minimize weight regain following treatment, and the role of physicians in weight loss counseling.

Funding: Current PI: R01DK106041: “Primary Care Obesity Management in the Southeast (PROMISE)” 04/01/16 - 03/31/21 PI: R01DK103863: “Fixed Versus Variable Energy Reduction During Behavioral Obesity Treatment” 06/15/15 – 05/31/20 PI: R03DK1017951: “Understanding Racial/Ethnic Differences in Weight Loss Maintenance and Regain” 04/01/14 – 03/31/17 (NCE) PI: R03DK101795: “Understanding Racial/Ethnic Differences in Weight Loss Maintenance and Regain (Administrative Supplement)” 07/01/15 – 03/31/17 (NCE) Co-I: NO1 HC48047: “Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA): Field Center02/01/89 – 06/30/18 Co-I: UO1DK057008: “Action for Health in Diabetes Extension Study Research Project” 02/17/16 – 01/31/21 Co-I: P30DK079626: “UAB Diabetes Research Center” 03/25/13 – 02/28/18 Pending PI: R01DK114737: “Examining a Cognitive Self-Regulatory Phenotype for Behavioral Obesity Treatment Outcomes. 07/01/17 – 06/30/21 Co-I: R01 DK114118: “Using Social Determinants of Health to Identify Individuals at High Risk for Diabetes and Its Complications” 07/01/17 – 06/30/21 Co-I: R01HL137931: “Attenuating Summer Weight Gain in Children by Promoting Fruit and Vegetable Consumption with/out Desire Resistance Messaging: A Randomized Controlled Trial.” 09/01/17 – 08/31/22 Recently Completed (select – see biosketch) PI: K23DK081607: “Improving Weight Loss Maintenance through Alternative Schedules of Treatment” 07/01/11 – 03/31/15

Research and Relationship to DRC Effort: Dr. Dutton’s research focuses on behavioral interventions to promote weight loss, physical activity, and weight loss maintenance, with an eye towards diabetes prevention. He is particularly interested in the implementation and dissemination of clinic- and community-based strategies to prevent diabetes through lifestyle modification and weight loss. To accomplish these goals, intervention protocols in his research studies are based on evidence-based programs, including the Diabetes Prevention Program. As part of this work, he has numerous collaborations with other UAB investigators involved in diabetes prevention and weight management interventions as well as observational studies focused on obesity and other cardiometabolic risk factors. Publications (2012 to present): 39 publications including in Obesity, Nutr Today, BMC Res Notes, Diabetes Educ, Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act, Obes Res Clin Pract, Nutr Res., Prev Med., Diabetes Care. DRC Core Use: The resources available at UAB through the DRC were an incentive for Dr. Dutton to join this institution. Dr. Dutton uses the Human Core for Analytical and Body Composition services. He also uses the ITC Core for Intervention; Development and Implementation; Measurement; Recruitment and Retention; Evaluation; and Data Management services. DRC Collaborations: Dr. Dutton has grant and publication collaborations with Drs. Affuso, Allison, Baskin, Brown, Casazza, Chandler-Laney, Cherrington, Davies, Desmond, Durant N, Fontaine, Garvey, Gower, Halanych, G Hunter, Lewis, Mehta, Oster, Pekmezi, Scarinci, Sen, Shikany, Smith, and Willig, and has 19 diabetes-related publications in the past five years. Name/Degree/Titles: Yogesh Dwivedi, PhD; Professor, Department of Psychiatry

Role in DRC: Senior Scientist in Integrative Metabolism

Background and Interests: I received my Ph.D. from Central Drug Research Institute, India, a premier research institution with a focus of developing novel drugs. I did my post-doctoral training at the Illinois State Psychiatric Research Institute, Chicago. I then joined University of Illinois at Chicago as Assistant Professor and reached to the rank of tenured Professor. I joined the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Alabama at Birmingham in August 2013 as Elesabeth Ridgely Shook Endowed Chair in Psychiatry and tenured Professor and Director of Translational Research, UAB Mood Disorders Program. I have received numerous awards, and am member of National Institute of Mental Health study section; Scientific Advisory Council of American Foundation of Suicide Prevention; and Genetics and Neurobiology Task Force associated with International Association of Suicide Prevention. I am consistently funded by National Institute of Mental Health and American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. I have published 130 papers, numerous book chapters and have edited a book “The Neurobiological Basis of Suicide.” I am in the editorial Board of several scientific journals and has been invited world-wide for various talks and symposia.

Funding: Current MPI: 1R01MH107183. (MPI: Dwivedi/Shelton). Plasma exosomal microRNAs as promising novel biomarkers for suicidality and treatment outcome. PI: Standard Research Grant. “Plasma microRNAs as Biomarker for Suicidality and Treatment”. MPI: 3R01MH107183-02S1. (MPI: Dwivedi/Shelton). Plasma Exosomal MicroRNAs as Promising Novel Biomarkers for Suicidality and Treatment Outcome. PI: 1R01 MH082802. “Calcium Sensing Proteins in Depression” PI: R01MH101890-01. “Perturbed cell signaling network and suicide neurobiology” PI: R01MH100616-01A1. “MicroRNA Mapping in Major Depression”. Co-PI: UAB Comprehensive Diabetes Center Pilot Grant. “Do MicroRNAs Link Diabetes with Depression and Suicide” Pending MPI: R21. (Dwivedi/Shelton MPI). “MicroRNA Mediators of Early Life Stress Vulnerability and Resilience”

Description of Research Projects and Relevance to Diabetes and Cardiometabolic Disease: I recently became interested in understanding whether depression and diabetes mellitus (DM) are interlinked. Both diabetes and major depressive disorder (MDD) are enormous public health problems; depression alone affects about 30,000,000 people in the U.S. each year. There is ample evidence that depression and DM have a bi- directional relationship; baseline MDD increases DM risk and DM enhances risk for MDD and suicide. Comorbid depression and DM are also associated with poorer glycemic control and a higher risk for DM complications. Therefore, depression is a major risk factor for poor outcomes in diabetic patients.

Publications (2012 to present): 45 publications (including 7 book chapters and in Nature Scientific Report, J. Psychiatry Res., Neuropsychopharmacology, Am J. Psychiatry, Front Pharmacol. Neuroscience, PLoS One, Cellular and Molecular Biology,

DRC Core Usage: Dr. Dwivedi uses the BARB core for oxidative/stress measures services.

DRC Collaborations: Dr. Dwivedi has grant and publication collaborations with Drs. Shelton and Wang, and has 3 diabetes-related publications in the past five years.

Name/Degree/Title: Wenguang Feng (Stanley) MD, PhD; Assistant Professor of Medicine, Division of Nephrology

Role in DRC: Mentored Scientist in Vascular Disease

Background and Interests: I am currently an Assistant Professor of Medicine. I conducted postdoctoral training in the UAB Vascular Biology and Hypertension Program, supervised by Dr. Suzanne Oparil. I joint Dr. Edgar Jaimes’ lab in the Division of Nephrology in 2009 to facilitate my investigation of the role of transcription factor ETS-1 in vascular injury and kidney disease. This study resulted in our publication in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology in 2014 and a 4-year funding (mentor, Dr. Agarwal) of an American Heart Association Scientist Development Grant (15SDG25760063) starting in July 2015. Working with Dr. Paul Sanders, my research interests also focuses on salt-sensitive hypertension. This research has led to award funding (the Anderson Innovation Award) from the UAB Nephrology Research and Training Center (NRTC). Since vascular and kidney diseases are two major complications of diabetes, I am very interesting in study on the mechanism of end-organ injury of diabetes. I had two publications using the diabetes mouse model. I submitted a pilot grant (not funded) for the UAB DRC Pilot Project Research Funding in 2014, proposed to study the role of transcription factor ETS-1 in vascular injury in the setting of diabetes.

Funding: Current PI: 15SDG25760063 Scientist Development Grant (SDG), National Center, American Heart Association, "The Role of Transcription Factor ETS-1 in Arteriovenous Fistula Neointimal Hyperplasia"

Research and Relationship to DRC Effort: My research interests focuses on salt-sensitive hypertension. Cooperating with Dr. Paul Sanders, I have extended this study on the role of ETS-1 in TGF-β signaling in salt inducing endothelium dysfunction and kidney fibrosis. Another of my research interests focuses on neointimal hyperplasia in vascular injury and arteriovenous fistulae. Since 2012, we have made the important observation that the transcription factor ETS-1 has a critical role as a mediator of neointima formation in arteriovenous fistulae, unveiling a potential target for prevention and treatment of dialysis access dysfunction. This study resulted in our publication in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology in 2014 and a 4-year funding (mentor, Dr. Agarwal) of American Heart Association Scientist Development Grant (15SDG25760063) starting in July 2015.

Since vascular and kidney diseases are two major complications of diabetes, I am very interesting in study on the mechanism of end-organ injury of diabetes. I had two publications using the diabetes mouse model. I submitted a pilot grant (not funded) for the UAB DRC Pilot Project Research Funding in 2014, proposed to study the role of transcription factor ETS-1 in vascular injury in the setting of diabetes.

Publications (2012-present): 9 publications (including Am J Physiol Renal Physiol, Hypertension, J Am Soc Nephrol).

DRC Core Usage: The Redox Biology Core and the Interventions & Translation Core will greatly benefit my research in the future.

DRC Collaborations: The cooperation of Dr. Paul Sanders has resulted in publications in the research of salt sensitive hypertension. The interaction with Dr. Anupam Agarwal has been particularly fruitful for support and grant awards. I have grant and publication collaborations with Drs. Agarwal, Allon, Y ChenF, Oparil, Sanders, and Xing D, and have 1 diabetes-related publication in the past five years.

Name/Degree/Title: Jose R. Fernández, PhD; Professor and Vice Chair for Education, Department of Nutrition Sciences

Role in DRC: Senior Scientist, Integrative Metabolism; Pilot and Feasibility Recipient Background and Interests: Dr. Fernández obtained his Ph.D. in Biobehavioral Health from Pennsylvania State U and completed a postdoctoral fellowship with Dr. D. Allison at the New York Obesity Research Center at Columbia University. Dr. Fernández joined the faculty at UAB in 2001, bringing special expertise in the application of statistical models to detect genetic influences in obesity- and diabetes-related traits. Dr. Fernández is a national leader in the identification of genes that contribute to racial differences in obesity and diabetes. The standard in health disparities research has been to study separate subgroups as defined by differences in self-identified race. However, Dr. Fernández has empirically quantified genetic admixture using panels of ancestry informative genetic markers (AIMS) and using it as a tool to decompose the genetic, social, and cultural components underlying racial and ethnic differences. He is also interested on the application of methods for QTL mapping, the use of linear statistical models to (a) identify genes in the population (b) identify gene-gene interactions and (c) identify the interaction of genes and environment, and the use of statistical approaches to improve the identification of genes related to obesity and diabetes in the population. Funding: Current Co-Investigator: 1P30 DK56336 (PI: D Allison), “UAB Clinical Nutrition Research Unit” Co-PD/PI:T32DK062710 (PI: D Allison) “UAB Obesity Training Program” Co-Investigator: R01DK096388 (PI: B Gower) “Race-Adiposity Interactions Regulate Mechanisms Determining Insulin Sensitivity” Associate PD: T32HL105349 (PI: D Allison) “UAB Pre-Doctoral Training in Obesity-Related Research”

Pending Consultant: F31HD092096 (PI: B Gower) “Postpartum Body Composition and Breast Milk Hormones” Statistician: P30DK056336 (PI: D Allison) “UAB Nutrition Obesity Research Center” Research and Relationship to DRC Effort: Dr. Fernandez’s research activity could have placed him in either integrative metabolism or epidemiology/genetics areas of excellence. He has studied racial differences in metabolism, and has pioneered in assessing the contribution of ancestral genetics on traits that comprise the Metabolic Syndrome. He has had NIH-R01 funding as a PI exploring pediatric difference in metabolic outcomes among Europeans, Hispanics, and African Americans. Using genetic admixture allows Dr. Fernández to more accurately evaluate the genetic influences on the development of diabetes and obesity. His research has also confirmed associations between variations in specific genomic regions and Type 2 Diabetes, especially with the early development of diabetes-related phenotypes. Through his many collaborative efforts with other DRC researchers, Dr. Fernández has also helped to define the critical genetic differences that underlie the racial disparity observed in the risk and age of onset of diabetes. Publications (2012-present): 27 publications (incl. IJO, Obesity, PLoS One, Pediatr Obes, Genes, Am J Clin Nutr); 18 publications are diabetes related. DRC Core Use: Dr. Fernández utilizes the Human Physiology Core for assays and procedures evaluating body composition, insulin sensitivity, and glucose homeostasis. DRC Collaborations: Dr. Fernández collaborates extensively with other DRC members, particularly with Drs. Barbara Gower, David Allison, Tim Garvey and Maria DeLuca. These collaborations have produced 8 published manuscript and over 20 abstracts in national and international conferences.

Name/Degrees: Gordon Fisher, PhD; Assistant Professor, Department of Human Studies

Role in DRC: Mentored Member, Interventions/Trials; Pilot and Feasibility Recipient

Background and Interests: The overall goal of my research is to identify novel modes of exercise that can improve cardiometabolic health and improve exercise adherence. My lab is specifically interested in understanding the interactions between diet and exercise for improving cardiometabolic health, and identifying the mechanisms in which they may work synergistically or independently to improve health outcomes.

Funding: Current PI: UAB/Lakeshore Foundation Research Collaborative Pilot Grant, “HIIT vs MIT for improving health in individuals with spinal cord injury. Co-I: NIH R01DK096388, “Race-adiposity interactions regulate mechanisms determining insulin sensitivity.

Recently Completed Co-I: NIH 4 R01 DK049779, "Exercise Intensity, metabolic rate & insulin sensitivity" Co-PI: Coca Cola Foundation Grant, "HIT-MAX Study"

Research and Relationship to DRC Effort: My laboratory is specifically interested in identifying dietary and exercise interventions that can reduce or prevent pathophysiological processes associated with chronic cardiometabolic diseases, with a specific focus on better understanding the role of reactive oxygen species, mitochondrial dysfunction, and markers of inflammation in the pathogenesis of these diseases. For the past five years, I have conducted a number of RCT’s ranging from understanding the effects of diet with or without exercise for improving body composition and metabolic health in overweight women, determining the effects of exercise intensity on energy expenditure and insulin sensitivity, and more recently assessing the effects of low volume high intensity interval training (HIIT) on cardiometabolic health in obese males. We have shown remarkable improvements in cardiometabolic health following dietary and exercise treatments in a number of different populations. Our most recent research demonstrates the powerful and time-efficient effects that low volume high intensity interval training has for improving glucose homeostasis, body composition, and blood lipids in obese male, despite only require 20% of the overall time commitment.

Publications (2012 to present): 34 publications (including Obesity, Clin Nutr, J Nutr Metab, J Clin Hypertens, Int J Epidemiol, PLoS One); 25 of these publications are diabetes related.

DRC Core Use: Dr. Fisher’s research has benefitted greatly from multiple DRC Core Facilities over the past 5 years. I have learned many of the techniques that I have since implemented in my laboratory from the Redox Biology Core. This includes measures of mitochondrial respiration in skeletal muscle and measures of oxidative stress in both muscle and blood. Additionally, each of my funded studies has utilized the Human Physiology Core for measures of hormones, cytokines, and other endocrine measures related to metabolism and cardiovascular health.

DRC Collaborations: I have collaborated with multiple investigators that are affiliated with the DRC. I have an active R01 with Dr. Barbara Gower and Dr. Timothy Garvey. This study is designed to identify specific metabolic phenotypes that may better explain the racial disparities of cardiometabolic health risk in African Americans. Additionally, I have worked closely with Dr.’s Gary Hunter and Eric Plaisance conducting both human and rodent studies assessing the effects of exercise intensity and exercise with or without diet for improving metabolic health. I have also worked with Dr. Fernando Ovalle on a number of studies, consisting of nutrition treatments to improve glucose homeostasis, and determining the potential role that mitochondrial health influences insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Name/Degrees: Aaron Fobian, PhD; Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatry

Role in DRC: Mentored Scientist in Interventions/Trials/Community Research

Background and Interests: I received my BA from Samford University in 2008 and my PhD from in Medical/Clinical Psychology from UAB in 2013. I completed my clinical internship at Baylor College of Medicine and my post-doctoral training in the UAB Leadership Education in Adolescent Health (LEAH) program in the Department of Pediatrics where I began studying the causal mechanisms between sleep and obesity. I was appointed as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry in 2014. I was the UAB NORC 2014 "Creativity is a Decision" faculty award winner for my research proposal assessing the effects of a sleep and media use intervention on adolescents’ weight and metabolism, which was later funded by both AHA and NIDDK.

Funding: Current PI: NIH/NIDDK 1K23DK106570-01A1, "A Sleep and Media Use Intervention to Improve Adolescents' Weight and Risk of Type 2 Diabetes" PI: NORC Pilot/Feasibility Grant Program, "A Sleep and Media Use Intervention to Improve Adolescents' Weight and Risk of Type 2 Diabetes" PI: American Heart Association Mentored Clinical & Population Research Award "A Sleep and Media Use Intervention to Improve Adolescents’ Weight and Risk of Cardiovascular Disease"

Research and Relationship to DRC Effort: Through my experiences as a clinical psychologist, I have had the opportunity to treat many adolescents with obesity and prediabetes. In these experiences, I noticed the difficulty with which adolescents attempt to lose weight by solely focusing on physical activity and food intake. Realizing the need for innovative approaches to obesity treatment and type 2 diabetes prevention, I began considering how to incorporate sleep into obesity interventions. My research aims to assess the effects of a sleep and media use intervention on adolescent body composition, ghrelin and insulin sensitivity. In a randomized controlled trial, 15–17-year-olds who are obese and who do not obtain adequate sleep will be randomized to 1 of 2 groups: a sleep intervention group or a study skills control group, and changes in insulin sensitivity, ghrelin and body composition will be measured 1-week and 3-months after the intervention. We propose that short sleep and poor sleep quality may lead to obesity and type 2 diabetes through 2 mechanisms: 1) increased ghrelin, which can lead to increased food intake, decreased energy expenditure and impaired glycemic control, and 2) decreased insulin sensitivity, which also increases insulin. These changes in energy balance and metabolism could lead to weight gain over time and increase adolescents’ risk for type 2 diabetes. I collaborate with 5 different members of the DRC on this project, and I utilize the DRC Human Physiology Core’s DXA to assess changes in adolescent body composition.

Publications (2012 to present): 8 publications (including J Adol Health, Psychology, Am J Lifestyle Med, Obesity Reviews)

DRC Core Usage: The Human Physiology Core is being used to perform Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA) in order to measure body composition changes in adolescents after the sleep intervention.

DRC Collaborations: My entire team of mentors and advisors on my NIDDK-funded K23 award are DRC collaborators. My main mentor is Barbara Gower, and David Allison and Karen Gamble are co-mentors. Timothy Garvey and Michael Wyss are advisors for the award. Their collaboration and mentorship assisted in obtaining funding from NIDDK. I also have grant and publication collaborations with Drs. Barnes and Shelton, and 1 diabetes-related publication in the past five years. Name/Degrees/Title: Kevin R. Fontaine, PhD; Professor and Chair, Department of Health Behavior Role in DRC: Senior Scientist in Epidemiology/Genetics Background and Interests: Dr. Fontaine completed his PhD in Psychology at Victoria University of Manchester, UK, in 1992, and a postdoctoral fellowship in clinical obesity at the Johns Hopkins Weight Center in Baltimore in 1996. Dr. Kevin Fontaine’s research interests focus on: (1) the physical and emotional consequences of chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and arthritis, and (2) the association between obesity, body composition, and mortality in patients with and without diabetes, and (3) the effect of resistance exercise on body composition and systemic inflammation in persons with rheumatic disease. Trained as a psychologist, he has worked with hundreds of overweight and obese adults using a variety of treatment modalities ranging from lifestyle modification to gastric bypass surgery. He is the author of over 100 publications related to obesity, clinical obesity treatment and lifestyle interventions, rheumatic disease, and the BMI-mortality association. Funding: Current Co-Investigator: 1RO1DK103863-01: National Institutes of Health (NIDDK) Fixed Versus Variable Energy Reduction during Behavioral Obesity Treatment: 9/1/15 – 8/31/20. PI: Egg Nutrition Counsel: Does an Egg-Rich Diet Improve Meatbolism and Health in Obese Older Adults?: 10/4/14 – 12/31/17. Co-PI: RFA-OD-13-009: National Institutes of Health (NHLBI): Strengthening Causal Inference in Behavioral Obesity Research: 07/01/14-06/30/19. Co-Investigator: American Institute for Cancer Research: Targeted Disruption to Cancer Metabolism and Growth through Dietary Macronutrient Modification. 1/1/15 – 12/21/17. Co-Investigator: H133A130044 (DOE/NIDRR): Dose-Response Effects of Transformative Exercise in Improving Health and Function in Adults with Spinal Cord Injury and Multiple Sclerosis: 10/1/13-9/30/18. Associate Director: P30DK056336: NIH-NIDDK: UAB Nutrition and Obesity Research Center: 6/1/16/5/31/17. Co-Investigator: Natinal Dairy Counsel: Science Dialogue Mapping of Knowledge and Knowledge Gaps Related to the Effects of Dairy Intake on Human Health: 6/1/16-5/31/17. Pending PI: R21AR072327 (NIH-NIAMS). Open-label placebos to treat fatigue in rheumatoid arthritis: 7/1/17-6/30/20. Co-PI: R01 HL137931 (NIH-NHLBI): Attenuating summer weight gain in children by promoting fruit and vegetable consumption with and without desire resistance messaging: A randomized controlled trial: 9/1/17- 8/31/23. Completed Co-Investigator: DOE-NIDRR: POWERSforID: A Telehealth Weight Management System for Adults with ID: 10/1/15-9/30/17. Co-Investigator: CFIDS Association of America: Neuromuscular Strain in CFS: 2/1/12-6/1/14. Co-investigator: AR062269-01 (NIH-NIAMS) Exercise and Body Composition in Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: 7/1/13-6/30/16. Research and Relationship to DRC Effort: Dr. Fontaine’s current obesity and diabetes-related research focuses on investigating the effects of diet composition on weight body composition, quality of life, functional ability and chronic disease health-related parameters. He is also involved in studies evaluating the effects of ketogenic diets on cancer-related biomarkers, function and quality of life. Publications (2012 to present): 15 publications (including in EJCI, Front Phys, J Peds, Nut Today, NEJM, PLoS One, Obesity). DRC Core Use: Dr. Fontaine uses the Human Core for Analytical, Body Composition and Glucose Metabolism services, as well as the ITC Core for Intervention; Development and Implementation; Measurement; Recruitment and Retention; Evaluation; and Data Management services. DRC Collaborations: Dr. Fontaine has grant and publication collaborations with Drs. Allison, Baskin, Boggiano, Brown, Casazza, Cherrington, Dutton, Durant N, Goss, Gower, G Hunter, Mehta, Sen, Shelton, Shikany, Smith, and Wingo, and has 10 diabetes-related publications in the past five years. Name/Degrees/Title: Mona M. Fouad, MD/MPH; Professor of Medicine, Director, Div of Preventive Medicine Role in DRC: Senior Scientist, Interventions/Trials Background and Interests: Dr. Fouad earned her MD in 1977 at Alexandria University in Egypt, and her MPH in Epidemiology/Maternal Child Health from UAB in 1986. She came to UAB in 1991 as a Research Instructor, and has emerged as a local and international leader in the elimination and study of racial health disparities in underserved communities. As Director of the UAB Division of Preventive Medicine and the UAB Minority Health and Health Disparities Research Center, she has served as PI on numerous federally-funded projects and Co-PI on additional grants, most with the common theme of improving health and preventing disease, including diabetes, in minorities. Dr. Fouad also directs the training and research cores for multiple projects, and she is the PI of the DRC Community Engagement Core. She is a member of the NIH National Advisory Council on Minority Health and Health Disparities.

Funding: Current (select – see biosketch) PI: Westat, Inc./6426-S01 6426-S01 Central Data Collection Center (CDCC) - Continued Follow-up of PLCO Participants PI: Jackson State U/632363 Eliminating Health Disparities through Multi-Disciplinary Translational Approaches PI: Bayou La Batre Clinic/001UAB 001UAB Gulf States Collaborative Center for Health Policy Research (Gulf States CC) - Research Project 1 Co-PI:U01AR071133 The Exercise and Physical Activity Collaborative Team (ExPact): A Proposed MoTrPAC Clinical Center Co-PI: K23DK091514 Increasing African American Organ Donation: Donor Registration and Family Consent Pending Co-PI: P01CA214651 Adapting Multiple Behavior Interventions that Effectively Improve (AMPLIFI) Cancer Survivor Health

Research and Relationship to DRC Effort: For over 30 years, Dr. Fouad’s has led research and clinical efforts to mitigate the racial disparities associated with many diseases, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. Among other responsibilities, Dr. Fouad is the PI for the CDC-funded project entitled, Racial and Ethnic Approaches across the US (REACH US) Mid-South Center of Excellence in the Elimination of Disparities (CEED), a model that will serve as an infrastructure to implement, evaluate, and disseminate locally, regionally and nationally evidence-based interventions to reduce breast and cervical cancer disparities between African American and white women. As PI of the NCMHD-funded Comprehensive Minority and Health Disparities Research Center (MHDRC) that focuses upon the interdisciplinary research efforts needed to understand and eliminate problems related to cancer screening and diabetes/obesity in the Deep South, she serves as Leader of the Research Training Core. As Co-PI for the Deep South Network for Cancer Control and the Morehouse School of Medicine/Tuskegee University/Comprehensive Cancer Center Partnership, she is responsible for the training and career development of minority students and faculty within the network. As a result of her extraordinary work, she has assembled teams of researchers, clinicians and community leaders who are actively investigating and implementing strategies to prevent disease and improve health in underserved communities. In addition to furthering the mission of preventing and treating diabetes, this infrastructure has provided invaluable resources to the DRC.

Publications (2012-present): Dr. Fouad has 56 publications in the past 5 years in such journals JAMA, NEJM, Cancer, American journal of Health Behavior, Preventive Medicine, Ethnicity & Disease, and AJCN.

DRC Core Use: Dr. Fouad uses tools in the Interventions & Translation Core in health disparities research.

DRC Collaborations: Dr. Fouad maintains an enormous collaborative effort with several core groups of researchers within DRC with an emphasis of health disparities research. This collaboration has led to an impressive number of publications and millions of dollars in grant money. Specifically, Dr. Fouad has grant and publication collaborations with Drs. Bae, Baskin, Cherrington, Garvey, VJ Howard, Kilgore, Oster, Pekmezi, Pisu, Redden, Scarinci, Shikany, and Weech-Maldonado, and has 11 diabetes-related publications in the past five years.

Name/Degree/Title: Stuart J. Frank, MD; Professor and Director, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism; Chief, Birmingham VAMC Endocrinology Section

Role in DRC: Senior Scientist in Molecular Signaling; Director, DRC P&F Grant Program

Background and Interests: Dr. Frank is a molecular endocrinologist physician/scientist. He attained his MD from Harvard Medical School in 1984. After residency in Internal Medicine at Barnes Hospital/Washington U. (1984-1987), he completed a fellowship in Endocrinology and Metabolism in the Inter-Institute Endocrinology Training Program of NIDDK/NICHD at the NIH (1987-1990), along with advanced basic research training from 1988-1991 in the Cell Biology and Metabolism Branch of NICHD with Dr. Richard Klausner. Since 1991, Dr. Frank has been a faculty member at UAB, rising to the rank of Professor in 2001. Since 2006, he has been Director of the Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism and he has held the Ruth Lawson Hanson Chair of Medicine in Diabetes and Metabolism since 2007. Dr. Frank has also been a Birmingham VAMC physician since 1991 and Chief of the Endocrinology Section, Medical Service there since 1994, a position through which he actively manages diabetic patients in a teaching environment. He has also served as the Co- Director of the UAB Center for Clinical and Translational Science (an NIH-funded CTSA) since 2010. Dr. Frank is internationally recognized for his research on the mechanisms of action and physiological consequences of growth hormone (GH) and prolactin action, and the relationships between GH, insulin-like growth factor-1, and insulin actions. Most recently, Dr. Frank has embarked on studies aimed at understanding circadian sensitivity to GH, particularly in the heart, and how this is impacted by nutritional status and metabolic parameters.

Funding: Current PI: NIDDK R01-DK107441, “A Novel Role for IGF-1 Receptor in GH Action” PI: VA Merit Review-I01BX003718 “Relationship between Circadian Disruption, Cardiac GH/IGF-1 Signaling, and Heart Failure” (notified of expected funding by VA Central Office) P&F Program Director: P60 DK079626 (PI: WT Garvey), “UAB DRC” Co-PI: NCATS U54TR001368 (CTSA) (PI: RP Kimberly), “UAB Center for Clinical and Translational Science” Pending PI: NCI R01-CA218108, “Interaction of Prolactin Receptors with GH Receptors in Cancer Cells: Mechanisms and Consequences” (A0 to be reviewed late February, 2017) Recently Completed PI: R01-DK58259; PI: R01-DK46395; PI: VA Merit Review I01HX000450

Research and Relationship to DRC Effort: Dr. Frank is Director of the DRC Pilot and Feasibility (P&F) Program and a leader in research related to hormone signaling in the DRC. For over 25 years, his lab has focused on the actions of GH, particularly aspects related to GH receptor (GHR) structure and signaling. His pioneering work helped elucidate the downstream signaling pathways and genes regulated by GH. His lab is continuing to study these pathways, including the JAK2 pathway and the role of IGF-1 receptor (R01- DK107441) and the modulation of GH signaling by shedding of the extracellular domain of GHR, which sequesters GH and dampens signaling. As the director of a diabetes clinic and a researcher actively investigating diabetes-related signaling pathways, Dr. Frank is in the unique position to provide effective directorship of the DRC P&F Grant Program.

Publications (2012-present): 40 publications (including Mol Endocrinol, Endocrinology, and Diabetes); 10 publications are related to Diabetes.

DRC Core Use: Dr. Frank uses the Human Core for Analytical services and the Animal Core for Imaging and Cardiovascular Assessment services.

DRC Collaborations: Through his role as Director of the DRC P&F Program, and other roles at UAB, Dr. Frank interacts frequently with DRC researchers, providing valuable consultation for study design, among much more. Through his research efforts, Dr. Frank also collaborates extensively with DRC members, including Drs. K Zinn, J Messina, A Paterson, and M Young. Dr. Frank also has grant and publication collaborations with Drs. Carson, H Chen, Gamble, Garvey, Kesterson, Kilgore, Li, Nagy, Paterson, Prabhu, Shalev, and Q Yang, and has 10 diabetes-related publications in the past five years.

Name/Degree/Title: Yuchang Fu, PhD; Associate Professor, Department of Nutrition Sciences Role in DRC: Scientist, Vascular Disease; Pilot and Feasibility Recipient Background and Interests: Dr. Fu obtained his PhD in Molecular Biology in 1990 from Kyushu University in Japan, and completed postdoctoral training at Harvard Medical School and with Dr. Ken Chien at the University of California, San Diego. Dr. Fu’s research interests include the molecular basis for the macrophage to foam cell transition, and the role of adipocytokines in regulating this process as an explanation for accelerated cardiovascular disease in the metabolic syndrome. Since joining UAB as an Assistant Professor in 2003, Dr. Fu has been involved in projects that investigate the molecular mechanisms of the LDL receptor, lipid binding protein, and adiponectin gene regulation in atherosclerosis and diabetes. He is now investigating the expression and regulation of several metabolic genes involved in atherosclerosis and diabetes. Funding: Pending PI: R01 DK113997-01 “MicroRNA-9, the missing link regulated by AdipoR1 in metabolic syndrome”

Recently Completed Co-PI: MSM-TU-UAB Cancer Center Pilot Project (Co-PI: V Rao); PI: ADA Innovation Award 1-13-IN-19; Co-I: R01 DK083562 (PI: WT Garvey); Co-PI: Alabama Drug Discovery Alliance (Co-PI: WT Garvey); PI: UAB DRC pilot award (P60 DK079626); PI: ADA Research Award 1-07-RA-49; PI: P20 RR016434-010004, PI: MUSC Institutional Research Award Research and Relationship to DRC Effort: Dr. Fu has several ongoing projects related to diabetes. His principle focus is on macrophage-foam cell biology and why diabetes and cardiometabolic disease lead to accelerated lipid accumulation in these cells. He is examining the role of the adiponectin-macrophage axis in cultured cells and in transgenic mice with increased expression of adiponectin receptors (adipoR1, adipoR2) in macrophages. Another focus is research that centers on the NR4A orphan nuclear receptor expressed in human skeletal muscle ad adipose tissue. Dr. Fu is also collaborating with Dr Garvey in studies of the tribbles homolog gene family. The data indicate that tribbles homolog 3 (TRIB) is induced by high glucose in skeletal muscle and impairs insulin-stimulated GLUT4 translocation and glucose transport activity. The hypothesis is that TRIB3 is a key mediator of glucose-induced insulin resistance or ‘glucose toxicity’. Publications (2012-present): 27 publications (including JBC, Atherosclerosis, Diabetes, Nutr Metab (Lond)) 12 publications are diabetes related. DRC Core Use: Dr. Fu routinely uses several DRC research core facilities, including the Bio-analytical REDOX Biology Core for assessments of mitochondrial substrate oxidation; the Animal Physiology Core for assessments of body composition, energy expenditure, and glucose homeostasis; and the Human Physiology Core for hormone and metabolite assays. DRC Collaborations: Dr. Fu has a long-standing collaboration with Dr. Garvey; together they have been able to address questions that span a broad translation spectrum from molecules (Fu) to human physiology and disease (Garvey). Dr. Fu also collaborates with Drs. Garber and Anantharamaiah in studies of apolipoprotein mimetic peptides and their metabolic effects in intact rodents and cultured adipose and muscle cells. He collaborates with Dr. Q Yang on studies of transcription factors and metabolic effects in cardiac and skeletal muscles, and Dr. M De Luca on molecular effects in mammals for genes identified in Drosophila. Dr. Fu has had (i) funded grants with: WT Garvey; (ii) publications with: WT Garvey, Q Yang; and (iii) selected published abstracts with: WT Garvey.

Name/Degrees/Title: Ellen M. Funkhouser, DrPH; Associate Professor, Dept. of Medicine, Div. of Preventive Medicine; Lead Methodologist, Center for Surgical, Medical Acute Care Research & Transitions (C-SMART), Birmingham VAMC

Role in DRC: Senior Scientist, Interventions/Trials

Background and Interests: I have considerable experience in a wide variety of study designs, and corresponding analyses and interpretation of projects on complications related to diabetes and cardiometabolic disease. I have advised in the design and directed the analyses for several projects, e.g., AIDS in Alabama/Southeast, BWELL, douching and reproductive infections, and antimicrobial exposure and vancomycin-resistant enterococci, racial differences in breast cancer screening, and racial differences in survival from colorectal cancer. I have been involved with Outcomes research and mentoring for over 15 years. I was the Director of the Epidemiology PhD program at UAB for over 5 years and mentored over a dozen doctoral students in the past 10 years and over 30 master’s students. I have considerable experience leading complex data management projects. Some examples are two large group randomized trials of cardiovascular disease, Unstable Angina and MI-Plus, and in large-scale collaborative research studies and their Coordinating Center (CC) operations as CC PI of the Dental Practice Based Research Network (DPBRN) and CC Investigator on the NHLBI Funded observational study of Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) and in AACES study, as PI of Alabama site, since study inception.

Funding: Current

U19DE022516 (Gilbert), National Dental Practice-Based Research Network, Role: Investigator

N01HC95095 (Shikany), Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA)-Coordinating Center, Role: Investigator

R01CA142081 (PI: Schildkraut; Role: Site PI), Epidemiology of Ovarian Cancer in African American Women

Recently Completed R01NS080898 (Pisu), Quality of Epilepsy Treatment and Costs in Older Americans by Race (QUIET CARE)

3U48DP001915 (Pisu), SIP 11-042: Patient Preferences and Needs in Ovarian Cancer Care

U01DE016746 (Funkhouser), General Dental Practice-Based Research Network-Coordinating Center

Research and Relationship to DRC Effort: My work in methods is of a supportive nature and not specific to any specific disease; however, much of my work and collaborations are in the area of diabetes and cardiometabolic risk factors and associated complications. These include evaluating strategies for selecting controls, developing measures of provider participation in randomized trials, ascertaining need for blinding of adjudicators, and recruiting providers into trials.

Publications (2012-present): Dr. Funkhouser has 32 articles published on the last five years in such journals as Circulation, Archives of Internal Medicine, Implementation Science, Annals of Epidemiology, and Cancer.

DRC Core Use: Dr. Funkhouser plans to work with the ITC Core for consultation services.

DRC Collaborations: Dr. Funkhouser has grant and publication collaborations with Drs. Gilbert, Pisu, Lewis, and Shikany, and has 7 diabetes-related publications in the past five years. Name/Degree/Title: Karen L. Gamble, PhD; Associate Professor, Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology

Role in DRC: Senior Scientist in Interventions/Trials/Community Research

Background and Interests: My Ph.D. and postdoctoral training were in leading biological rhythms laboratories, and I have continually garnered NIH support for my training and research since my graduate training (F31 NRSA fellowship). In addition to physiological mechanisms of biological timing, my research program also actively seeks to understand the health consequences of aberrant circadian regulation and internal and external dyssynchrony (pathology). Our pre-clinical research has discovered circadian-clock regulation of an important metabolic enzyme, glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3), is important for excitability of neurons as well as the regulation of insulin sensitivity and time-of-day changes in substrate utilization. Our translational research has found that circadian rhythm desynchrony and meal timing disruption in night shift workers results in increased cardiovascular problems as well as increases in cardiometabolic syndrome indicators, which may lead to pathological states, such as Type 2 diabetes.

Funding: Current PI: NIH 1R01NS082413-01, “Circadian dysfunction and GSK3 in neurodegenerative disease.” Co-I: NIH 1R01AG043972-01, Co-investigator. “Energetics, Disparities, & Lifespan: A unified hypothesis.” Co-I: NIH 1R21AA024543, “Alcohol-induced mitochondrial dysfunction and the hepatocyte clock.” Pending Co-I: NIH R01NS103388-01, “The Molecular Clock and Vulnerability to Neurodegeneration.” Recently Completed Co-I: NIH F31 Predoctoral Fellowship (1F31NS086282-01), Sponsor. "GSK3 regulation of suprachiasmatic neuronal excitability and light entrainment." Co-I: NIH 1 F31 NS084683-01A1, "GIRK channel modulation of SCN excitability and circadian rhythms." PI: NIH 5R00GM086683-04, “Integration of photic and nonphotic signaling in the circadian pacemaker.” Co-I: NIH R21 AA020199-01, Co-investigator. “Hepatocyte Clock and Alcoholic Fatty Liver Injury”. PI: UAB Center for Clinical and Translational Science (CCTS), “Metabolic dysfunction induced by circadian misalignment during off-shift days in hospital shift-work nurses.” PI: UAB Nutrition Obesity Research Center (NORC) Pilot/Feasibility Grant Program, “Role of glycogen synthase kinase 3 in daily energy balance.”

Research and Relationship to DRC Effort: The overall goal of the Gamble Laboratory research program is to investigate how the central mammalian clock integrates environmental and molecular signals into robust behavioral and physiological rhythms. My research can be broadly divided into pre-clinical mechanistic projects and translational projects in humans. On the pre-clinical side, we have been very interested in three main projects related to cardiometabolic disease: (a) regulation of cognitive dysfunction and hippocampal deficits in diet-induced obesity, (b) the impact of meal-timing on hunger hormones (ghrelin), leading to circadian desynchrony between peripheral and central oscillators, and (c) circadian regulation of GSK3 activity in metabolically active tissues (skeletal muscle, liver, and white adipose tissue) and impact on whole body energetics). The second area of interest for our laboratory is translational research in shift work nurses. Our research has found that even permanent night shift nurses switch back to sleeping at night on days off, resulting a state of perpetual jet lag. We recently explored meal timing a small sample of night and day shift nurse and found that nurses who ate during the middle of the night shift were more likely to have increased fasting lipids and higher cholesterol. Our future research will explore how a work shift intervention (chronotype- matching) will improve performance as well as reduce cardiometabolic disease risk.

Publications (2012 to present): 29 publications (including PLoS One, Neuroscience, Annal Clin Psychiatry, Sleep); 11 publications are diabetes related. DRC Core Usage: I have utilized quantitative magnetic resonance (QMR) analysis, provided by the Animal Physiology core. DRC Collaborations: I actively collaborate with Martin Young, Shannon Bailey, David Pollock, and Jennifer Pollock, and we have numerous co-authored grants and publications (some are currently in progress). I also have grant and publication collaborations with Drs. Allison, Barnes, Chatham, Chen C, Cowell, Fobian, Frank, Garvey, Gower, Habegger, Halade, Nagy, Peterson, Prabhu, Shalev, Shelton, Smith, Wende, and Q Yang. Name/Degree/Title: W. Timothy Garvey, MD; Professor and Chair of Nutrition Sciences; VA GRECC Investigator Role in DRC: Senior Scientist in Integrative Metabolism; Director (PI) of DRC; Member of pilot Scientific Review Committee; co-Director Enrichment Background and Interests: Dr. Garvey came to UAB in 2003 to serve as Chair of the Department of Nutrition Sciences, and became the founding Director and PI of the DRC in 2008. Dr. Garvey has directed an independent laboratory addressing mechanisms of insulin resistance and the pathogenesis of the Metabolic Syndrome and T2DM since 1987, supported by NIDDK, NHLBI, the Department of Veterans Affairs, AHA, JDFI, the ADA, and other agencies. He has provided service as a member of national research review committees for the JDRF, the ADA, the VA Merit Review Program, and the NIH. He is a member of the ADA, Obesity Society, AACE, AHA, Endocrine Society, and an elected member of the American Society for Clinical Investigation and the Association of American Physicians. Funding: Current PI: VA Merit Review, CX000432, “Mechanisms of Insulin Resistance in Diabetes” PI: P30 DK079626: “Diabetes Research and Training Center” Site PI: U01 DK098246 (PI: J Lachin), “The Glycemia Reduction Approaches for Diabetes: GRADE Study.” Co-PI: R25 DK113652, (co-PI: M Fouad), “UAB STEP-UP Promoting Diversity Through Mentored Researc” Associate Director: P30 DK056336 (PI: D Allison), “Nutrition and Obesity Research Center” Co-I: R01 DK096388 (PI: B Gower), “Race Adiposity Interactions Regulate Mechanism Determining Insulin Sen” PI: industry clinical trials in diabetes and obesity (semaglutide, Novo Nordisk; ertugliflozin, Pfizer; EXSCEL) Pending Co-PI: R01 DK0 (Co-PI: Y Fu): “Role of the Adiponectin-Macrophage Axis in Cardiometabolic Disease” PI: American Heart Association 17SFRN33610070 Strategically Focused Obesity Center, “Intergenerational Transmission of Obesity”. Recently Completed PI: RO1 DK083562, Garvey “NR4A Orphan Receptors and Insulin Resistance” PI: R01 DK038765, “Mechanisms of Human Insulin Resistance” Subcontract PI: R01 DK078328 (PI: S Adams), “Identification of Muscle Biomarkers of Fatty Acid Beta Oxidati” Research and Relationship to DRC Effort: Dr. Garvey has achieved international recognition for his research in the metabolic, molecular, and genetic pathogenesis of insulin resistance, Metabolic Syndrome, Type 2 Diabetes, and obesity. His studies have involved the cellular and molecular biology of cell and animal models, metabolic investigations of human subjects on metabolic research wards, and the genetic basis of diseases in Gullah-speaking African Americans and other cohorts of diabetes patients. He has brought basic technology directly to the study of human patients, and the combined approach of human physiology, genetics, and basic cell and molecular biology has provided the laboratory with a flexible capability for hypothesis testing relevant to human disease. The Garvey laboratory has been a principle contributor to understanding the role of the glucose transport system and GLUT proteins in human insulin resistance, and the role of adiponectin in the metabolic syndrome as both an autocrine/paracrine factor in adipose tissue and as a modulator of foam cell formation in the vascular wall. He has identified gene families that contribute to insulin resistance in human muscle insulin using cDNA microarray, e.g., NR4A orphan nuclear receptors and the tribbles gene family. He has developed Cardiometabolic Disease Risk Staging (CMDS) for targeting weight loss interventions, and has led ACCE in position statements and evidence-based guidelines for medical care of patients with obesity. Publications (2012-present): 94 publications (including Obesity, AJCN, Atherosclerosis, JCEM, Diabetes, AJP, JBC, AJP, JCEM, PLoS One, Diabetes care, Nat Genetics, Endo Pract, JLR, JAHA, JACC, FASEB J); of these, 69 are diabetes-related publications. DRC Core Use: Dr. Garvey uses the REDOX Biology Core (mitochondrial function in cultured cells and in muscle fibers from human biopsies); the Animal Physiology Core for measurements in several transgenic and knockout mice; the Human Physiology Core; the Interventions Core for assessment of diet and physical activity DRC Collaborations: Dr. Garvey has extensive collaborations throughout the DRC including: Hunter and Fernandez (metabolomics); Fu, Cui, Chatham, and Messina (tribbles gene family); Moellering, Darley-Usmar, and Ballinger (mito dysfunction); Young, Cowell, C-Y Chen (hyperphagia, disordered circadian in KO mouse); Gower, Goss (race, ectopic lipid, NASH); (viii) Harper, Chandler-Laney, Habegger, Aslibekyan (in utero programming of metabolism and satiety hormone-hypothalamic signaling; Project Sugar and REGARDS study GWAS for diabetes and lipids genes with G Howard and V Howard. Name/Degree/Title: Maria L. Geisinger, DDS, MS; Associate Professor, Periodontology

Role in DRC: Scientist in Diabetes Complications, Pilot and Feasibility Recipient

Background and Interests: Maria Geisinger, DDS, MS received a BS in Biology from Duke University, a DDS degree from Columbia University School of Dental Medicine, and her Certificate in Periodontology and Master of Science degree from the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio. Dr. Geisinger is a Diplomate in the American Board of Periodontology. She is the President of the American Academy of Periodontology Foundation and serves on numerous national and international committees. Dr. Geisinger’s research focuses on the relationship between systemic conditions and periodontal diseases. Her recent work has focused on gingivitis and periodontitis and their effect on pregnant patients as well as elucidating the mechanism of interaction between diabetes mellitus and periodontal disease. Her body of research established a rationale for oral health intervention in pregnant women and developed reliable methods to instruct oral hygiene and measure improvements in oral health both clinically and from cytokine levels in the gingival crevicular fluid.

Funding: Current PI: Procter and Gamble "OHBABY: Evaluation of maternal and offspring oral health in an at-risk population who received two different oral hygiene interventions during pregnancy" Site PI: NIDCR "COPDGene Ancillary Study" Recently Completed Co-I: Procter and Gamble Protocol ID:2011001 "Oral Hygiene and Maternity Outcomes Multicenter Study" Co-I: NIH-DEO18907 "Diabetes and Periodontal Therapy Trial (DPTT)" PI: "DPTT Ancillary Study: A Study of Serum Cytokine Level Changes after Nonsurgical Periodontal Therapy in Type 2 Diabetic Patients" PI: "DPTT Secondary Analysis: Periodontal Inflamed Surface Area Analysis in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus after Nonsurgical Periodontal Therapy"

Research and Relationship to DRC Effort: My clinical research efforts concentrate on the link between periodontal inflammation and systemic diseases and conditions, including Diabetes Mellitus, Cardiovascular Disease, Pregnancy and Pregnancy Outcomes, Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), and Obesity. My research has focused on periodontal interventions and the resultant outcomes related to both periodontal and systemic health. I also the Principal Investigator of a extramurally funded study evaluating the oral health of women who received intensive oral hygiene instructions during their pregnancy and the health of their offspring. This evaluates the psychosocial, socioeconomic, medical, and oral risk factors that may contribute to preterm birth and evaluates an at-risk population and their response to oral therapy. I am also serving as the principal investigator on an intramurally funded pilot project evaluating the interaction between the periodontal microbiome and obesity status in patients with and without periodontal disease. As a part of these investigations, I have established interdisciplinary collaborations and support within UAB and extramurally to allow for research and grant support and development in diabetes-related complications.

Publications (2012 to present): 19 publications (including Clin Adv Periodontics, J Clin Periodontol, J Oral Health Hygiene); 2 publications are diabetes related.

DRC Core Usage: While my research in Diabetes utilized a core laboratory facility at another institution, we are working towards taking possession of the biospecimen from that facility at the close of the no-cost extension and would the work with the UAB core on any additional analysis to be completed.

DRC Collaborations: Our interactions with investigators at UAB including Dr. Marcas Bamman at the Center for Exercise Medicine, Dr. Taraneh Soleymani at UAB EatRight Weight Management, and Dr. David Allison at the Obesity Center were all intiated by contact through the DRC. Dr. Soleymani has helped us design a screening program for clinical patients to identify patients who are at-risk for diabetes and prediabetes and to design data collection to monitor interventions in an Oral Wellness clinic. Dr. Allison has aided in study design to develop instruments to evaluate nutritional intake and estimate body mass in a dental clinical setting. Both of these interactions have allowed us to initiate research investigating the relationship between obesity and periodontal disease.

Name/Degree/Title: Gregg H Gilbert, DDS, MBA; Professor and Chair, Department of Clinical & Community Sciences, School of Dentistry

Role in DRC: Senior Scientist in Diabetes Complications

Background and Interests: Dr. Gilbert has a DDS degree and MBA degree and has been on UAB faculty since 2000. He is PI of the NIH-funded National Dental Practice-Based Research Network designed for clinical research in oral health. A key interest for Dr. Gilbert is the adverse interactions between diabetes and oral health, as well as an interest in racial health disparities in oral health patient care and disease outcomes.

Funding: Current PI: U19 DE022516, “The National Dental PBRN” Recently Completed PI: U01 DE16747, "Dental PBRN Network: PI: R21 DE16033, "Alabama Dental Practice Research Network Development" PI: U01-DE18049, "Xylitol Adult Caries Trial (X-ACT)" Co-I: R01-DA17971, "Dental Tobacco Control.Net: Improving Practice" Co-I: R01 DE15581, "Oral Health Disparities: Actions Taken About Pain"

Research and Relationship to DRC Effort: Dr. Gilbert is a national leader in practice-based research networks of dentists for point-of-care research and he uses these networks to study the relationship between oral health and diabetes. For example, he has established risk factors for oral post-operative infections in patients with diabetes and assessed the impact of diabetes on worsening oral health and poor oral health on elevated HbA1c values. The National Dental PBRN's primary scientific aims are to: (1) support the infrastructure and conduct of national oral health research studies in dental practices on topics of importance to practitioners; (2) provide evidence useful in daily patient care; (3) facilitate the translation of research findings into clinical practice. Dr. Gilbert and his colleagues have more experience with dental practice-based research than any other team in the nation and the PBRN present a powerful venue for research leading to improved care and outcomes for diabetes patients.

Publications (2012-present): 33 publications (including BMJ Open, BMC Oral Health, Am J Prev Med, Natl J Dentistry, J Am Dent Assoc, J Am Geriatr); 1 publication is diabetes related.

DRC Core Use: Dr Gilbert uses the Interventions & Translation Core for tools measuring quality of life.

DRC Collaborations: Dr. Gilbert collaborates with Drs. Geisinger, Geurs, and Reddy on epidemiological analyses of data from the practice-based research networks. Dr. Gilbert has grant and publication collaborations with Drs. Funkhouser, Geisinger, Locher, and Reddy.

Name/Degree/Title: Shawn R. Gilbert, MD; Professor, Surgery

Role in DRC: Scientist in Integrative Metabolism

Background and Interests: Dr. Gilbert has a unique perspective on the impact of diabetes/cardiometabolic disease/obesity due to his training and experiences as both an orthopedic surgeon and basic science researcher. Dr. Gilbert received his MD from the U North Carolina (UNC), Chapel Hill, in 1996. He has been engaged in basic science research throughout undergraduate, medical and resident training, including matching into a residency with an extra year of research designed to develop clinician scientists. After completing his residency in orthopedics at UNC, and a fellowship in pediatric orthopedics at Children’s Healthcare in Atlanta, GA, he joined UAB in 2003 as an Assistant Professor. Since then, Dr. Gilbert has established collaborations across multiple university centers, previously focused on angiogenesis and bone healing, and he has secondary appointments in several other departments. Recently, in his role as a pediatric orthopedic surgeon, he has faced the increasingly challenging problems associated with treating obese patients and their musculoskeletal conditions. A clinical research project led Dr. Gilbert to the unexpected finding that obese children are more likely to fracture through their growth plates than non-obese children. The finding inspired him to initiate investigations in an animal model to help explain the clinical observation. Finally, he has more recently engaged in a collaboration with Dr. Jun of Biomedical Engineering to develop a hybrid nanosack for omentum implantation, with a goal of islet cell transplantation.

Funding Sources: Recently Completed PI: Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America, "Effects of Obesity on the Physis Co-I: NIH 1R03EB017344-01, "A hybrid nanosack for the enhanced islet engraftment in the omentum" PI: DOD OR090206, "Promoting Angiogenesis in Contaminated Open Fractures

Research and Relationship to DRC Effort: Dr. Gilbert is a member of a dynamic collaboration within the DRC exploring interactions between bone biology and systemic metabolism relevant to insulin resistance and diabetes. His basic science research focuses on two areas related to the musculoskeletal system, angiogenesis and obesity. His principal interest has been investigating the role of the hypoxia inducible factor (HIF) pathway and angiogenesis in the skeleton, and he is pursuing a line of investigation in mouse models that angiogenesis drives osteogenesis, both during development and repair. He has also identified additional HIF-activating, pro-angiogenic compounds that are under development. In the context of the research, Dr. Gilbert also conducts translational studies focusing on obesity, diabetes, and musculoskeletal health through clinical studies and animal studies examining musculoskeletal health (outcomes measures), injuries, and mechanisms that predispose to injury or impair recovery. A recently completed Pediatric Orthopaedic Society grant examined the effects of diet-induced obesity and diabetes on growth plate structure, composition and strength,and possible association with inflammation. Finally, Dr. Gilbert is engaged in a project with Dr. Jun to study strategies for omentum implantation with a goal of improving survival and vascularity of islet cell transplants.

Publications (2012 to present): 26 publications (including Bone, Br J Pediatr Orthop, J Pediatr Orthopaedics, Bone Research, Spine Deformity, J Bone Joint Surg Am, J Orthop Trauma); 3 publications are diabetes related.

DRC Core Use: The imaging services offered at the Animal Physiology Core have been instrumental in characterizing bone healing in the animal models used in all of Dr. Gilbert’s basic science publications. In addition, data obtained by microCT scan and body composition analysis were key pieces of preliminary data for his pending NIH submission examining the effects of obesity on bone. Dr. Gilbert also uses the Human Physiology Core for analysis of adipokines.

DRC Collaborations: Dr. Gilbert has an ongoing collaboration with Dr. Jun for the use of biphasic peptide amphiphile nanomatrixes embedded with hydroxyapatite nanoparticles for stimulated osteoinductive response to aid in healing in diabetics. Dr. Gilbert has grant and publication collaborations with Drs. Jun, Locher, and Ponnazhagan.

Name/Degree/Title: Amy Miskimon Goss, PhD, RD; Assistant Professor, Nutrition Sciences

Role in DRC: Mentored Scientist in Integrative Metabolism; Pilot and Feasibility Recipient

Background and Interests: Dr. Goss has a clinical background in dietetics and has expertise in nutrition research on the impact of diet on physiology and chronic metabolic disease including type 2 diabetes and NAFLD. She received her Ph.D. from the University of Alabama at Birmingham in 2012 and since then, Dr. Goss excelled as a post-doctoral fellow with the Nutrition Obesity Research Center at UAB, establishing a record of accomplishment in nutrition- and diabetes-related research. During her time as a post-doctoral fellow, she published a paper in the Metabolism: Clinical and Experimental journal that earned her the Inaugural Junior Investigator Award. Moreover, within the last year she published multiple other papers in notable journals examining the effects of diet on diabetes risk among various populations. Dr. Goss was recently awarded a prestigious Early Career Award from the Thrasher Foundation and funding from the UAB Diabetes Research Center Pilot Feasibility program for her study of diet treatment of fatty liver disease in children.

Funding: Current PI: UAB Health Services Foundation GEF Grant, 1"Enhanced Assessment of Organ Lipid and Liver Disease for the Civitan International Neuroimaging Laboratory" PI: UAB Diabetes Research Center Pilot Feasibility Grant, "A carbohydrate-restricted diet to reverse fatty liver in adolescents with obesity" PI: Thrasher Research Fund Early Career Investigator Award, "A carbohydrate-restricted diet to reverse fatty liver in adolescents with obesity" Co-I: American Egg Board, Egg Nutrition Council, "An egg-rich diet improves metabolic health and physical function in obese, older adults" Co-I: American Institute for Cancer Research, "Targeted disruption of cancer cell metabolism and growth through modification of diet quality" Completed Co-I: UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center, Intramural Pilot Grant, "Targeted Disruption to Cancer Metabolism and Growth through Dietary Macronutrient Modification"

Research and Relationship to DRC Effort: Dr. Goss’s research focuses on the effects of diet on body composition, fat distribution and other factors related to chronic disease risk and treatment including type 2 diabetes and NAFLD. 1) In one line of research, Dr. Goss (PI) studies the role of diet composition on non- alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and metabolic health in children and adolescents with obesity. With increasing prevalence of childhood obesity, NAFLD has emerged as the most common cause of liver disease among children and adolescents in industrialized countries. 2) A second line of research, Dr. Goss is conducting a study designed to examine the impact of diet quality on physical function and metabolic health in older adults with obesity. This study will prospectively test the hypothesis that a diet low in CHO will promote preferential fat loss from metabolically harmful depots without compromising lean mass and lead to improved metabolic health and physical function in obese adults over the age of 65.

Publications (2012 to present): 12 publications (including Obesity, Clin Endocrinol, Metabolism: Clinical and Experimental, J Nutrition); all 12 publications are diabetes related.

DRC Core Usage: For Dr. Goss’s ongoing studies, the human physiology core enables the use of the euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamp technique to evaluate changes in insulin sensitivity in response to an 8-wk diet intervention among older adults with obesity at high risk of type 2 diabetes. The Core also enables the assessment of serum analytes in a dietary intervention designed to reverse fatty liver in adolescence with obesity.

DRC Collaborations: Dr. Goss has had (i) funded grants with: Drs. BA Gower, A Ashraf, T Soleymani; K Fontaine (ii) published manuscripts with: Drs. BA Gower, P Chandler-Laney, K Casazza, F Ovalle, W Bates, R Oster, G Hunter, and (iii) selected conference abstracts with: Drs. BA Gower, P Chandler-Laney, K Casazza, F Ovalle, W Bates, R Oster, and G Hunter.

Name/Degree/Title: Barbara A. Gower, PhD; Professor, Department of Nutrition Sciences Role in DRC: Senior Scientist in Integrative Metabolism; Director, DRC Human Physiology Core Background and Interests: Since joining the UAB faculty in 1997, Dr. Gower has achieved international recognition for her extensive work in human physiology in the areas of diabetes, obesity, and metabolic disease. As Director of the Human Physiology Core, Dr. Gower assists many investigators at UAB and around the world with study design, sample analysis, and interpretation of results for outcomes related to body composition, fat distribution, energy metabolism, hormones, lipids, insulin sensitivity, and beta-cell function. Dr. Gower obtained her PhD from the University of Utah, and conducted postdoctoral work in Endocrinology at the University of Delaware, and in Human Metabolism at UAB. Her major research areas are risk for type 2 diabetes in African-Americans (AAs), and the role of diet composition in risk for chronic disease. For 20 years, she has been at the forefront of investigations into insulin sensitivity and beta-cell function in African Americans. Her goal is to develop “personalized” lifestyle interventions that take into account ethnicity and individual physiology. Funding: Current PI: R01 DK096388, “Race/adiposity interactions regulate mechanisms determining insulin sensitivity” PI: AICR, “Targeted Disruption to Cancer Metabolism and Growth through Dietary Macronutrient Modification” Co-I: R01HL107916, “A photographic method for human body composition assessment” Co-I: R01 DK103863, “Fixed Versus Variable Energy Reduction During Behavioral Obesity Treatment” Co-I: Paralyzed Veterans of America, “Validation of segmental body composition assessment for SCI/D” Core Director: NCATS, “Metabolism Core Laboratory” of the CCTS Core Director: NIDDK, “Metabolism Core Laboratory” of the NORC Pending PI: NIDDK, “Obesity risk in African American women is determined by a diet-by-phenotype interaction” Recently Completed Co-PI: R01 DK049779, “Exercise intensity, metabolic rate & insulin sensitivity” Research and Relationship to DRC Effort: Dr. Gower is a key member in integrative metabolism with research related to the pathophysiology of type 2 diabetes, the role of diet composition in metabolism, and racial differences in metabolism and diabetes risk. She is currently studying whether diet quality can improve metabolic health and endocrine outcomes, including insulin, glucose, and lipids, in women with ovarian and endometrial cancer (AICR). This research addresses the timely observation that type 2 diabetes is a risk factor for cancer. She is also studying if and how obesity affects insulin sensitivity in African-Americans, and if the observed patterns differ from those of European Americans. The specific hypothesis being tested is that energetic efficiency at the mitochondrial level is a larger determinant of insulin sensitivity in African-Americans vs European-Americans, whereas body composition and fat distribution are most closely associated with insulin sensitivity in European-Americans. This project follows research in Dr. Gower’s laboratory that revealed that African-Americans have lower insulin sensitivity not explained by obesity or fat distribution (or many lifestyle factors), and that oxidative stress may explain this difference. A pending R01 grant will examine whether the unique metabolic phenotype of obesity-prone African-American women (high first-phase insulin secretion, low insulin clearance, and relatively high insulin sensitivity) predisposes to fat deposition and impedes weight loss in the context of a high glycemic diet (diet x phenotype interaction). This proposal follows extensive previous research that implicates diet composition in obesity specifically in African American women. Publications (2012-present): 34 publications (including J. Clin. Endo. Metab., Endocrine, J. Nutrition, Human Reproduction, J. Diabetes Metab.); all 34 publications are diabetes related. DRC Core Use: Dr. Gower’s research uses the Human Physiology Core extensively for body composition (DXA, BIA), body fat distribution (MRI, MRS for intermuscular fat, liver fat, visceral fat, abdominal subcutaneous fat), hormone analysis, analysis of other biochemical analytes (lipids, glucose), insulin sensitivity determination (IVGTT, mixed meal test, euglycemic clamp), and determination of beta-cell function (C-peptide modeling). She also uses the Redox Biology Core for assessment of mitochondrial function and oxidative stress. DRC Collaborations: Dr. Gower collaborates closely with Dr. Fisher on the role of mitochondrial function and oxidative stress in determining insulin sensitivity, and with Dr. Ballenger on the role of ancestry (i.e., genetic admixture and mitochondrial haplotype) in determining sensitivity to environmental factors (e.g., diet) for determining diabetes risk. Her collaborative efforts with Dr. Chandler-Laney have led to new insights into the role of the prenatal condition and maternal diet in determining risk for diabetes in both mother and offspring. She has pending grants with Drs. Fontaine, Dutton, and Garvey.

Name/Degrees: Jayleen M. Grams, MD, PhD; Associate Professor, Department of Medicine, Division of Surgery

Role in DRC: Mentored Scientist in Integrative Metabolism

Background and Interests: As a clinician, I aim to examine outcomes following bariatric surgery with the hope of improving overall patient care and developing strategies to improve clinical outcomes. Toward this goal, we have used our prospectively maintained database to examine outcomes in our bariatric surgical practice. Current studies are underway to determine the impact of preoperative weight loss on postoperative outcomes as well as to identify determinants of postoperative weight regain. In alignment with my basic science interests, we are currently analyzing clinical factors in bone health from our bariatric surgery patients.

As a clinician scientist, I am able to bridge my clinical practice with my basic research interests. As such, I am also better able to collaborate with other basic scientists in providing valuable human specimens and in understanding and analyzing the results in order to contribute in a meaningful way. This has resulted in a number of significant collaborations including investigating the immune response to H. pylori infection. Additionally, I have collaborations with Dr. Casey Morrow and Dr. Craig Maynard to examine the impact of bariatric surgery on the microbiome.

Funding: Current PI: UAB General Endowment Fund, "The impact of bariatric surgery on the skeleton"

Recently Completed PI: Society of University Surgeons, Junior Faculty Award. "The Role of Adipocyte-Derived Osteocalcin in Energy Homeostasis" PI: Department of Surgery, UAB, John W. Kirklin Research and Education Fellowship Award, "The Role of Adipocyte-Derived Osteocalcin in Energy Homeostasis" PI: Society for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract, Career Development Award, "The Role of Adipocyte-Derived Osteocalcin in Energy Homesostasis"

Research and Relationship to DRC Effort: My primary research interest has been to understand the contribution of adipose tissue to dysmetabolism. When I first joined the faculty at UAB as a surgeon, I was uniquely positioned to secure human specimens. I studied different depots of human adipose tissue (subcutaneous fat and visceral fat), particularly investigating differences in adipocyte morphology, RNA expression, and the proteome in patients with T2DM and obesity. Contrary to reports that adipocytes are larger in obesity and/or T2DM, we discovered that T2DM and obesity were correlated with an increase in the population of small cells. Further, we determined the proteome of subcutaneous fat and momentum from patients with obesity ± T2DM, identifying putative proteins involved in T2DM and dysmetabolism. Due to limitations in working with human tissue (quantity able to be harvested, time interval needed to recruit each patient, and clinical heterogeneity), I extended my research program to study a specific protein, osteocalcin, and worked with Dr. Kesterson in creating an osteocalcin knockout rodent model. Current studies are underway to phenotype the animal and determine the role of osteocalcin in bone pathophysiology, including to determine the role of osteocalcin in mediating the bone loss. Current studies are underway to investigate the impact and molecular mechanisms underlying skeletal pathophysiology after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.

All Publications (2012 to present): 14 publications (including Cell, Obesity Surg, Am Surg, PLoS One, Gastroenterology); 7 publications are diabetes related.

Core Use: Dr. Grams uses the Animal Core for Transgenic, Glucose/Energy Metabolism, Body Composition and Consulting services; she also uses the BARB core for bioenergetic flux analysis and consultation services.

DRC Collaborations: Dr. Grams has grant and publication collaborations with Drs. Garvey, Kesterson, Moellering, Nagy, and Zhou.

Name/Degree/Title: Orlando M. Gutiérrez, MD, MMSc; Associate Professor of Medicine, Division of Nephrology

Role in DRC: Scientist in Diabetes Complications; Pilot and Feasibility Recipient

Background and Interests: Dr. Gutiérrez is currently an Associate Professor of Medicine and Epidemiology and is the head of the Section of Epidemiology and Outcomes Research in the Division of Nephrology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Dr. Gutiérrez also serves as the medical director of the Bionutrition Unit of the Center for Clinical and Translation Science. Using both epidemiologic and patient-oriented clinical research approaches, the primary focus of Dr. Gutiérrez’s group has been elucidating the mechanisms by which disorders of bone and mineral metabolism and nutrition impact outcomes in individuals with chronic kidney disease. In addition, Dr. Gutiérrez has a track record of publications, including feeding studies using physiological end-points, and other high-impact studies that have highlighted the associations of nutrition, obesity, metabolic disease, and environmental factors with outcomes in the general population and in individuals with chronic kidney disease. He is actively collaborating with other members of the DRC in investigating the role of nutrition in the development and progression of metabolic complications such as ectopic adiposity and insulin resistance related to kidney disease. This work aims to identify novel interventions for improving metabolic health, body composition and insulin sensitivity in patients with chronic kidney disease.

Funding: Current PI: R01 NS080850, “Impact of disordered mineral metabolism on stroke and cognitive impairment” U01DK102730-01A1, “Beyond the glomerulus: novel clinical markers of kidney health and prognosis” AHA 15SFDRN25620022, “Impact of lowering phosphate additive intake on mineral metabolism and cardiovascular health in community-living adults” Pending PI: R21DK113438, “Pilot study of a low carbohydrate high fat diet to improve body composition in CKD”

Research and Relationship to DRC Effort: Dr. Gutierrez interests involve the impact of nutrition on the decline in renal function in diabetic nephropathy. His research efforts of are concentrated in three major areas. The first area involves understanding the causes and consequences of disturbances in phosphorus metabolism in chronic kidney disease. His group has made important contributions in defining the role of fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) in phosphorus homeostasis and outcomes in the progression of diabetic kidney disease. The second area involves understanding the role of disturbances in iron metabolism in altered glucose handling and cardiovascular disease in chronic kidney disease. His group is particularly focused on hepcidin, the central hormonal regulator of iron trafficking, and its impact on insulin sensitivity, atherosclerosis, and outcomes in kidney disease. Finally, Dr. Gutiérrez is actively investigating nutritional exposures that may contribute to the development and progression of inflammation, insulin resistance, and ectopic adiposity in chronic kidney disease. His group’s major focus in this area is the role of dietary carbohydrates in the development of metabolic disease in CKD. These interrelated, but independent, research efforts are linked to the DRC’s major focus in identifying novel and potentially modifiable factors for alterations in glucose handling and metabolism, particularly in high-risk populations such as individuals with chronic kidney disease.

Publications (2012-present): 82 publications (including NEJM, JAMA, Circulation, J Am Soc Nephrol, Clin Chem, J Ren Nutr, Nephrol Dial Transplant, Kidney Int, Semin Dial); 33 publications are diabetes related.

DRC Core Use: Dr. Gutierrez uses the Human Physiology Core for assays, assessment of glucose homeostasis and vascular function/reactivity. He also uses the Physiology Core to obtain endothelial function measurements for his funded AHA grant project.

DRC Collaborations: Dr. Gutierrez has grant and publication collaborations with Drs. Agarwal, Ashraf, Bamman, Barnes, Calhoun, Casazza, Cui, G Howard, VJ Howard, Irvin, Levitan, Locher, McCormick, Muntner, Oparil, D Pollock, J Pollock, Redden, Reynolds, Sanders, Shikany, Wallace S, and Young.

Name/Degrees/Title: Kirk Habegger, PhD; Assistant Professor of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism

Role in DRC: Mentored Scientist in Vascular Disease; Pilot and Feasibility Recipient

Background and Interests: Dr. Habegger is an integrative physiologist with a research focus on the neuroendocrine regulation of glucose metabolism and energy balance. Throughout his training, he has acquired a diverse background in energy metabolism research, endocrinology, biochemistry, and integrative physiology. In his graduate work, he specialized in the areas of plasma membrane dynamics and glucose transport, providing a solid foundation in key areas of intracellular signaling and cell biology. During his postdoctoral training, he acquired significant expertise in neuroendocrinology, along with a broad background in physiology and the pathophysiology associated with obesity and diabetes. In the course of this training, he successfully led a large number of projects and collaborations, many of which included studies of novel pharmacological and device-based therapies against diabetes and obesity in rodent models. This work resulted in several important manuscripts as well as both an NIH-NIDDK K01 and a Junior Faculty Career Development award from the American Diabetes Association, on two independent topics.

Funding: Current PI:1K01DK098319, "Duodenal nutrient exclusion enhances glucose metabolism via CNS regulation" PI: UAB UCDC, P&F, "Interplay between diabetes and other chronic diseases - Dietary and immunological interplay during anti-retroviral therapy" PI: UAB School of Medicine - Pittman Scholar PI:1R01DK112934-01, "Glucagon Mediated Potentiation of Insulin Sensitivity in Glucose Metabolism" Pending Co-PI:R01DK114110, "Tissue-Specific Control of Glucose and Lipid Metabolism by LDB1 Transcriptional Co- Regulator Complexes " Recently Completed PI: ADA, 1-13-JF-21, "FGF21 as a mediator of the metabolic actions of glucagon" PI: UAB DRC, P&F, "The Glucagon-FG21 signaling axis mediates beneficial effects of exercise on HFD induced non-alcoholic fatty liver disease" Co-I UAB DRC, P&F "Transcriptional Complex Activity During Metabolic Stress" Co-I: UAB CFAR, P&F, "Epigenetic & kinomic analysis of adipose inflammation from anti-retroviral therapy- treated diabetic mice"

Research and Relationship to DRC Effort: Work in the Habegger lab focuses on central and peripheral pathways that regulate energy balance and glucose homeostasis, in fact our research is almost exclusively directed at understanding the underlying mechanisms of the pathophysiology of diabetes and obesity as well as identifying novel therapeutic targets against these disease states. My group has two primary projects 1) elucidating the non-canonical physiologies of glucagon-receptor signaling and 2) interrogating central pathways stimulated by duodenal nutrient exclusion. Since arriving at UAB these projects have each resulted in a primary manuscript. These projects have also resulted in both intramural and extramural funding (ADA Junior Faculty and NIDDK-K01), with additional R01 funding pending. These two primary foci are complemented by collaborative projects with fellow UAB-DRC members. One of these collaborations (w/ Dr. Chad Hunter) has yielded a co-corresponding manuscript and 2 multi-PI RO1 submissions (one to be completed for the February cycle). The other (co-funded by the UAB-CFAR) addresses an intriguing intersection between anti-retroviral based therapies and metabolic dysregulation. This project has become a fruitful collaboration between my group and the groups of Drs. Tse and Wende, both DRC member scientists.

Publications (2012 to present): 9 publications (including Diabetologia, Cell, Endocrinology, Int J Obes, Nat Med, J Nutr Biochem, J Appl Physiol); 5 publications are diabetes related. DRC Core Usage: Dr. Habegger’s work has benefited greatly from the DRC funded cores and especially the Animal Physiology Core. DRC Collaborations: Dr. Habegger has grant and publication collaborations with Drs. Agarwal, Bamman, Gamble, Garvey, C Hunter, Kim, Rowe, Tse, Wende, and Young. Name/Degree/Title: Fadi G. Hage, MD; Assistant Professor of Medicine, Cardiovascular Disease Role in DRC: Scientist, Vascular Disease Background and Interests: Dr. Hage received his MD from the American U. of Beirut in Lebanon in 2001. He came to UAB as an Intern in 2002, after which he completed a fellowship in cardiovascular disease and a postdoctoral Fellow in the T32 training program at UAB, Vascular Biology and Hypertension. He was promoted to Assistant Professor in 2009, and has established a productive laboratory researching inflammation and vascular injury. Using a C-reactive protein (CRP) transgenic mouse Dr. Hage showed that CRP facilitates the adverse remodeling observed after acute arterial injury and defined the role of the complement system in this process. He is also interested in risk stratification in diabetes mellitus and chronic kidney disease, and his lab has developed a novel marker of risk associated with cardiac autonomic neuropathy that predicts mortality in these patient populations. In addition, Dr. Hage is investigating the relationship between cardiometabolic disease and hormonal status in women, the results of which will have implications for treating or preventing cardiovascular disease, diabetes and other inflammatory diseases. Funding: Current (Select Diabetes Related Grants) NHLBI/R01HL116727 (PI: Chen, Y-F; Role:Co-I), Targeted Delivery of iPS-Endothelial Cells for the Repair of Cardiovascular Injury Brigham and Women's Hospital, (Hage, PI), Coronary Flow Reserve to Assess Cardiovascular Inflammation (CIRT-CFR). Astellas Sci and Med Affairs, Inc. (Hage, PI), Heart Rate Response to Regadenoson and Sudden Cardiac Response. Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, ACZ885M2301, (Hage, PI), A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo- Controlled, Event-Driven Trial of Quarterly Subcutanious Canakinumab in the Prevention of Recurrent Cardiovascular Events Among Stable Post-Myocardial Infarction Patients with Elevated HSCRP. Research and Relationship to DRC Effort: Dr. Hage’s research interest is in inflammation and vascular injury in the context of diabetes and cardiometabolic disease. In addition to his research on CRP and cardiovascular disease, Dr. Hage is also interested in risk stratification in diabetes mellitus and chronic kidney disease. His research recently identified heart rate response to adenosine as a novel independent predictor of mortality associated with cardiac autonomic neuropathy in diabetes. In addition, his collaborative efforts with Dr. A Iskandrian identified left ventricular dyssynchrony as a predictor of mortality in patients with end-stage renal disease. Building on his investigations of CRP and cardiovascular disease, new research in his lab has led to a pending VA Merit Award application to investigate the effects of estrogen on vascular inflammation. Research by Dr. Hage and others suggests that endogenous E2 is vasoprotective against the effects of CRP, and that this modulatory effect is lost after long periods of E2 deprivation, as occurs post-menopause. This helps explain the increasing incidence of vascular disease in post-menopausal females with Metabolic Syndrome and systemic inflammation. These studies will provide information relevant to the design of novel strategies for prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease associated with diabetes, as well as the vascular inflammation underlying the metabolic syndrome and diabetes. Publications (2012-present): Dr. Hage has published over 100 papers related to cardiometaboloic disease and diabetes in the past 5 years, in such journals as Circulation, Clinical Cardiology, American Heart Journal, American Journal of Cardiology, Molecular Endocrinology, and Mediators of Inflammation. DRC Core Use: Dr. Hage has not used DRC Cores to-date, but plans to use the Human Physiology Core cardiovascular services to assess endothelial dysfunction in the future. DRC Collaborations: Dr. Hage has collaborated with Dr. A Szalai to develop a mouse model of vascular inflammation, and with Dr. A Iskandrian in the area of risk stratification in diabetes patients using cardiovascular imaging and heart rate changes. With Dr. Y Chen, Dr. Hage is also studying vascular remodeling in insulin resistance and diabetes, and methods to modify vascular response to injury. Dr. Hage has grant and publication collaborations with Drs. Affuso, Agarwal, Calhoun, Y ChenF, Kearney, Lloyd, Oparil, Prabhu, Sanders, Szalai, and Xing D, and has 42 diabetes-related publications in the past five years.

Name/Degree/Title: Ganesh V. Halade, PhD; Assistant Professor of Cardiovascular Disease, Department of Medicine

Role in DRC: Senior Scientist in Vascular Disease

Background and Interests: Dr. Halade is recipient of K99R00 award and trained in cardiovascular sciences with major focus on obesity and cardiac remodeling. After gaining PhD in pharmacology, he completed postdoctoral training with Dr. Merry Lindsey at San Antonio Cardiovascular Proteomics Center and Barshop Institute for Longevity Studies in Aging at the University of Texas Health Science Center. Dr. Halade has spent more than 7 years working on obesity and now focusing on the regulation of inflammation and extracellular matrix following myocardial infarction (MI) in the setting of obesity. He is working on fatty acids and their role in post-MI inflammation and extracellular matrix remodeling. Current research is focusing on the three themes 1) determine the role of nutritional factors such as fatty acids enriched diet and their role in myocardial healing following ischemic injury. 2) Catalog and define the role of lipid mediators in progression or resolution of inflammation in myocardial wound healing and cardiac remodeling.; and 3) determine the role of lipid busting enzyme lipoxygenase in ischemic injury and their impact on pathological remodeling.

Funding: Current PI: NIH/ NHLBI R01 (1R01HL132989-01), "Resolution of Inflammation in Heart Failure Post-Myocardial Infarction" Recently Completed PI: NIH/ NCCAM K99/R00 (1K99AT006704-01), "DHA Mechanisms in Obesity-mediated Cardiac Remodeling Post-Myocardial Infarction" PI: Michigan Regional Comprehensive Metabolomics Resource Core, "Cardiosplenic Metabolism of DHA and EPA Intermediates Following Myocardial Infarction in Obesity"

Research and Relationship to DRC Effort:

Cardiac remodeling in obesity and diabetes: To answer the over nutrition question in obesity, we used heterozygous Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) mouse that develop obesity due to hyperphagia. Our study provided the foundation that hyperphagic obesity and lower BDNF accelerated the clearance of neutrophils from infarcted area (PMID: 24142413; American journal of physiology Heart and circulatory physiology, 2013). Further post-MI cardiac remodeling in diabetic mice confirms that uncontrolled diabetes in KKAy mice increases mortality but strengthens collagen remodeling in survivors (PMID: 23896047; Cardiovascular pathology, 2013). Thus, we confirmed that obesity and diabetes contributes to pathological remodeling through independent pathway.

Post-MI healing in obese aging: Our study in n-6 fatty acids-induced obesity superimposed on aging suggests that lipid species such hydroperoxy fatty acids promote lingering of neutrophils in the infarcted myocardium. Also n-6 fatty acids increase vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 confirming the possible neutrophils retention in infarcted left ventricle. This suggest context dependent role such as ‘essential’ during early life but excessive intake during aging lead to formation of pro-inflammatory lipid mediators (PMID: 25485899; American journal of physiology Heart and circulatory physiology, 2015) - Selected as APSselect March 2015 for distinction in scholarship by the American Journal of Physiology.

Publications (2012-present): 12 publications (including Aging, PLos Pathog, Basic Res Cardiol, J Mol Cell Cardiol); 3 publications are diabetes related.

Core Usage: Dr. Halade uses the Animal Core for Body Composition and Consulting services.

DRC Collaborations: Dr. Halade has grant and publication collaborations with Drs. Allison, Austad, Bamman, Barnes, Chatham, Y ChenF, Darley-Usmar, Gamble, Nagy, Prabhu, Smith, Tollefsbol, Wende, Q Yang, and Young. Name/Degree/Title: Beatriz Y. Hanaoka, MD; Assistant Professor, Rheumatology

Role in DRC: Mentored Scientist in Integrative Metabolism

Background and Interests: Dr. Hanaoka is a physician-scientist and her research focuses on alterations in body composition, metabolic syndrome and skeletal muscle dysfunction in patients with rheumatic diseases. After completing Internal Medicine training at Cleveland Clinic in 2008, she went to Columbia University as a fellow in Rheumatology. In 2010, Dr. Hanaoka started her academic career at the University of Kentucky as an Assistant Professor. In 2016, she joined UAB, and she has since obtained a K23 NIAMS patient-oriented career development award that focuses on understanding at a mechanistic level the metabolic and physiologic abnormalities of skeletal muscle in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Funding: Current PI: NIH – 1K23AR068450-01A1 “Skeletal Muscle in Rheumatoid Arthritis”

Research and Relationship to the DRC Effort: Dr. Hanaoka is investigating if insulin resistance is an underlying cause of skeletal muscle dysfunction in patients with rheumatoid arthritis by conducting a clinical trial with an insulin sensitizer. Dr. Hanaoka is also conducting additional collaborative studies with her husband, Dr. Prabhakara Nagareddy (UAB-Nutrition Sciences), and Dr. Andrew Murphy (Baker IDI Institute, Melbourne, Australia) to examine molecular pathways that contribute to increased cardiovascular risk in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Publications (2012 to present): 4 publications, including in Nat Rev Rheumatol, Expert Rev Clin Immunol)

DRC Core Usage: Dr. Hanaoka’s work is benefitting substantially from the Human Physiology Core directed by Barbara Gower.

DRC Collaborations: Dr. Hanaoka collaborates with Drs. Gower and Bamman to evaluate the effect of insulin resistance and lipotoxicity on skeletal muscle dysfunction in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. She has a funded grant with: Drs. BA Gower and MM Bamman.

Name/Degree/Title: Robert W. Hardy, PhD; Professor, Department of Pathology

Role in the DRC: Senior Scientist in Molecular Signaling; Pilot and Feasibility Recipient

Background and Interests: Dr. Hardy earned his PhD in Clinical Biochemistry from the University of Toronto in 1988. He then went on to complete a postdoctoral fellowship in Clinical Chemistry and diabetes research at Washington University and a second fellowship in diabetes research at UAB. He joined the faculty at UAB in the Department of Pathology in 1991. Dr. Hardy’s research focus is the impact of fatty acids on breast cancer metastasis, developing a clinical mitochondria laboratory and oxidative stress. His current studies focus on developing a clinical mitochondria laboratory. Funding: Current Co-investigator: Implementing a Clinical Mitochondrial Testing Laboratory: Foundation for Mitochondrial Medicine and Seahorse Bioscience, 2016-2017 Pending Co-investigator: Reciprocal Bioenergetic Interactions Between Breast Cancer Cells and Cancer-Associated Adipocytes DoD, 2017-2019 Recently Completed Co-Investigator: Accelerating Translational Bioenergetics at UAB, UAB HSF-GEF 2013-2014

Research and Relationship to DRC Effort: Dr. Hardy’s primary area of interest is in clinical translational research involving oxidative stress and clinical chemistry. In particular I am interested in bringing assays for oxidative stress into the clinical lab. To this end I am participating in a project to establish a robust assay that describes mitochondrial bioenergetics. Diabetes microvascular complications are clearly related oxidative stress/reactive oxygen species (ROS). Mitochondria are a primary source of ROS and yet there are no direct biomarkers of oxidative stress in clinical labs. Developing a clinical mitochondria lab that measures mitochondrial bioenergetics will be an important addition to risk assessment and managing diabetic complications. Given the burgeoning numbers of diabetics and pre-diabetics improving this area of diabetes risk assessment, and managing complications should be a fertile area for extramural funding. His current and recently completed funding is directly related to these interests.

Publications (2012-present): 8 publications (including in PLoS One, Clinical Science, Genetics)

DRC Core Use: Dr. Hardy has used the Animal Physiology Core for DEXA and QMR information on body composition in rodent models, and the Human Physiology Core for measuring serum markers of inflammation and insulin resistance.

DRC Collaborations: Dr. Hardy has collaborated with Drs. Victor Darley-Usmar, Balu Chako and Scott Ballinger on mitochondrial energetics which has resulted in two publications, as well as with Dr. Messina which has resulted in one publication. Name/Degree/Title: Lorie Harper, MD, MSCI; Associate Professor, Obstetrics and Gynecology

Role in DRC: Mentored Scientist in Epidemiology/Genetics; Pilot and Feasibility Recipient

Background and Interests: I am a practicing Maternal-Fetal Medicine specialist and perinatal epidemiologist. I recently completed an NIH- funded Women’s Reproductive Health Research (WRHR) scholarship, which I have used to advance my training in the design and implementation of complex studies after completing my Master of Science in Clinical Investigation. My research interests include the diagnosis and management of gestational diabetes, as well as the management of pregestational diabetes during pregnancy.

Funding: Current Co-I: Gates Grand Challenges All Children Thriving South Africa; 2016/02/01-2017/01/30; Development and validation of a sensitive, specific one-time blood test for gestational diabetes; Role: UAB Project Director, 3% FTE Co-I: NHLBI U01 HL120338-01A1, "Chronic Hypertension and Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes (CHAP)" PI: NICHD 1R01 HD086007-1, "Prophylactic Negative Pressure Wound Therapy in Obese Women at Cesarean: A Multicenter Randomized Trial" PI: NICHD 1R01 HD086139 "Medical Optimization and Management of Pregnancies with Overt Type 2 Diabetes" Pending PI: PCS R-1609-35959, "Safe Prevention of the Primary Cesarean: High- Versus Low-Dose Oxytocin" PI: R01 HD092440-01, "Safe Prevention of the Primary Cesarean: High- Versus Low-Dose Oxytocin" PI: American Heart Association. "Intergenerational Transmission of Obesity: Antenatal Mother and Beyond Birth Offspring" Completed PI: NICHD K12HD001258 "OB/GYN Faculty Research Career Development Program" PI: NIDDK P30 DK079626 DRC Pilot Program, "Metabolomics of Gestational Diabetes" PI: NIH/NCATS UL1TR00165 , UAB Center for Clinical and Translational Science Translational Research Intramural Grant Program: "A Novel Biomarker of Hyperglycemia for Detection of Gestational Diabetes in Obese Women"

Research and Relationship to DRC Effort: My research interests include the diagnosis and management of gestational diabetes, as well as the management of pregestational diabetes during pregnancy. I am currently enrolling patients in a Diabetes Research Training Center-funded study to examine the use of metabolomics of gestational diabetes as a potential diagnostic test; if a unique metabolomics pattern of GDM can be identified using this source I will apply for extramural funding to expand the use of metabolomics for GDM diagnosis. Additionally, I am the UAB project director of a similar study funded by the Gates Foundation and South Africa Medical Research Council. This study is prospectively enrolling patients at Sefako Magatho University in South Africa. Additional research interests include the impact of insulin resistance and obesity on pregnancy, pregnancy outcomes, and the offspring.

Publications (2012 to present): 33 publications (including Obesity, Am J Obstet Gynecol, Am J Kidney Dis, J Perinatol, Obstet Gynecol, Value Health); 21 publications are diabetes related.

DRC Core Usage: Dr. Harper will utilize the Human Physiology Core and the Interventions and Translation Core for her involvement in the American Heart Association Grant.

DRC Collaborations: Collaborations with Dr. Timothy Garvey and Dr. Paula Chandler-Laney through the DRC have led to the submission of an American Heart Association Grant examining the mechanisms of intergenerational transmission of obesity, including the study of insulin resistance. Dr. Harper also has grant and publication collaborations with Drs. Barnes, Biggio, Garvey, Oparil, Reddy, Prasain, and Tiwari. Name/Degrees/Title: John Louis Hartman IV, MD; Associate Professor, Department of Genetics Role in DRC: Scientist, Epidemiology/Genetics Background and Interests: A major achievement of my laboratory has been development of yeast phenomics as a methodology to leverage the tractable eukaryotic genetic model, S. cerevisiae, for understanding the role of gene-gene, gene-environment, and gene-drug interactions in contributing to complex phenotypes and ultimately in human diseases such as diabetes and cardiometabolic dysfunction. It is increasingly clear that multiple genes impact every disease, and every gene impacts many phenotypes. Thus, the disease impact of any particular genetic variant is context- dependent, determined by the allelic status of numerous genes, many of which may behave non-linearly with respect to each other, known from a quantitative genetics perspective as ‘epistasis’, about which very little is known in humans. To map gene interaction networks relevant to human disease, my laboratory developed a methodology for quantifying gene interactions in S. cerevisiae with respect to cell proliferation - representing a highly quantifiable trait in yeast that serves as a surrogate for the function of nearly every gene: if we can find a growth phenotype for a gene (and we often cans), it is possible to use our phenomics methodology to study the gene interaction network that buffers its function.

Funding: Current RNIH/01AG043076. (PI: Hartman). 09/1/2012 - 05/31/2017. “Constructing Gene-Regulatory Networks to Reveal the Metabolic Basis of Lifespan in Yeast.” Cystic Fibrosis Foundation/ARTMA15G0. (PI: Hartman). 11/1/2015 - 10/31/2017. “Ribosomal Perturbation to Increase Functional Expression of F508del-CFTR”. U24 DK097209 (Yost) Southeast Center for Integrated Metabolomics, SECIM (University of Florida) Pilot Project Sub-award: “Integration of Genetic and Metabolic Networks that Influence Cellular Aging”, Role: PI for Pilot Project P30AG050886 (Austad) UAB Nathan Shock Center for Aging Excellence: “Comparative Energetics and Aging” Role: Co-Director of Pilot and Feasibility Grant Program Pending R01AG056435 (PI: Hartman). “Discovery of Genetic and Metabolic Network Dynamics to Explain Complex Aging Phenotypes in Response to Gene and Nutrient Perturbations” Recently Completed (select – see biosketch) 2 R01 DK056796-10A1 (Kirk) “New Paradigms of CFTR Regulation”; Role: Co-Investigator RSG-10-066-01-TBE (Hartman) “Molecular buffering of dNTP metabolism by Target of Rapamycin sign” Howard Hughes Medical Institute, P/S ECA 57005927 (Hartman). Physician-Scientist Early Career Award: “Quantitative, Global Analysis of Gene Interaction Networks that Buffer DNA Replication by Regulation of Threonine Metabolic Flux” Research and Relationship to DRC Effort: My laboratory collaborates extensively in order to pursue phenomic models of disease as broadly as possible in order to efficiently discover and translate new insight about complex genetic mechanisms relevant to cellular function to relevant animal models of disease. Current and past projects include Systems Biology of Chronological Aging, Buffering of DNA replication by TOR signaling, Biogenesis Network for CFTR-∆508 mutation, and numerous other projects. More recently, my laboratory has developed a technique for global, targeted metabolomics analysis, which we are using to study the integration of genetic and metabolic networks that mediate the mechanisms of influence for effects of dietary restriction on cellular aging. These studies will provide insights that may be translated into human medicine for diabetes and cardiometabolic disease.

Publications (2012-present): Dr. Hartman has 8 articles published on the last five years in such journals as J Biol Chem, Genome Med, F1000Res, FASEB J and Genes.

DRC Core Use: Dr. Hartman uses the BARB core for O2 consumption, bioenergetic flux analysis and consultation services.

DRC Collaborations: Dr. Hartman has grant and publication collaborations with Drs. Allison, Austad, Barnes, Darley-Usmar, Smith, and Tollefsbol, and has 1 diabetes-related publication in the past five years. Name/Degree/Title: Bertha Hidalgo, PhD; Assistant Professor, Department of Epidemiology

Role in DRC: Mentored Scientist in Epidemiology/Genetics

Background and Interests: Dr. Hidalgo obtained her PhD in Epidemiology from the University of Alabama at Birmingham (Birmingham, AL) and completed post-doctoral training at the University of Alabama at Birmingham in the Section on Statistical Genetics and joined the faculty in 2014. Dr. Hidalgo has won several awards, including the UAB Outstanding Women award, the City of Birmingham’s Fusion Award, and the UAB Back of the Envelope Award. She has published over 30 peer-reviewed papers in her short tenure in academia, related to disparities and/or genetic epidemiology. Dr. Hidalgo’s research focuses on health disparities related to cardiometabolic diseases, with a special focus on Latino populations and epigenomics. The main questions addressed by her research are: (A) How do cardiometabolic diseases differ within and across sub groups of Hispanic/Latinos and other racial/ethnic groups in the US; and (B) What are feasible tissues that can serve as proxies for blood in –omics research?

Funding: Current PI: NIH K01 HL130609 01 "Epigenomics of Cardiometabolic Diseases in Mexican Americans" Completed PI: NIH HHSN268201300001, "Genetics of the Hispanic Community Health Study – Study of Latinos (SOL)" PI: UAB Back of the Envelope Award (BOTE), "Multi-ethnic Biorepository for Complex Diseases" PI: Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Grant , "Epidemiological Assessment of Disparities in Childhood Obesity across Latino Subgroups in the US" Co-I: T32HL072757-10, "UAB Statistical Genetics Postdoctoral Training Program" Co-I: NIMHD 5R25CA047888 Loan Repayment Program, "Genetics of Cardiometabolic Diseases of Latino Subgroups in the US" PI: UAB Cancer Prevention and Control Training Program, "High-Risk Human Papillomavirus and Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia (CIN) Among Foreign-Born Latinas at Colposcopy"

Research and Relationship to DRC Effort: Dr. Hidalgo’s current research seeks to increase understanding the genetic and environmental underpinnings of risk factors that are contributors to cardiometabolic diseases among Hispanic/Latinos. Dr. Hidalgo is conducting research in two Hispanic/Latino, nationally-representative cohorts in the US.

Publications (2012-present): 25 publications (including the following journals: Diabetes, Am J Clin Nutrition, Genes Nutr, Obesity, PLoS One, Ann Epidemiol, Bone, J Immigr Minor Health, Am J Public Health and Clin Lipidol).

DRC Core Use: Dr. Hidalgo uses the Interventions and Translation Core for consultation services.

DRC Collaborations: Dr. Hidalgo has grant and publication collaborations with Drs. Affuso, Allison, Aslibekyan, April Carson, Tiffany Carson, Casazza, Cherrington, Garvey, Irvin, Li, Michael, Morrison, Tiwari, Wang S, and Weech-Maldonado, and has 10 diabetes-related publications in the past five years.

Name/Degree/Title: George Howard, DrPH; Professor, Department of Biostatistics

Role in DRC: Senior Scientist in Epidemiology/Genetics

Background and Interests: My career has a dual focus of observational studies cardiovascular epidemiology with a recent focus to understand and reduce disparities in stroke and other cardiovascular diseases, and in the direction of coordinating centers for multi-center randomized clinical trials. For the former, I am currently the overall project PI for the REasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) project, a U.S. national study developing a cohort of over 30,000 individuals to provide insights to the excess stroke mortality among African Americans and Southerners. Previously, I was PI of the coordinating center for the Insulin Resistance Atherosclerosis Study (IRAS), and was one of the original investigators in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study. In the domain of clinical trials, he was the PI of the Statistical and Data Management Center for the Carotid Revascularization for Primary Prevention of Stroke Trial (CREST-2), a pair of randomized trials each with an anticipated sample size of 1,240 that assess: 1) the difference between carotid endarterectomy versus intensive medical management, and 2) between carotid stenting and intensive medical management. He is also the past PI of the Coordinating Centers the Carotid Revascularization Endarterectomy Stenting Trial (CREST), Secondary Prevention of Small Subcortical Strokes (SPS3), and the Trial of Early Aggressive Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis (TEAR).

Funding: Current PI: NS41588 "Etiology of Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS)" Co-I: NR012726 (Wang) "Risk Factors for Sepsis in the Community" Co-I: HL117323 "Incorporation of a Hypertension Working Group into the Jackson Heart Study" Co-I: NS097443 "Left Atrial Abnormality, ThromboEmbolism, and Race, Novel risk factors for Stroke (LANTERN)" PI: NS080165 "CREST-2 Statistical and Data Coordinating Center" Co-I: GM109098 "Effects of Perfluoralkyl Chemicals on Stroke Incidence, Mortality and Morbidity" Pending Co-I: PCORI – Under review "Comparative Effectiveness Randomized Trial to Improve Stroke Care Delivery: C3FIT: Coordinated, Collaborative, Comprehensive, Family-based, Integrated, and Technology- enabled Care" Co-I: PCORI – Under review "Women’s Carotid Artery Stenosis Trial (W-CAST)" Co-I: NINDS/NIH Under Review "CREST-2: Cartoid Revascularization and Medical Management for Asymptomatic Cartoid Stenosis Trial - Hemodynamics (CREST-H)" Co-I: NINDS/NIH Under Review "CREST-2: Transcartoid versus Transfemoral Cartoid Revascularization (CREST-T)" Co-I: NINDS/NIH Under Review "CREST-2: Cartoid Plaque Vulnerability Study (CREST-P)" Co-I: NHLBI/NIH "mpact of Interventions on Future Trends in Subnational Burden of Cardiovascular Disease in the US"

Research and Relationship to DRC Effort: A major focus of my effort is to advance the understanding of the racial and geographic disparities in stroke, an effort where diet, nutrition and obesity play a central role in development of diabetes and caridiometabolic disease risk.

Publications (2012 to present): 144 publications (including JAMA, JAMA Internal Med, Lancet Neurol, Diabetes Care, Am J Kidney Dis, Stroke, JASH, PLoS One); 69 publications are diabetes related.

Core Use: Dr. Howard uses Interventions and Translation Core services.

DRC Collaborations: Diet, nutrition and obesity are one of the most commonly hypothesized contributors to racial and geographic disparities in stroke. Collaborations with investigators in this arena have investigated the racial differences in insulin resistance, eating patterns and obesity. Collaborations have included Drs. Affuso, Allison, Austad, Bittner, Brott, Calhoun, Carson, Crowe, Garvey, Gutierrez, Hess, Howard VJ, Irvin, Kennedy, Kilgore, Levitan, Lewis, Locher, McClure, Muntner, Oparil, Pollock, Redden, Shikany, and Tiwari.

Name/Degree/Title: Virginia J Howard, PhD; Professor, Department of Epidemiology Role in DRC: Senior Scientist in Epidemiology/Genetics Background and Interests: Dr. Virginia Howard obtained her MSPH in Biostatistics from U North Carolina, Chapel Hill, in 1982, and completed her PhD in Epidemiology at the Medical U of South Carolina, Charleston, in 2008. She joined UAB as an Assistant Professor in 1999, and was promoted to Professor in 2011. Dr. V Howard serves as a facilitator/collaborator in the area of cardiovascular epidemiology with a focus on diabetes. She is a co-PI in the ongoing cohort study, the NINDS-funded REGARDS (REasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke) an ongoing U.S. national population-based cohort of 30,239 black and white adults aged 45 and older at enrollment. While it is well-known that there are large regional differences in hypertension, results from REGARDS analyses now indicate that there may be even bigger differences in prevalence of diabetes. Dr. V Howard’s many years of collaborative experience in the design and conduct of complex, multidisciplinary clinical trials and epidemiologic studies in stroke and stroke risk factors, as well as her commitment to diabetes-related research, is a valuable resource for the DRC. Dr. V Howard chaired the subcommittee on “Bridges to Community: Assuring Ethical Conduct of Studies and Data Integrity” for the 2002 NIH-NINDS Advisory Panel on Stroke Disparities, was a panelist on the 2014 NIH Workshop on Enrollment and Retention of Participants in NIH-funded Clinical Trials, is a member of several American Heart/Stroke Association (AHA) committees, and has served as a reviewer for NIH (including KNOD), CDC, and AHA. Funding: Current PI: R01 AG039588, “Childhood SES Factors: Impact on age-related cognitive and vascular health” Co-PI: R01 NS 41588, “Etiology of Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS)” Co-I: U01 NS080165, “CREST-2 Statistical and Data Coordinating Center (SDCC)” Co-I: R01 AG050609, “Transitions to Family Caregiving and the Impact on Caregivers’ Health” Co-I: R01 NS092706, “Built Environments on Stroke Risk and Stroke Disparities in a National Sample” Pending Co-I: PCORI, “Comparative Effectiveness Randomized Trial to Improve Stroke Care Delivery: C3FIT: Coordinated, Collaborative, Comphrehensive, Family-based, Integrated, and Technology-enabled Care” Research and Relationship to DRC Effort: Dr. V Howard, as co-PI of the REAGRDS Study has made a major impact on epidemiological investigations of diabetes in the DRC through the study of this large national cohort. Dr. V Howard has been instrumentally involved in much of the epidemiological research in REGARDS, including a 2010 study that found substantial racial disparities in the control of hypertension in diabetes, and that this may contribute to the observed increased risk for premature CVD. She has been involved in long- term collaborations with other DRC members, including Dr. WT Garvey, through an ancillary study to REGARDS, which combined REGARDS subjects with Gullah-speaking African Americans in Project Sugar in a genome-wide association to identify SNP loci contributing to Type 2 Diabetes and dyslipidemia in African Americans. Dr. V Howard has also successfully implemented and managed another ancillary study to REGARDS on the Impact of Physical Activity on Stroke and Cognitive Function in Older Adults (REGARDS- PA), in collaboration with investigators off-site at the U of South Carolina and Arizona State U. The overall goal of that study was to assess the relationship between physical activity, as measured by accelerometers, and the outcomes of stroke and cognitive function, including insulin resistance and diabetes. Publications (2012-present): 183 publications (including JAMA, Stroke, NEJM, Circulation, Neurology). DRC Core Use: As a statistician and epidemiologist studying national cohorts, Dr. V Howard does not require the services offered by DRC cores. DRC Collaborations: The REGARDS study is a large cohort study that overlaps heavily with the DRC investigators, thus Dr. Howard has close working relationships with many DRC investigators studying varying aspects of cardiometabolic disease, including Drs. A Carson, O Gutierrez, R Durant, and S Oparil. She has collaborated with Dr. Garvey in GWAS studies to identify diabetes genes in African Americans. She has had (i) funded grants with: M Crowe, O Gutierrez, G Howard (ii) published manuscripts with: OH Affuso, J Fernandez, R Durant, S Oparil, J Shikany, and (iii) selected conference abstracts with: A. Carson, B Gower.

Name/Degree/Title: Chad S. Hunter, PhD; Assistant Professor of Medicine, Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism Role in DRC: Scientist in Vascular Disease, Pilot and Feasibility Recipient Background and Interests: Dr. Hunter has interests in understanding the transcriptional mechanisms underpinning normal endocrine tissues function, especially the pancreatic islet, and especially how these mechanisms become dysfunctional during diabetes and/or obesity. Prior to joining UAB faculty, Dr. Hunter earned his PhD from Purdue University through studies of transcriptional control of pituitary gland function, and a postdoctoral fellowship at Vanderbilt University, where he became interested in pancreatic islet development and function. In his short three years at UAB, Dr. Hunter had built a collaborative research program, earning several grant awards (see below) and publications.

Funding Current PI: UAB UCDC/I3 Pilot Award, “Oxidative Stress Impacts on Islet Beta-cell Identity and Function During Type-1 Diabetes”. PI/Mentor: American Diabetes Association Minority Undergraduate Internship Award #1-17-MUI-004, “Role of Ring Finger 20 (Rnf20) in Postnatal Pancreatic Gene Expression”. Support for Alexa Wade, UAB Undergraduate Honors Student. Co-I: JDRF 2-SRA-2016-270-S-B, “Islet encapsulation with immunomodulatory nanothin coatings”. (collaboration with Dr. Hubert Tse) PI: American Diabetes Association Junior Faculty Development Award #1-16-JDF-044, “Ldb1 mediates transcriptional complexes during beta-cell development and function”. Mentor: NIH-NIGMS T32 GM008111, UAB Predoctoral Training in Cell and Molecular Biology. Stipend Support for Maigen Bethea, Ph.D. Candidate, Hunter lab. Pending Co-PI: NIH-NIDDK R01DK114110-01 (Multi-PI R01), “Tissue-Specific Control of Glucose and Lipid Metabolism by LDB1 Transcriptional Co-Regulator Complexes”. PI: NIH-NIDDK R01DK111483-01, “Revealing LIM domain transcriptional complexes that establish and maintain functional β-cell mass”. Mentor: NIH-NIDDK F31DK111181, “The Role of Lhx1 in Pancreatic Beta Cell Development and Function”. (PI = M. Bethea, A1 Impact Score=19) Recently Completed PI: UAB Diabetes Research Center Pilot and Feasibility Grant, “Transcriptional Complex Activity During Metabolic Stress”. PI: NIH K01DK094842 “The Ldb1 coregulator controls LIM target genes in developing and adult islets.” PI: NIH-NIDDK R03DK105209-01, “Ldb1-mediated transcriptional complexes during β-cell development and function”. (4/1/2016-7/1/2016 - Returned due to scientific overlap with ADA Junior Faculty Award).

Research and Relationship to DRC Effort: Research in the Hunter laboratory is centered on understanding how transcription factors (TFs) and co-regulators interact in complex to regulate critical genes that impart endocrine/metabolic tissue function, for example during pancreas development and in adult beta-cells. Specific interests currently focus on the broadly distributed transcriptional co-regulator, LDB1, and its interactions with the Islet-1 TF, and examining their roles in establishing endocrine cell mass. Since joining UAB, the Hunter lab has enjoyed fruitful collaborations with other DRC investigators to elucidate novel roles for these complexes in other important metabolically active tissues, namely liver, white and brown adipose, skeletal muscle, and in the hypothalamus. Studies from the Hunter lab will be informative for next-generation diabetes therapies, especially in novel drug design and cell-replacement strategies.

Publications (2012 to present): 11 publications (including in Endocrinology, J Clin Invest, Mol Endocrinol, J Biol Chem, Diabetologia, Diabetes, Trends Endocrinol Metab).

Core Use: Dr. Hunter’s research has benefitted from the Animal Physiology Core directed by Tim Nagy.

DRC Collaborations: Dr. Hunter has grant and publication collaborations with Drs. Habegger, Rowe, and Tse, and has 3 diabetes-related publications in the past five years. Name/Degree/Title: Gary R. Hunter, PhD; Professor, Department of Human Studies

Role in DRC: Senior Scientist in Integrative Metabolism

Background and Interests: Dr. Hunter is well-established as a leading authority in exercise science, muscle metabolism, and regulation of body composition. He earned his PhD in Exercise Physiology at Michigan State University. He then served as Director of Wellness Program at the University of Wisconsin-Madison before joining the faculty at UAB in 1984, where he is currently Distinguished Professor of Human Studies and Nutrition Sciences, and Senior Scientist in the Centers for Aging and Diabetes Research and Training Center. Dr. Hunter’s human research portfolio includes more than 280 peer-reviewed publications, with the past 22 years focused primarily on metabolic regulation during exercise, body composition and energy expenditure, exercise and dietary weight loss interventions in premenopausal obese African-American and Caucasian women, and exercise treatment strategies for sarcopenic older adults. His most recently completed projects in older women was aimed at the role of chronic inflammation has in impaired exercise training adaptations among older women and a project that tested the effect an acute bout of high intensity exercise has on energy expenditure, insulin sensitivity, arterial elasticity, blood pressure, mitochondria function, and muscle signals.

Funding: Current Co-I: R01 CA160313-01A1" Promoting weight loss in African-American Cancer Survivors in the Deep South" Pending PI: NIH/DHHS P30DK056336, "UAB NORC Physical Activity Core" Co Mentor: NIH/DHHS (Arora, Pankaj) "Racial Differences in the Natriuretlc Peptide Response to Exercise and Beta-Blockers" Co-I: NIDDK R01CA211735, "Exercise Type during Energy Restriction in Breast Cancer Survivors - Racial Differences and Cancer Biomarker Response" Co-I: NIDDK R01CA214479, "Exercise Type during Energy Restriction in Breast Cancer Survivors - Racial Differences and Cancer Biomarker Response" Completed (select – see biosketch) PI: NIH 4 R01 DK049779 "Exercise Intensity, metabolic rate & insulin sensitivity" Co-I: R01 DK078328, "Identification of Muscle Specific Biomarkers of Fatty Acid Beta-Oxidation" PI: NIH 5 R01 AG027084-01 "Frequency of aerobic/resistance training in older women" Co-I:R01 AG033094, "Calorie restriction & body composition, function, & QOL in older adults"

Research and Relationship to the DRC Effort: Dr. Hunter and his colleagues have been able to show that a severe oxidative stress induced by high intensity aerobic training damages mitochondrial function but does not affect VO2max, supporting the notion that VO2 max is primarily limited by oxygen delivery rather than mitochondrial function. Supporting this notion, his lab has been able to show that variation in muscle blood 31 flow and serum hemoglobin concentration are contributors to variation in VO2max independent of P MRS derived muscle oxidative capacity. Dr. Hunter has shown a strong interest in fat distribution and risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Over the years he and his group have shown that visceral fat is positively but leg fat is negatively related to risk of CVD (abnormal blood lipids and blood pressure) and diabetes (decreased insulin resistance). In addition he and his group have shown that visceral fat is related to abnormal nitric oxide metabolism and increased cytokine production.

Publications (2012 to present): Over 40 publications (including Obesity, Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism, Sports Medicine, J Strength Cond Res, American Journal of Human Biology, Int J of Epidemiology, Metabolism, and Nutrition & Metabolism); 31 of these publications are diabetes-related.

Core Use: Dr. Hunter has used Dr. Gower’s Physiology core (numerous hormones and cytokines) for all of his research projects and has used Scott Ballinger/Doug Moellering BARD Core (muscle mitochondrial function signaling factors in muscle) for his study, “Exercise Intensity, metabolic rate & insulin sensitivity”.

DRC Collaborations: Dr. Hunter has grant and publication collaborations with Drs. Affuso, Allison, Austad, Bamman, Barnes, Baskin, Casazza, Chandler-Laney, Y Chen, YY Chen, Darley-Usmar, Davies, De Luca, Dutton, Fernandez, Fisher, Fontaine, Garvey, Goss, Gower, Locher, Moellering, Nagy, Oster, Patel, Pekmezi, Plaisance, Reddy, Smith, Tollefsbol, Tse, Wingo, and Yarar-Fisher. Name/Degree/Title: Marguerite R. Irvin, PhD, MS; Assistant Professor, Department of Epidemiology

Role in DRC: Scientist in Diabetes Complications; Pilot and Feasibility Recipient

Background and Interests: I am a cardiovascular genetic epidemiologist focused on genomic studies of hypertension, antihypertensive treatment response, and hyperlipidemia. My goals are to find genomic markers that can be used in the clinic to improve treatments, prevent disease or even development new treatments for persons with diabetes and/or cardiometabolic risk factors.

Funding: Current PI: NIH/NHLBI 1R01HLHL123782-01 "Genomic Background of Blood Pressure Response to Thiazide Diuretic in African Americans." Co-I: American Heart Association Scientist Development Grant-National Center 15SDG25760020 "Genomics of lipidomic phenotypes in a postprandial intervention dietary study" PI (supplement): NIH/NIAID Administrative Supplement to 5P30AI027767-27 UAB CFAR "Lipidomic profiling in HIV patients newly initiating antiretroviral treatments" Co-I: NIH/NINDS 2U01NS41588 "Etiology of Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS)" Co-I: NIH/NHLBI 5R01HL091357-04 "Genomewide Association: Triglyceride Response to Fenofibrate Therapy and Dietary Fat (GOLDN)" Pending PI: NHLBI R01 HL136666 "Genetic Underpinnings of Cardiorenal risk in African and African Americans" PI: Oregon Health & Science U, "Identification of the Role of HDL Function in Human Cardiovascular Disease through Proteomics and Genetics" PI: Hudson Alpha Inst for Biotechnology," Social Stressors Impact on DNA Methylation in REGARDS Participants"

Research and Relationship to DRC Effort: I specialize in antihypertensive treatment response, lipid-lowering drug response, and lipid metabolism. I have expertise in integrating “omic” data, and my research aims to discover clinically relevant biomarkers through population studies. Currently, I am involved in the identification and characterization of genomic, epigenomic, and metabolomic variation important to drug response and cardiometabolic phenotypes. My ultimate goal is to make discoveries that will prove useful in the clinic. In 2015 I was awarded a 4-year Scientist Development Grant (SDG) from the American Heart Association (AHA) sponsored by their National Center; this study marries genomic, epigenomic, and lipidomic data in order to better understand postprandial hyperlipidemia (response to a standardized high fat meal). Also in 2015, I received a National Institutes for Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) Center For AIDS Research (CFAR) administrative-supplement award for a project entitled “Lipidomic profiling in HIV patients newly initiating antiretroviral treatment.” In the fall of 2016, I received my first R01 as PI (with an impact score of 26/7th percentile) from the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) entitled “Genomic background of blood pressure response to thiazide diuretics in African Americans”. A key aim of this study involves looking for genomic predictors of adverse metabolic side effects from treatment with thiazide diuretics including increases in fasting glucose and decreases in serum potassium.

Publications (2012 to present): 52 publications (including Diabetes, Obesity, Int J Obes, Am J Clin Nutr, Bone, PLoS One, Epigenetics, Circulation, J Hypertens, Pharmacogenet Genomics); 24 publications are diabetes related.

DRC Core Use: I plan to use the Interventions and Translation Core for measurement services.

DRC Collaborations: I work closely with Stella Aslibekyan, Hemant Tiwari and Bertha Hidalgo on the Genetics of Lipid Lowering Drugs and Diet Network Study (GOLDN) which aims to understand how genes affect the body’s response to fat. I also work closely with Virginia Howard, Suzanne Judd and George Howard as a co-Investigator of the Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) study which we have mutual interests in the racial disparities in stroke and its risk factors such as hypertension. I also have grant and publication collaborations with Drs. Affuso, Calhoun, April Carson, Garvey, Gutiérrez, Lewis, Oparil, Peng, Reynolds, Shikany, and Vaughan.

Name/Degrees/Title: Amjad Javed, PhD; Professor, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, School of Dentistry Role in DRC: Senior Scientist, Molecular Signaling Background and Interests: Dr. Javed was recruited to UAB in 2005 as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery in the School of Dentistry. Dr. Javed previously trained as a graduate student in Cell and Molecular Biology at University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester and continued to pursue his postdoctoral training in Osteoblast Biology from 2000-2003. Dr. Javed has won numerous awards such as the 1995 Young Investigator Award from Pakistan Congress of Zoology, the 2003 John Haddad Young Investigator Award from the American Society of Bone and Mineral Research and Advances in Mineral Metabolism, the 2004 and 2007 New Investigator Award from the International Congress on the Chemistry and Biology of Mineralized Tissues, the 2006 A. R. Shakoori Gold Medal for Outstanding Research in Biomedical Sciences, and the 2011 Graduate Dean Excellence in Mentorship Award. His work has been published in more than 100 peer-reviewed publications and he has co-authored several book chapters in the area of intranuclear trafficking, osteoblast differentiation, skeletal development, and transcriptional control of adipocytes. These mechanisms are important players in diabetes and cardiometabolic disease.

Funding: Current R01AR062091. (PI: Javed). 03/1/2012 - 02/28/2017. Sp7 Mediated Control of Runx2 Function for Osteoblast Differentiation. R01CA151538. (PI: Yang, Co-I: Javed). 07/01/2011 - 06/30/2017. Heparinase Regulation of Osteolysis in Multiple Myeloma.

Recently Completed 1. R01AR062091. (PI: Javed). 03/1/2012 - 02/28/2017. Sp7 Mediated Control of Runx2 Function for Osteoblast Differentiation. 2. R01CA151538. (PI: Yang, Co-I: Javed). 07/01/2011 - 06/30/2017. Heparinase Regulation of Osteolysis in Multiple Myeloma.

Research and Relationship to DRC Effort: Dr. Javed’s main research interests include Runx2 controlled adipocyte, chondrocyte and osteoblast differentiation, and skeletal syndrome. The main questions addressed by his research are (A) the effects Runx2 ablation on changes in body composition, via weight loss, aging, deregulated bone remodeling; (B) the molecular coupling of bone loss and marrow and visceral adiposity; (C) integration of various regulatory and osteogenic signals by Runx2 protein during embryonic and post-natal skeletal development; and (D) regulation of insulin anabolic action and transduction of insulin signaling in Runx2 deficient skeletal cells. His team is also investigating why aging causes a decrease in the number of bone forming osteoblasts and an increase in the number of marrow adiposities. The role of runx2 as a key gene in skeletal formation and vascular calcification; runx2 and the gene network associated with insulin signaling and energy homeostasis are of special interest.

Publications (2012-present): Dr. Javed has 12 articles published on the last five years in such journals as Molecular and Cellular Biology, Bone, Blood, Circulation Research, and Journal of Cellular Biochemistry.

DRC Core Use: Dr. Javed uses the Animal Core for Glucose/Energy Metabolism, Body Composition, Imaging and Consulting services. DRC Collaborations: Dr. Javed has grant and publication collaborations with Drs. Garvey and Smith, and has 1 diabetes-related publication in the past five years. Name/Degree/Title: Gu Jing, PhD; Instructor, Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism

Role in DRC: Mentored Scientist in Islet Biology/Autoimmunity

Background and Interests: Dr. Jing obtained his PhD degree in 2007 and completed his post-doctoral training at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) School of Medicine in 2009. After that, he worked as Research Associate and Instructor in Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism at UAB. His current research interests focus on molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways involved in beta-cell death, including critical factors TXNIP (Thioredoxin-interacting protein), ChREBP (Carbohydrate-response element-binding protein), IAPP (Islet amyloid polypeptide) and microRNAs.

Funding: Current Co-I: NIDDK R01 DK078752, "TXNIP Regulation of Endogenous Beta Cell Mass" Co-I: NIDDK UC4 DK104204, "Targeting TXNIP to Enhance Beta Cell Mass in T1D"

Research and Relationship to DRC Effort: Dr. Jing’s research focuses on molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways involved in beta-cell death. He is particularly interested in critical factors contributing to glucose-induced beta-cell apoptosis, proliferation and differentiation. Dr. Jing has identified a novel TXNIP/miR-124/FoxA2/IAPP signaling cascade linking the critical beta-cell signaling pathways of TXNIP and IAPP and provided new mechanistic insight into an important aspect of transcriptional regulation and beta-cell biology. In addition, his recent studies on ChREBP (carbohydrate-response element-binding protein), the major transcription factor conferring glucose-induced gene expression in pancreatic islets, liver and adipose tissue, showed that ChREBP-β controls ChREBP-α and glucose-induced gene expression via a novel negative feedback loop. Dr. Jing is also involved in a two studies investigating the role of microRNAs in beta-cell apoptosis. One investigation showed miR-204 regulates insulin transcription and also targets PERK and regulates UPR signaling and beta-cell apoptosis. Another study showed that miR-200 regulates Zeb1 protein signaling and beta-cell apoptosis.

Publications (2012 to present): 11 publications (including Diabetes, J Biol Chem, Mol Endocrinol, Nat Med, Mol Metab); 5 publications are diabetes related.

Core Usage: Dr. Jing’s work has benefitted tremendously from the Animal Physiology Core (APC) and Bio- Analytical Redox Biology (BARB) Core for assays of energy balance, glucose homeostasis and also professional training.

DRC Collaborations: Dr. Jing has grant and publication collaborations with Drs. J Chen, Shalev, and Xu.

Name/Degree/Title: Ho-Wook Jun, PhD; Professor, Biomedical Engineering

Role in DRC: Senior Scientist in Islet Cell Biology and Autoimmunity; Pilot and Feasibility Recipient

Background and Interests: Dr. Jun completed his PhD in Bioengineering in 2004 and postdoctoral research as a Peter and Ruth Nicholas Postdoctoral Fellow in Nanobiotechnology in 2006 at Rice U in Houston, TX. He came to UAB as an Assistant Professor in 2006, and was promoted to Associate Professor in 2011, and Professor in 2016. Dr. Jun has significant experience in nanostructured biomaterials to control cellular behaviors of various cells including β-cells, vascular cells, stem cells, and islets. Dr. Jun group has developed the nanosack that can provide an islet extracellular matrix mimicking microenvironment to enhance islet survival, function, immuno-protection, and engraftment in the omentum.

Funding: Current Jun (PI)1R01HL125391-01, “Prohealing multifunctional endothelium nanomatrix coated stent” Jun (PI) NuTech Medical Inc., "Biochemical Characterization of Cells and Extracellular Matrix Components Derived from Human Amniotic Membrane, Amniotic Fluid, and Amniotic Fluid/Tissue Based Products” Jun (Subcontract PI), NIH R01 HL127759-01A1 “Stem cell-based therapy for lymphedema” Jun (Subcontract PI) NIH 1 DP3 DK108245-01 “Effects of reprogrammed and engineered MSCs on diabetic complications” Jun (Subcontract PI) NIH 1R01HL129511-01A1 “Cardiac Regeneration with Bioengineered Human Stem Cells” Recently Completed Jun (PI) National Science Foundation, CBET-0952974 “CAREER:The Bioactive Hybrid Nanomatrix for Intervertebral Disk Regeneration” Jun (Subcontract PI) NIDDK, 1DP3DK094346-01 “Cell therapy for diabetic peripheral neurovascular complications”

Research and Relationship to DRC Effort: Dr. Jun is an important member of the growing nucleus of DRTC investigators focusing on islet cell biology. His previous research developing a bioactive peptide modified polyurethaneurea capable of controlling cellular behaviors of cardiovascular cells to enhance endothelialization found that diazeniumdiolate-modified nitric oxide (NO) producing polyurethanes demonstrated enhanced endothelial cell proliferation, but reduced smooth muscle growth and platelet adhesion. This material has great potential for future small diameter vascular grafts, as featured in New Eng J Med (2005, 353:730). With the more recent diabetes focus, Dr. Jun’s lab also developed a nanomatrix that can mimic chemical and biological properties of natural extracellular matrix and provide a nurturing environment for encapsulated islets encapsulated. His lab recently demonstrated that the nanomatrix gel can enhance viability and function of rat islets in vitro and in vivo when transplanted into the kidney capsule. The preliminary data for this study was generated in support by the Innovation Award from the American Diabetes Association and the UAB DRTC Pilot Grant.

Publications (2012-present): 30 publications (including Biomaterials, Tissue Engineering, ACS Nano).

DRC Core Use: Dr. Jun’s research has received tremendous support from DRTC core facilities, especially the Animal Physiology Core. He will use the Islet Cell Biology Core for islet isolation and functional studies.

DRC Collaborations: A multidisciplinary team with expertise in nanostructured biomaterials and tissue engineering (Dr. Ho-Wook Jun), islet transplantation (Dr. David Cooper), beta cell biology (Dr. Anath Shalev), and islet cell death and survival (Dr. Jeonga Kim) will collaborate to continue to investigate this nanomatrix. Results from this study will have exciting implications for pancreatic islet transplantation. Dr. Jun has grant and publication collaborations with Drs. Brott, Cui, Gilbert S, Kim, and Shalev, and has 6 diabetes-related publications in the past five years.

Name/Degree/Title: Janusz H. Kabarowski, PhD; Associate Professor, Microbiology

Role in DRC: Senior Scientist in Vascular Disease

Background and Interests: Dr. Kabarowski completed his PhD at the University of London, UK, in 1997. Having pursued graduate studies in the field of hematopoiesis, he went on to postdoctoral training in the laboratory of Dr. Owen Witte at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, UCLA, in the field of immunobiology. During this time, his studies of an immunoregulatory receptor (G2A) culminated in the identification of its lipid sensitivity, which prompted an extension of his interests to lipid/lipoprotein metabolism and atherosclerosis. Dr. Kabarowski came to UAB as an Assistant Professor in 2003, and was promoted to Associate Professor in 2011. As an independent investigator, Dr. Kabarowski has characterized the role of G2A in atherosclerosis and lipoprotein metabolism in the context of the metablis syndrome and diabetes. He has made important contributions to the understanding of how this receptor modulates atherogenesis, and identified its role in regulating HDL levels in hypercholesterolemic mice. Dr. Kabarowski’s group has also recently described autoimmune-mediated effects on HDL metabolism in mouse models of SLE, and current efforts are directed toward developing therapeutic approaches to mitigate HDL dysfunction in SLE, which may be a major cause of heightened cardiovascular risk in these patients.

Funding: Current PI: R01 HL088642, “Role of the G2A Receptor in Atherosclerosis” Co-PI: NASA/NSBRI NCC-958162 (PI: Kucik), “Mechanisms, Early Events, and Dose Dependence of Radiation-Induced Atherosclerosis” PI: Lupus Research Institute: “Modulation of Autoimmunity by High-Density Lipoprotein in Lupus-prone mice” Recently Completed Co-PI: P30 AR048311 (PI: Mountz); Co-I: NASA/NSBRI NCC-958162.

Research and Relationship to DRC Effort: Dr. Kabarowski is an important member of the DRC group studying lipoproteins and atherosclerosis relevant to complications of diabetes and cardiometabolic disease. He is a user of the apoprotein mimetic peptide service administered through the DRC Administrative Core, and has recently initiated a discussion group of DRC members meeting fortnightly to discuss this research. The focus of Dr. Kabarowski’s research is to understand how bioactive lipids produced by oxidative and enzymatic modification of lipoproteins and cellular membranes regulate inflammatory and immune processes associated with atherosclerosis and autoimmunity. A major focus of our laboratory is to determine whether therapeutic modulation of HDL is not only beneficial with respect to reducing atherosclerosis risk, but also efficacious as a strategy to attenuate autoimmunity and improve outcomes. He has applied this line of investigations in both diabetes/cardiometabolic disease, as well as in Lupus. Emphasis is placed on determining how the development of autoimmunity in mice affects HDL and establishing the mechanisms responsible. Recent findings by Dr. Kabarowski’s lab in SLE-prone mice corroborate findings in human SLE patients with respect to the potential involvement of anti-apolipoprotein-A1 autoantibodies in mediating certain aspects of HDL dysfunction. We are also testing the efficacy of therapeutic strategies (such as administration of apolipoprotein- A1 mimetic peptides) aimed at improving HDL function and/or raising HDL levels in insulin-resistant, diabetic, and SLE-prone mice. The findings of these studies will be important with regard cardiometabolic and inflammatory diseases in which HDL quality and function constitute a major etiological factor.

Publications (2012-present): 9 publications (including Science, JBC, ATVB, Prostaglandins Other Lipid Mediat, J Lipid Res, Athritis Rheum, J Neuroimmunol).

DRC Core Use: Dr. Kabarowski obtains apoprotein mimetic peptides through the DRC Administrative Core in collaboration with Dr. Anantharamaiah, and he uses the REDOX Biology Core for oxylipid metabolomics.

DRC Collaborations: Dr. Kabarowski collaborates with Dr. Anantharamaiah to investigate the immunosuppressive actions of apolipoprotein mimetic peptides He also collaborates with Drs Kucik and Gupta in studies of vascular biology, and with Dr. Barnes in oxylipid metabolomics. Dr. Kabarowski also has grant and publication collaborations with Drs. Agarwal, Casazza, X Cui, McCormick, Murphy-Ullrich, Prasain, Tiwari, White, and Xing, and has 5 diabetes-related publications in the past five years.

Name/Degree/Title: John F. Kearney, PhD; Professor, Microbiology

Role in DRC: Senior Scientist in Islet Biology/Autoimmunity; Pilot and Feasibility Recipient

Background and Interests: I have a PhD in Immunology and joined UAB in 1973 and was appointed Assistant Professor in Microbiology in1976. I have been continuosly funded by NIH since then with one R01 now in its 37th year. My interests have centered on B cell immunobiology with a recent focus on T1D and allergic airway disease. My recent awards include The Dean's award for Excellence in Mentorship 2010, University of Alabama Health Science Center Distinguished Faculty Lecturer, 2013, UAB Distinguished Professor in Immunology and the 2014 American Association for Immunology Biolegend Herzenberg award.

Funding: Current PI: R01 AI14782-37 “Regulation of B Cell Clonal Diversity and Its Role in Disease” PI: R01AI100005-05 “Effects of neonatal microbial exposure on anti-polysaccharide B cell development “ PI: R21AI124072-01 “Antibody induction by Group B streptococcal vaccines for protection against fungal infections” PI: 2-SRA-2016-287-S-B Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. “Natural Antibody Idiotopes as Biomarkers for Progression in The At-risk Setting for Type 1 Diabetes”. Pending PI: U01AI100005-06 Kearney (PI) “Effects of neonatal microbial exposure on anti-polysaccharide B cell development” Recently Completed PI: 2-SRA-2014-300-Q-R. “Analysis of human and mouse antibodies to beta cell antigens bearing N-acetyl glucosamine post-translational modifications and their potential to prevent human type 1 diabetes”.

Research and Relationship to DRC Effort: The overall objective of our current work, which is a continuation of our long-term B cell studies, will be to de- termine the role of B cells and antibodies with the potential to dampen the rationale behind our approach is that an understanding of the immunological mechanisms involved in this protection will provide new therapeutic or vaccination options for treatment/prevention of T1D. Our central hypothesis is that B cell clones arising in early life and persisting into adulthood have the potential to modulate activation of diabetogenic T cells. This hypothesis is based on our observation that the type-specific cell wall components of GAS contain large amounts of immuno-reactive N-acetyl glucosamine (GlcNAc) and that helminth cell walls similarly contain large amounts of the GlcNAc polymer chitin. In addition to these ubiquitous environmental associations, O-GlcNAc- modified proteins are highly enriched in β cells. Furthermore a single neonatal immunization of mice with GAS vaccine induces anti-GlcNAc antibodies that are sustained into adulthood and protect against T1D. There is little information about the relative role of B cells and antibodies in induction or prevention of T1D and we will expand studies on our findings to include other microorganism-associated immunogenic forms of GlcNAc.

Publications (2012 to present): 17 publications (including in Annu Rev Immunol, Eur J Immunol, J Exp Med, Nat Immunol, PNAS).

DRC Core Use: Dr. Kearney plans to use the Human Core for analutic services.

DRC Collaborations: Dr. Kearney has grant and publication collaborations with Drs. Biggio, Hage, McCormick, Oparil, Szalai, and Tse, and has 5 diabetes-related publications in the past five years.

Name/Degrees/Title: Richard Kennedy, MD, PhD; Assistant Professor, Gerontology, Geriatrics & Palliative Care

Role in DRC: Scientist in Diabetes Complications; Pilot and Feasibility Recipient

Background and Interests: I am an Assistant Professor in the Division of Geriatrics, Gerontology, and Palliative Care within the Department of Medicine, with dual training as a psychiatrist (with fellowship training in psychosomatic medicine) and doctoral-level biostatistician (with postdoctoral training in statistical genetics). My primary interest is in cognitive disorders, in the context of normal aging and in the course of medical illness, including diabetes.

Funding Source: Current Co-I: Department of Education H133A070039, "Traumatic Brain Injury Model Systems" Co-I: National Institute on Aging P30 AG031054, "Deep South Resource Center For Minority Aging Research" Co-I: VA RRD D1059-R, Perioperative Post-Prostatectomy Incontinence Home Telehealth Program, Co-I: National Institute on Aging R01 AG050607, "Acquired Deficiency of Innate Immunity (Ficolin-2) Among Elderly Adults" Co-I: VA RRD E1995-R, "Impact of a Hospital Mobility Program on Function after Discharge"

Research and Relationship to DRC Effort: My primary interest is in the intersection between medical illness and neurobehavioral disorders in the aging process. After completing my training, I initially focused on traumatic brain injury (TBI) and the cognitive complications arising in the post-injury period, where I was an investigator on a Department of Education grant examining the course of delirium after TBI. After my transition to UAB, I expanded this interest to encompass cognitive changes associated with aging. As an investigator on the UAB Study of Aging, I examined the relationship between cognitive changes and declines in mobility during the aging process. I also became an investigator on the REasons for Geographic and Racial Disparities in Stroke (REGARDS) study and a member of the Cognitive Function Working Group, examining factors affecting the course of cognitive decline in middle-aged and older adults. Medical and neurological disorders are a significant contributor to cognitive function in older adults, and I have worked on the effects of various illnesses on cognition in addition to the normal aging process. More recently, my work expanded to include the effects of diabetes using data from cohort studies on which I have worked. With other investigators in the UAB Comprehensive Center for Healthy Aging, we have authored manuscripts examining the effects of diabetes on life-space or community mobility in older adults, using data from the UAB Study of Aging.

Publications (2012 to present): 23 publications (including Am J Med, Neurology) 4 publications are diabetes related. Also an in-press publication: Geifman N, Brinton RD, Kennedy RE, Schneider LS, Butte AJ. Evidence for Benefit of Statins to Modify Cognitive Decline and Risk in Alzheimer's Disease. Alzheimer's Research & Therapy.

DRC Core Use: I plan to use the Interventions and Translation Core for analytic services.

DRC Collaborations: I have grant and publication collaborations with Drs. Brott, G Howard, VJ Howard, Kesterson, Sanders, and Tiwari, and have 4 diabetes-related publications in the past five years. My principal DRC collaboration has been with Michael Crowe on the cognitive complications of diabetes. Together, we have submitted an R01 application investigating the effect of inflammation on the relationship between diabetes, depression, and cognitive impairment, and are planning a resubmission of this application in June. I have also collaborated with non-DRC members Cynthia Brown and Katie Buys on the effects of diabetes on community mobility (life-space). Name/Degree/Title: Robert (Bob) Kesterson, PhD; Professor, Genetics Role in DRC: Senior Scientist in Integrative Metabolism Background and Interests: Dr. Kesterson completed his undergraduate studies in Chemistry at Hendrix College, and received a Ph.D. in Cell Biology from Baylor College of Medicine (1993). His postdoctoral training in the field of neuroendocrinology was carried out at The Vollum Institute for Advanced Biomedical Research, Portland, Oregon with Dr. Roger D. Cone, which focused on determining the function of newly cloned melanocortin receptors. Dr. Kesterson was appointed in 1997 to the faculty of Vanderbilt University in the Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics and was then recruited to UAB in 2004. A primary goal of his research is to determine the underlying molecular mechanisms that influence complex mammalian behaviors. Using genetically modified mice as a model system, focus is primarily on hypothalamic signaling pathways that regulate feeding behavior and energy balance. Of particular interest are CNS melanocortin pathways that have emerged as key coordinators of metabolic status. Numerous collaborative studies are derived from examining the role of melanocortin signaling as upstream or downstream mediators of “feeding pathways” discovered using genetic, pharmacological, and neuroanatomical models.

Funding: Current Co-Director, Core B: P30 DK074038 “UAB Hepato/Renal Fibrocystic Diseases Core Center: Engineered Models Resource (Core B)” Co-I: R01 AR47830 (Feng,PI) “RANK Signaling in Osteoclast Differentiation and Function” Co-I: R01AA012153 (Kedishvili,PI) “Short-Chain Dehydrogenases in Retinol/Sterol Metabolism” CoI: 1R01HD089918-01 (Yoder,PI) “Understanding Ciliary Functions in Mammalian Development” Pending MPI: 1R24OD022022-01A1 (Kesterson & Yoder, PI-MPI) NIH - UAB Rat Ciliopathy Resource Co-I: (R. Samant-PI) “Impact of N-Myc Interactor on metastatic progression of breast cancer” PI-MPI: 1R01AR070832-01 (Kesterson & Grams, PI-MPI) “Bone Pathophysiology After Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass: Role of Osteocalcin in Knockout Rats” Co-I: 1 R01 HD092019-01 (PI: Kesterson & Ballinger) “Impact of maternal fetal mitochondrial genetic differences on fertility, development, and metabolism” Completed Research Support PI: UAB Health Services Foundation General Endowment Fund - Cryopreservation Resources and Emergency Backup Plans for UAB Mouse Models.

Research and Relationship to DRC Effort: A primary goal of my research is to determine the underlying molecular mechanisms that influence complex mammalian behaviors. Using genetically modified mice as a model system, focus is primarily on hypothalamic signaling pathways that regulate feeding behavior and energy balance. Of particular interest are CNS melanocortin pathways that have emerged as key coordinators of metabolic status. A particularly fruitful collaboration with Drs. Brad Yoder and Tim Nagy led to our discovery that primary cilia located on hypothalamic neurons play a role in regulating energy balance, now an area of interest to many laboratories. I have collaborated with Dr. Jayleen Grams for over four years as we have developed both mouse and rat models to examine the role of osteocalcin in vivo, with our groups meeting weekly for the past year to review the novel rat knockout we have established and recently published. Our new rat model is especially important to the diabetes field as it will help clarify a somewhat contentious area of research that has been hampered by the lack of access to knockout animals for osteocalcin. In collaboration with Dr. Ballinger, I have created novel mouse models with mitochondrial and nuclear genomes exchanged between inbred strains of mice (i.e. MNX mice) with differing susceptibilities to cardiometabolic disease, cancer, and reproductive function.

Publications (2012 to present): 19 publications (including in Biochem J, Cancer Res, Cardiovasc Res, Genome Biol, PLoS Genet, PLoS One, PNAS). DRC Core Use: Dr. Kesterson uses the Animal Core for Transgenic, Glucose/Energy Metabolism, Body Composition, Imaging, Cardiovascular Assessment and Consulting services. DRC Collaborations: Dr. Kesterson has grant and publication collaborations with Drs. Allison, Arend, Ballinger, Darley-Usmar, Dell'Italia, De Luca, Frank, Garvey, Grams, Kennedy, Moellering, Nagy, D Pollock, Ramanadham, Smith, Wang Q, Yang, Yoder, and Zhou, and has 10 diabetes-related publications in the past five years. Name/Degrees/Title: Clifton E. Kew II, MD; Professor of Medicine and Surgery; Associate Director, Transplant Nephrology Fellowship Program; Medical Director, Kidney and Pancreas Transplantation

Role in DRC: Senior Scientist, Interventions/Trials

Background and Interests: As a clinician scientist, my efforts are primarily focused on recipient complications of kidney transplantation, which are often found in persons affected by chronic cardiometabolic disease and diabetes. I have also been involved in several clinical trials regarding immunosuppressant medications development in both de novo patients and conversion from one medication to another. I have been a transplant physician for 20 years involved with the day-to-day management of immunosuppressive therapy, including monitoring for efficacy and toxicity. In particular, Posttransplant Lymphoproliferative Disorder (PTLD) is a complication of solid organ transplantation and is one of the more common malignancies to appear in the post-transplant patient. The diagnosis of PTLD generally occurs within the first year after transplant and the management of it historically requires the reduction of immunosuppressive agents. This reduction of immunospression is not ideal as the risk for allograft dysfunction or loss becomes elevated. Further understanding of how to diagnose, treat and manage PTLD is needed.

Funding: Current

PI: Novartis Pharmaceuticals, “A 24 month, multicenter, randomized, open-label safety and efficacy study of concentration-controlled everolimus with reduced calcineurin inhibitor vs mycophenolate with standard calcineurin inhibitor in de novo renal transplantation-Advancing renal TRANSplant eFficacy and safety Outcomes with an eveRolimus-based regiMen (TRANSFORM)”.

PI: Cinkate Corporation, “An Open-label, Phase 2 Study to Treat Patients with Renal Allograft and Polyoma BK Viruria to Prevent Polyoma BK Viremia, Polyoma BK Nephropathy and Renal Allograft Rejection”.

Research and Relationship to DRC Effort: Dr. Kew is a member of the Diabetes Research Center research base as his clinical research interests in outcomes of kidney and pancreas transplant patients align with those of the diabetes research community. He studies the health status of Caucasian and African American living kidney donors, as well as the efficacy of immunosupressive therapy approaches in patients with kidney and pancreas transplants.

Publications (2012-present): Dr. Kew has 4 articles published on the last five years in such journals as Journal of Renal Nutrition, Transplantation, and American Journal of Transplantation.

DRC Core Use: N/A

DRC Collaborations: Dr. Kew has grant and publication collaborations with Drs. V. Howard and Mannon in the past five years. Name/Degrees/Title: Meredith L. Kilgore, PhD; Professor and Chair, Health Care Organization and Policy Department, School of Public Health

Role in DRC: Senior Scientist, Interventions/Trials

Background and Interests: I have the experience and expertise to allow me to contribute substantially to the study of health outcomes and costs related to diabetes and cardiometabolic disease, along with their associated complications. I am Professor and Chair in the Department of Health Care Organization and Policy at UAB, Director of the Health Services and Outcomes Research Training Program, Co-Director of the UAB Center for Outcomes and Effectiveness Research and Education, and Co-Director of the Pharmaco- Epidemiology and Economics Research Group. I have over two decades of experience in health services and outcomes research, wherein I have used innovative statistical methods and novel techniques to address a wide range of questions related to health policy and the cost-effectiveness of health promotion and disease treatment strategies. Of particular relevance to this center, I have specific experience in using large administrative databases to investigate questions regarding the burden of disease, policy analysis, and the effectiveness and safety of treatments. Many of these projects have focused on the burden of disease and how specific policy provisions affect costs and outcomes.

Funding: Current (Select – see biosketch) PI: F31AG052276, “Effects of Medicare Reimbursement Policies on the Quality of Hospital Care” Co-I: R18DK109501, “The Alabama Care Plan: Assessing the Impact of Regional Care Organizations on Diabetes Outcomes in a Sample of Alabama Medicaid Recipients” Co-I: NCI/R01CA201362, “Harvest for Health in Older Cancer Survivors”

Pending Co-I: NIH - National Institutes of Health/DHHS, “UAB Mobile Data and Translational Analytics (MDATA) Core Center” Co-I: K07CA215830 Health Care Utilization and Associated Costs Among Older Cancer Survivors Co-I: R01HL117323 Incorporation of a Hypertension Working Group into the Jackson Heart Study

Recently Completed (Select – see biosketch) 200709824 (Kilgore) Amgen, Inc. , “Estimating Rates of Cardiovascular Disease-Related Events and the Number of Medicare Beneficiaries with Unmet Need for LDL-c Lowering Therapy” 200709824/PO 7100139196 (Kilgore) Amgen, Inc. “Estimating the Costs and Health Services Utilization Associated with Congestive Heart Failure”

Research and Relationship to DRC Effort: Dr. Kilgore’s interest in health care economics pertaining to interventions in several diabetes and cardiometabolic diseases makes him an important member of the DRC, and he has developed a recent interest in diabetes prevention factors and approaches.

Publications (2012-present): Dr. Kilgore has 57 articles published on the last five years in such journals as Health Services Research, Contemporary Clinical Trials, BMC cardiovascular disorders, International Journal of Cardiology, The American Journal of Cardiology and Journal for Healthcare Quality.

DRC Core Use: N/A

DRC Collaborations: Dr. Kilgore has grant and publication collaborations with Drs. Bittner, Cherrington, Cui, Fouad, Frank, Goss, Gower, G Howard, VJ Howard, Levitan, Locher, Oparil, Redden, Sen, and Weech- Maldonado, and has 14 diabetes-related publications in the past five years. Name/Degree/Title: Jeong A. Kim, PhD; Assistant Professor, Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism

Role in DRC: Scientist in Vascular Disease; Pilot and Feasibility Recipient

Background and Interests: Dr. Kim has extensive training in molecular and cell biology in the areas of infectious disease, metabolism, and cardiovascular disease. She completed her PhD at Iowa State U in 1997, investigating molecular biology and host-pathogen interactions. During her first post-doctoral fellowship training, Dr. Kim was a principal contributor in elucidating the mechanism of transcriptional activation of cAMP responsive element binding protein (CREB). From 2002 to 2007, Dr. Kim trained with Dr. Michael Quon at the NIH in the area of diabetes and endothelial function with regard to vascular and metabolic actions of insulin. During this training, Dr. Kim received the NIH FARE Award for Research Excellence in 2004 and in 2006. After serving as a Research Assistant Professor at the U of Missouri, Columbia, under Dr. Jim Sowers, Dr. Kim joined UAB in 2010 as a tenure-track Assistant Professor. As an independent investigator, Dr. Kim has made substantial contributions in defining the cross-talk between inflammation and insulin resistance.

Funding: Current (All Diabetes/Obesity-Related) PI: R01 HL128695 NIH/NHLBI Saturated Fatty Acid-induced Autophagy in Vascular Endothelium Co-I: R21 CA195394 NIH/NCI Chemoprevention of breast cancer with rexinoids that inhibit obesity-induced metabolic syndrome PI: CCTS P&F Grant, Investigate the weight loss effect of a novel compound, UAB126

Completed (All Diabetes/Obesity-Related) PI: Role for endothelial ACSL1 in the development of diabetic cardiomyopathy PI:Protective effects of green tea polyphenol in vascular endothelium Co-I: Metabolic homeostasis studies on the rexinoid X receptor activator PI: Role of TLR4-mediated unfolding protein response in vascular insulin resistance

Research and Relationship to DRC Effort: My research is focused on the roles of vascular endothelium in metabolism and identification of potential therapeutics. I developed several lines of research projects: 1) Saturated fatty acid-induced vascular inflammation: There is a cross-talk between insulin receptor signaling and inflammatory signaling pathways. One of the proposed mechanisms is that inflammatory signaling by saturated fatty acids (SFA) inhibits insulin signaling pathways in both metabolic and vascular tissues, which contributes to endothelial dysfunction and insulin resistance. 2) Beneficial effects of green tea polyphenol, epigallocahtechin gallate (EGCG): Green tea polyphenol (EGCG) has beneficial health effects in diabetes, dyslipidemia, atherosclerosis, and cancer. 3) Saturated fatty acid-induced autophagy in vascular endothelium: Autophagy is an important housekeeping process for cleaning up unnecessary materials and providing nutrients for survival. We proposed to investigate the role of endothelial autophagy in normal physiology and pathophysiology (obesity-induced insulin resistance). 4) Metabolic effects of Class III rexinoids: Rexinoids, targets retinoid X receptor (RXR), has been suggested as treatments for diabetes and obesity. However, most of rexinoids have side effects including elevation of triglycerides, hepatomegaly, and an alteration of the thyroid hormone axis. We recently developed a novel rexinoid (UAB126 here after), which has effects on both prevention and treatment of obesity without displaying major adverse effects. Based upon the intriguing observations, we filed a U.S. Patent (Application #: PCT/US2015/038596).

Publications (2012 to present): Dr. Kim has published 13 diabetes-related publications in the past five years including journals such as American Journal of Physiology - Endocrinology and Metabolism, Redox Biology, and JBC. DRC Core Use: Dr. Kim’s research uses animal models to understand the role of obesity-induced inflammation. She has been using animal physiology core run by Tim Nagy. QMR and feces analysis with bomb calorimetry have been utilized to investigate the phenotypes of animal models. Dr. Kim uses the Human Core for Analytical services, and the Animal Core for Glucose/Energy Metabolism, Body Composition and Consulting services. DRC Collaborations: Dr. Kim has grant and publication collaborations with Drs. Allison, Brott, Darley-Usmar, Goss, Habegger, Jun HW, Mehta, Patel, Prabhu, Shalev, Tiwari, Q Yang, and Young. Name/Degree/Title: Dennis F. Kucik, MD, PhD; Associate Professor, Pathology; Division Director, VA Pathology

Role in DRC: Senior Scientist in Vascular Disease

Background and Interests: Dr. Kucik earned his MD and a PhD in Biophysics, from Washington University. He remained at Washington U. to complete a Howard Hughes postdoctoral fellowship studying integrin activation. Dr. Kucik joined the UAB faculty in 1997 and has a dual appointment in the departments of Pathology and Biomedical Engineering. The focus of his laboratory is cell adhesion and motility with special emphasis on the role of the cytoskeleton in regulation of adhesion molecule function. He is particularly interested in the interactions between monocytes and leukocytes and the vascular endothelium, as critical processes involved in vascular pathology in insulin resistance, diabetes, and cardiometabolic disease.

Funding: Recently Completed PI: VA Merit Award, “Effects of lupus-associated Mac-1variants on leukocyte cell mechanics.” Co-I: NASA/NSBRI, NNJ11ZSA002NA (PI: B Prabhakarpandian), “Identification and validation of biomarkers of radiation-induced cardiovascular disorders.” PI: NASA, NNX11AC61G, “Mechanisms, early events, and dose dependence of radiation-induced atherosclerosis.” PI: VA Merit Award, “Regulation of β2 integrin avidity by cytoskeletal interactions.” Co-I: R01HL58655 (PI: M Olman); PI: NASA/NSBRI NCC 9-58; PI: R21 AI54552, Co-I: RO1 CA84248 (PI: Bellis).

Research and Relationship to DRC Effort: Dr. Kucik contributes to the DRC effort to better understand mechanisms causing vascular inflammation and atherosclerosis in diabetes and cardiometabolic disease. His primary research on cell adhesion and motility combines standard biochemistry, molecular biology, and cell systems from gene-targeted mice with the latest optical methods, including Laser-Tweezers-based micromanipulations, flow-chamber adhesion assays, time-lapse videomicroscopy, and computerized image analysis. This allows Dr Kucik to study physical associations between monocytes, leukocytes, and endothelial cell surfaces in real time under conditions of hemodynamic flow and pressures that prevail in vivo. This unique approach yields new insights into the mechanisms of vascular wall inflammation and monocyte/macrophage infiltration. His research is also relevant to the disease processes of vasculitis, autoimmunity, and atherosclerosis. Recently, a major focus of his laboratory has been to use both cell and animal models to determine the mechanism of radiation-induced aortic endothelial cell adhesiveness and its consequences for atherosclerosis. For example, Dr. Kucik has made novel observations regarding synergistic interactions between selectins and integrin ligands on endothelial cells that regulate monocyte adhesion, and identified how ICAM-1 rearrangements affect adhesion under flow. These studies are highly relevant to vascular wall inflammation and plaque progression that accompanies diabetes and cardiometabolic disease.

Publications (2012-present): 8 publications (including Radiat Res, Grav & Space Biol, AJP- Cell Physiol, J Grav Physiol, Int J Oncol, Arthritis Rheum, J Vis Exp, Curr Protoc Cell Biol)

DRC Collaborations: Dr. Kucik collaborates with Lawrence Delucas, OD, Alexander Szalai, PhD and David T. Redden, PhD on the structural biology of adhesion molecules. He collaborates with Janusz Kabarowski on the disease processes of vasculitis, autoimmunity, and atherosclerosis. Dr. Kucik has grant and publication collaborations with Drs. Barnes in the past five years. Name/Degree/Title: Emily B. Levitan, ScD; Associate Professor, Epidemiology

Role in DRC: Scientist in Epidemiology/Genetics

Background and Interests: Dr. Levitan received a doctoral degree in epidemiology with minors in nutrition and biostatistics in 2006 from the Harvard School of Public Health and then completed a postdoctoral fellowship at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center/Harvard Medical School. She joined UAB in 2009 as an assistant professor and has been an associate professor (tenured) since 2014. She is active in several lines of research: primary and secondary prevention of cardiometabolic disease, nutritional epidemiology of cardiometabolic disease, particularly heart failure, and development and application of epidemiologic and statistical methods in research on cardiometabolic disease and other conditions.

Funding: Current Co-I: Amgen (PI: Muntner), “Cardiovascular Collaboration (Cardiovascular Disease, Prevention, Treatment, and Outcomes),” Co-I: P30AI027767 (PI: Saag), “UAB Center for Aids Research (CFAR),” Co-I: HHSN268201300026C (PI Lewis), “Coronary Artery Disease Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) Birmingham Field Center” Co-I: R01ES023492 (PI: Sathiakumar), “Prenatal and Early Childhood Biomass Smoke Exposure and Child Neurodevelopment” Co-I: UL1TR001417 (PI: Kimberly), “UAB Center for Clinical and Translational Science (CCTS)” Co-I: R01NS097443 (PI: Kamel), “Left Atrial abNormality, ThromboEmbolism, and Race: Novel risk factors for stroke (LANTERN)” Co-I: R18DK109501 (PI: Cherrington), “The Alabama Care Plan: Assessing the Impact of Regional Care Organizations on Diabetes Outcomes in a Sample of Alabama Medicaid Recipients” Co-I: R01HL080477 (PI: Shikany), “REasons for Geographic And Racial Differences in Stroke-Myocardial Infarction-2” Pending Co-I: NHLBI (PI: Safford/Muntner), “REasons for Geographic And Racial Differences in Stroke-Myocardial Infarction-3” Co-I: NIA (PI: Kennedy), “Regional Differences in Cognitive Impairment and Dementia: Risk Factors, Diagnosis, and Hospitalization” PI: NHLBI, “Outcomes and treatment of myocardial infarctions that occur during hospitalizations for other conditions” Co-I: NIA (PI: Goyal), “Impact of polypharmacy on rehospitalization in older adults with heart failure”

Research and Relationship to DRC Effort: Dr. Levitan has collaborated with Dr. Cherrington to obtain a grant (now ongoing) to evaluate the impact of regional care organizations on diabetes outcomes among Alabama residents covered by Medicaid. In addition, Dr. Levitan worked with PhD student Ms. Favel L. Mondesir to evaluate the impact of diabetes, overall and stratified by markers of disease severity, on rates of coronary heart disease in the REGARDS study population. They found that more severe diabetes confers a risk of coronary heart disease similar to a prior history of coronary heart disease, but less severe diabetes was not a risk equivalent.

Publications (2012 to present): Dr. Levitan has 75 articles published on the last five years in such journals as Am J Epidemiol, Am Heart J, AJCN, Am J Cardiol, Circulation and Annals of Internal Medicine.

DRC Core Use: Dr. Levitan’s epidemiological research and study of national cohort data (e.g., REGARDS, CARDIA studies) does not require DRC core services at this time.

DRC Collaborations: Dr. Levitan is collaborating with Dr. Cherrington on a grant evaluating the impact of the Alabama Care Plan for diabetes outcome among Medicaid beneficiaries. Dr. Levitan has grant and publication collaborations with Drs. Affuso, Allison, Baskin, Bittner, April Carson, Cherrington, Durant R, Gutierrez, G Howard, VJ Howard, Kilgore, Lewis, Oparil, Pisu, Redden, Reynolds, Sen, and Shikany, and has 30 diabetes- related publications in the past five years. Name/Degrees/Title: Cora E. Lewis, MD, MSPH, Professor, Department of Medicine, Division of Preventive Medicine Role in DRC: Senior Scientist, Interventions/Trials Background and Interests: An internist and epidemiologist, Dr. Lewis has considerable experience in long- term epidemiologic studies and clinical trials, including expertise in recruitment and retention in large, long-term studies, measures of body composition, and fat distribution, population surveys, disease outcomes, lifestyle assessments, and epidemiologic methodology. She has served as assistant editor of Annals of Epidemiology, on review committees for NIAMS, NHLBI, and NIA, and in a number of leadership roles on collaborative studies and in national organizations, including the American Heart Association Council on Epidemiology and Prevention (Program Committee chair and Chair of the council). Her research interests include a focus on the epidemiology of obesity and its long-term health effects, such as diabetes and cardiometabolic disease.

Funding: Current (Select – see biosketch) PI: UO1DK 57008. “Action for Health in Diabetes Extension Study Research Project”. PI: HHSN26820130026C. “Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA): Field Center”. Co-I: N01HC95256. (PI: Oparil). “Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial (SPRINT) Clinical Center Networks”. Co-I: U01AG042140-14A1. (PI: Shikany). “Osteoporotic Fractures in Men – MrOS Renewal – Birmingham”. Core Director: P30DK079626. (PI: Garvey). “UAB Diabetes Research Center”. Co-I: U19HS021110. (PI: Saag). “UAB Deep South Arthritis and Musculoskeletal CERTs”. PI: UO1AG18947. “Multicenter Osteoarthritis Study (MOST) Second Renewal-UAB Clinical Center”. Co-I: Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma, Inc. “A Randomised, Double-blind, Placebo-Controlled, Parallel Group, Efficacy and Safety Study of Empagliflozin (10 mg, 25 mg) Administered Orally, Once daily over 24 weeks in Hypertensive Black/African American Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus”. Co-I: R01DK106041 “Primary Care Obesity Management in the Southeast: PROMISE”. PI: RNG200279-01, Kaiser Permanente. “Pregnancy-Related Risk Factors and Glucose Intolerance in Women during Midlife”. Co-I: F31HL129701, “Racial Disparities in the Maintenance of Healthy Lifestyles and Their Effect on Cumulative Blood Pressure Burden and Left Ventricular Mass in African Americans and Whites: Data from the CARDIA Study”. Co-I: R01DK114737, “Examining a Cognitive Self-Regulatory Phenotype for Behavioral Obesity Treatment Outcomes”

Research and Relationship to DRC Effort: Dr. Lewis serves as PI of the NHLBI-funded CARDIA field center in Birmingham, and the NIDDK-funded Action for Health in Diabetes Extension Study Research Project, an extension of the Look AHEAD Study involving the long-term benefits and risks of weight loss in type 2 diabetes. The extension study continues to follow participants for additional mortality and cost of care outcomes. Dr. Lewis is the Director of the UAB DRC Intervention and Translation Core, and has been involved as a core leader since the inception of the UAB DRTC/DRC.

Publications (2012-present): Dr. Lewis has 191 articles published on the last five years in journals such as JAMA, Diabetologia, NEJM, The Lancet: Diabetes & Endocrinology, Circulation, Sleep, Obesity, Annals of Epidemiology, Hypertension, JAMA Internal Medicine, and Journal of the American Heart Association, DRC Core Use: Dr. Lewis, while being director, uses the ITC Core for Intervention; Development and Implementation; Measurement; Recruitment and Retention; Evaluation; and Data Management services for her research. DRC Collaborations: Dr. Lewis has grant and publication collaborations with Drs. Affuso, Allison, Bae, Baskin, Calhoun, Carson, Cherrington, Durant N, Durant R, Dutton, Funkhouser, Garvey, Gower, G Howard, VJ Howard, Irvin, Levitan, Lloyd, Mannon, Mehta, Muntner, Oparil, Peng, Redden, Reddy, Shalev, Shikany, and Wang Q, and has 15 diabetes-related publications in the past five years. Name/Degree/Title: Li Li, MD, PhD; Assistant Professor, Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology

Role in DRC: Mentored Scientist in Integrative Metabolism

Background and Interests: Dr. Li is a board certified general psychiatrist and cares for patients in both inpatient and outpatient settings. She is also a scientist with experience in mental health research. Her research focuses on insulin resistance and obesity in individuals with major depressive disorder and/or childhood maltreatment, and more generally, individuals with comorbid mental illness and metabolic syndrome. She currently holds a K23 career development award from the NIDDK to support her research. Her other ongoing projects include investigating the relationship between inflammation and childhood maltreatment in individuals with depression, and using exercise as an interventional approach to manage depression and metabolic syndrome. In addition to her practice and research, Dr. Li also directs the Evidence-based medicine and Mechanisms in Psychiatry curriculum, and administers the research programs for the residents.

Funding: PI: NIDDK K23DK102714-01 9/2015-8/2019 Identification of risk factors for future diabetes-Psychosocial stress and Depression. Goal is to understand that chronic stress including a history of ELS (with or without depression) and acute experimental stress are linked to an increased susceptibility for future diabetes

Research and Relationship to DRC Effort: Dr. Li’s research focused on identifying risk factors for future diabetes in people who have childhood maltreatment comorbid with major depressive disorder. She is particularly interested in developing strategies for early identification and intervention for people with impaired insulin sensitivity or glucose intolerance or obesity in patients with depression and childhood maltreatment. She is also involved in a quality improvement project to integrate psychiatric care with medical treatment for patients with metabolic syndrome.

Publications (2012-present): 8 publications, in journals such as Endocrinology, Trends in Endocrinology and Metabolism, J of Diabetes and Metabolism, Stress and Obesity.

DRC Core Use: Dr. Li uses the Human Core for Analytical, Body Composition and Glucose Metabolism services, as well as the ITC Core for Measurement; Recruitment and Retention; Evaluation; and Data Management services.

DRC Collaborations: Dr. Li has grant and publication collaborations with Drs. Barnes, Y Chen, Frank, Garvey, Gower, Hidalgo, Messina, Oster, Shelton, and S Wang, and has 6 diabetes-related publications in the past five years. Name/Degree/Title: Karthikeyan Lingasubramanian, PhD; Assistant Professor, Electrical and Computer Engineering

Role in DRC: Mentored Scientist in Interventions/Trials/Community Research

Background and Interests: As an assistant professor in Electrical and Computer Engineering my primary area of interest lies in the design of computing hardware through Very Large Scale Integrated (VLSI) circuits and systems. I specifically focus on hardware based security in these systems and employ robust design methodologies that can provide effective countermeasure. Based on my expertise in engineering computing devices I also work on developing real time electronic devices for biomedical applications, like Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) system. Being a member of the UAB Comprehensive Diabetes Center and the UAB Diabetes Research Center, I am able to work towards achieving my goals through productive collaborative efforts with the knowledgeable and experienced colleagues of these centers.

Funding: Completed PI: NIDDK: Development of Automated Processing Techniques for Time-Series Continuous Glucose Monitoring Data

Pending Co-PI: SCH:INT: HealthQuest integrated biofeedback CDSS environment for improving brain performance with case study in neurodegenerative disease Co-PI: IUSE/PFE:RED: Enabling Efficient Knowledge Dissemination and Consumption Co-I: SCC Planning: Consortium for Advancing Community Oriented Technology based Solutions for Improving Health and Wellness Co-PI: CSTEM: A Continuous Engineering Education Program for High School Students Co-PI: Portable Analysis and Diagnosis Box for STEM Education

Research and Relationship to DRC Effort: Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) is a rapidly advancing technology that has been used to facilitate glucose management in individuals with type 1 and 2 diabetes. There are numerous applications for CGM, however, beyond clinical management of diagnosed disease. Increasingly, CGM is being utilized in research studies to characterize glucose profiles of both diabetic and non-diabetic individuals. One limitation of CGM use in research is that it produces an enormous amount of data that must be inspected, cleaned, and reduced, in order for meaningful outcomes to be derived. As such, many research studies using CGM have reported outcomes that could be achieved with simple time-point assessments using glucometers. The real strength of CGM, however, lies in the potential to characterize all aspects of free-living glucose profile, including indices of glycemic control, variability, and the rate and acceleration of glucose changes, along with examining associations with lifestyle factors and diurnal meal pattern. As the technology underlying CGM improves, its use will expand in both research and clinical fields. The need exists, therefore, to develop a standardized protocol to process CGM data into meaningful outcomes. The overall objective is to develop an automated method to process CGM data in order to derive outcomes that fully characterize free-living glucose profile and have the potential to efficiently predict future glucose intolerance and diabetes.

Publications since 2012: 2 publications (Technical Report and MSEE Thesis).

DRC Core Usage: The above mentioned work was funded by the Pilot and Feasibility Program of Diabetes Research Center.

DRC Collaborations: Dr. Lingasubramanian has grant and publication collaborations with Dr. Chandler-Laney in the past five years.

Name/Degree/Title: Steven G. Lloyd, MD, PhD; Professor, Cardiovascular Disease

Role in DRC: Senior Scientist in Vascular Disease

Background and Interests: My background is as a Clinical Cardiologist and also as a cardiovascular imaging specialist positions me to assist with the efforts of the DRTC. My interests include Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance (CMR) for clinical and research investigations into heart and vascular disease. Furthermore, I am interested in the field of dietary intervention for obesity, with a particular focus on the direct effects of diet macronutrient composition on the heart during ischemic stress. Additionally, I have interests in use of magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopic methods to study the heart and vascular system and to examine the effects of cardiovascular disease on other organ systems. I am the Head of the Section of Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance in the UAB Department of Medicine and also, Director of the Cardiovascular Disease Fellowship training program.

Funding Sources: Agency/Award: NIH/ NHLBI, R01 HL113004 (PI: D. Calhoun, MD) Project: Mechanisms of Refractory Hypertension Role: co-Investigator

Agency/Award: NIH/ NHLBI, R01 HL114120 (PI: J. Zhang, MD, PhD) Project: Bioenergetics in hypertrophied and remodeled left ventricle Role: co-Investigator

Agency/Award: U.S. Army Medical Research Acquisition Activity, W81XWH-15-1-0705 (PI: M. Dransfield, MD) Project: Beta Blockers for the Prevention of Acute Exacerbations of COPD Role: Consultant

Research and Relationship to DRC Effort: My areas of research fall basically into two categories: An active basic science research program investigates the effects of diets designed for weight loss on the response to myocardial ischemia / infarction, and a second area of interests involves applications of clinical cardiovascular magnetic resonance techniques including imaging, physiologic measurement, and NMR spectroscopy to investigate cardiovascular health and disease in humans. Both areas have direct relevance to the study of Diabetes. My group carries on active research in the field of dietary intervention for obesity, with a particular focus on the direct effects of diet macronutrient composition on the heart during ischemic stress. I am the Head of the Section of Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance in the UAB Department of Medicine and our facility has two dedicated whole-body MRI scanners which are available for research use for the DRC.

Publications since 2012: I have 30 articles published in the last five years including in these journals: Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol, Am J Cardiol, Circulation, and J Nucl Cardiol.

DRC Core Usage: Dr. Lloyd uses the Human Core for Analytical services, as well as the Animal Core for Body Composition services.

DRC Collaborations: I have longstanding and productive collaborations with John C. Chatham, D.Phil who served as my Postdoctoral Mentor and subsequently as a key faculty collaborator and we have published several manuscripts relevant to Diabetes and Metabolism, including one in 2014. I have grant and publication collaborations with Drs. Arora, Bamman, Calhoun, Dell'Italia, Hage, Lewis, and Oparil, and have 9 diabetes- related publications in the past five years. Name/Degree/Title: Julie L. Locher, PhD, MSPH; Professor Emerita, Gerontology, Geriatrics, and Palliative Care

Role in DRC: Senior Scientist in Interventions/Trials/Community Research

Background and Interests: Dr. Locher has been at UAB for more than 25 years and is a Professor in the Departments of Medicine and Health Care Organization and Policy. She serves as Director of the Translational Nutrition and Aging Program. She is a Medical Sociologist and Health Services Researcher. Dr. Locher has won several research-related awards, including in 2016 the Becky Trigg Outstanding Woman UAB Faculty Member for supporting students and faculty in achieving their research goals and the Gerontological Society of America M. Powell Lawton Award for contributions in gerontology research related to nutrition and aging. Dr. Locher’s research as PI has been supported consistently by the NIH since 2001. Her primary area of inquiry focuses on social and environmental factors, including community and health care practices and policies that affect eating behaviors and nutrition-related health outcomes in older adults and cancer patients and survivors. Her efforts have been recognized by being asked to serve on several panels focused on nutrition and aging by the Institute of Medicine (2011, 2015), the Centers for Disease Control (2010), and AARP Foundation (2011).

Funding: Current K07AG043588 (Locher), 09/30/12 – 09/29/17, NIH/NIA, PI Translational Nutrition and Aging Research Academic Career Leadership Award

R01 CA201362 (Demark-Wahnefried), 07/01/2016-6/30/2021, NIH/NCI, Co-I Harvest for Health in Older Cancer Survivors

R03 GEMSSTAR (Jih Jane), 04/01/15 - 03/31/17, NIH/NIA, Consultant Identifying and Assessing Food Insecurity in Older Diverse Primary Care Patients

MIS-609160 (Buys DR), 01/01/16 – 12/31/16, Mississippi Agricultural & Forestry Experiment Station, Consultant Meals Enhancing Nutrition After Discharge (MEND) for Older Adults in Rural Settings

Completed R01 AG033094 (Locher JL & Ard J), 07/01/09 – 06/30/16, NIH/NIA, PI Calorie Restriction & Body Composition, Function, & QoL in Older Adults

Research and Relationship to DRC Effort: The current research conducted by Dr. Locher seeks to evaluate the effects of changes in diet on multiple outcomes for older adults and factors that influence eating behaviors of older adults and cancer patients and survivors (especially those with head and neck cancer). Dr. Locher is especially intrigued with research questions that address matters where effects on outcomes of health care practices/recommendations are uncertain yet widely believed to be true or practiced by older adults, practitioners, and policy-makers (e.g., recommendations for weight loss in older adults, recommendations for feeding tube placement in head and neck cancer patients who do not have nutritional deficits). These conditions present particular challenges for persons with diabetes and cardiometabolic dysfunction.

Publications since 2012: 20 publications (including such journals as J Am Heart Assoc, Appetite, Contemporary Clinical Trials , Age and Aging, Archives of Gerontology, and Head and Neck).

DRC Core Use: Dr. Locher’s work has benefitted from use of the Human Physiology Core (for her R01).

DRC Collaborations: Dr. Locher has grant and publication collaborations with Drs. Affuso, Allison, Cherrington, Demark-Wahnefried, Desmond, Garvey, Gilbert G, Gilbert S, Goss, Gower, Gutierrez, G Howard, VJ Howard, G Hunter, Kilgore, Mehta, Moellering, Sen, Shikany, Willig, and Wingo, and has 18 diabetes- related publications in the past five years.

Name/Degree/Title: Robinna G. Lorenz, MD, PhD; Professor, Pathology; Director, UAB MSTP; Associate Dean for Physician Scientist Development Role in DRC: Senior Scientist in Islet Biology/Autoimmunity Background and Interests: Dr. Lorenz’s research has focused for many years on the responses of the mucosal and systemic immune systems to gastrointestinal microbiota. Recently, this has led her lab to focus on the interrelationship between the GI microbiota, the intestinal immune response, and the risk of Type 1 Diabetes development in the NOD mouse model. This work has been funded by the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Nationally, she has served as Co-Chair of the Crohn’s and Colitis Research Training Awards Committee, Vice-Chair holder of the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute Area Committee on Immunology and Ligand Assay, and Chair of the Microbial Pathogenesis and Cancer Review Committee of the American Cancer Society. She has recently been a member of the NIH Biomedical Research Training Review Study Section and the AAMC GREAT Group MD/PhD Steering Committee (Chair 2011-2012). She has been recognized at the local and national level with several prestigious awards, including the Ellis Benson Award in recognition of outstanding achievements in Clinical Pathology and the ASIP Robbins Distinguished Educator Award for leadership in pathology education. Funding: Current PI: T32 GM008361, “Medical Scientist Training Program” PI: T35 HL007473, “Short Term Training in Health Professional Schools” PI: R25 HL1208833., “Preparation for Graduate and Medical Education Program”

Recently Completed Co-I: R21 ES024413 (Stoll); PI: “Interactions between AhR Ligands and the Gut Microbiota in Murine Arthritis”. Research and Relationship to DRC Effort: Dr. Lorenz is a member of a growing group of investigators in the DRC studying islet autoimmunity. Genetic and environmental factors, including exposure to high fat (HF) diets and hygienic environments, alter the incidence of Type I Diabetes in humans, and this is reproduced in the NOD mouse model of disease. These environmental exposures alter two components of the gastrointestinal (GI) ecosystem, the luminal microbiota and the intestinal immune response. Thus, Dr. Lorenz’s research focuses on the interrelationship between the GI microbiota, the intestinal immune response, and the risk of T1D development in the NOD mouse model before the occurrence of insulitis. Dr. Lorenz hypothesizes that alterations in the microbiological components of the GI ecosystem during the neonatal period leads to altered communication between mucosal antigen presenting cells and T cells, leading to an impaired ability to activate regulatory T cells (Treg) and an enhanced T cell response dominated by inflammatory IL-17 secreting cells. A similar alteration in the ratio of inflammatory T cells to Treg cells is seen in humans with T1D. Utilization of the NOD and NOR models allows her lab to determine if the altered systemic immune responses of diabetic-prone models are secondary to environmental microbial exposure and a dysregulated mucosal immune system, or if the GI ecosystem has no role to play in the disease process. Publications since 2012: 17 publications (including Mucosal Immunology, JCI Insight, JCI, Am J Pathology, Pediatric Diabetes, Microbiome). DRC Core Use: Dr.Lorenz uses the Human Core for insulin assays. DRC Collaborations: Dr.Lorenz collaborates extensively with Dr. H Tse for her studies with diabetes animal models. Dr. Lorenz has grant and publication collaborations with Drs. Yoder and Prabhu, and has 4 diabetes- related publications in the past five years.

Name/Degree/Title: Frances Lund, PhD; Professor and Chair, Department of Microbiology

Role in DRC: Senior Scientist in Islet Biology/Autoimmunity; Pilot and Feasibility Recipient

Background and Interests: Dr. Lund received her PhD and post-doctoral training in immunology at Duke University and DNAX Research Institute. She developed her independent research program at Trudeau Institute, focusing on dissecting the molecular and biochemical pathways that control immune responses to pathogens, allergens and autoantigens. Over the last 20 years, Dr. Lund has studied an enzyme (called CD38) that regulates cell signaling, inflammatory responses and NAD metabolism in immune cells. Recent work from her lab led to the observation that this enzyme also regulates NAD metabolism in pancreatic beta cells and protects these cells from oxidative stress induced by inflammatory cytokines produced by innate immune cells. She is now working with beta cell biologists and diabetes-focused immunologists to understand how CD38 protects beta cells from damage and how one might therapeutically modulate NAD metabolism to protect beta cells from immune mediated damage.

Funding: Current PL: U19AI109962 “Virus-induced cell fate decisions in anti-viral immunity - Core B: Viral Stocks and Reagents” 2014/05/12-2019/04/30 PL: U19AI109962 “Virus-induced cell fate decisions in anti-viral immunity - Project 3: Control of anti-viral B cell responses by IFNgamma, T-bet and Eomes” 2014/05/12-2019/04/30 PI: R01 AI110508 “Control of anti-viral B cell responses by IFNg, T-bet and Eomes” 2014/02/14-2019/01/31 PI: R01 AI104725 “Controlling Th2 immunity by tuning CXCL13 dependent DC migration in lymph nodes” 2013/03/15-2018/02/28 PI: ADDA, Alabama Drug Discovery Alliance “Treating B cell-derived neoplasms by targeting the ectoenzyme CD38: a regulator of the NAD metabolic pathway” 2013/01/01-2017/12/31 PL: 1P01 AI125180 “Plasma Cells in Health and Disease - Project 2: Promoting the Development of Epigenetically and Functionally Distinct Plasma Cell Population by Modulating the Cytokine Microenvironment” 2016/07/01-2021/06/30 CoInv: R01 AI097357 “Central and Effector B Cells in the Lung” 2012/05/11-2017/04/30

Completed (Diabetes-Related since Jan 2012): Pilot grant PL: P30 DK079626 “Controlling oxidative stress in beta cells by modulating NAD metabolism” 2014/04/01-2015/03/31

Research and Relationship to DRC Effort: Over the last 20 years, my lab has evaluated the role that C38, a NAD glycohydrolase, plays in B cell biology and immune responses (52 publications on CD38). I have organized four international conferences on CD38, NAD utilizing enzymes and NAD metabolism and have written multiple reviews and book chapters on these topics. I have been continuously funded to work on CD38- related projects since beginning my independent research career in 1997. I am currently funded to identify and characterize CD38 antagonists that can be used to treat certain types of cancer, including potentially pancreatic cancer. My lab showed that CD38 catabolizes extracellular NAD and catalyzes the formation of three metabolites that each mobilize calcium and modulate signal transduction.

Publications since 2012: 24 papers in such journals as Immunity, Nat. Immunol., Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis and Vascular Biol., J. Biol. Chem., Nature Comm, and JCI. Dr. Lund has 1 diabetes-related publication in the past five years.

Core Usage: Dr. Lund uses the BARB core for consultation services.

DRC Collaborations: We worked with Drs. John Kearney and Hubert Tse (Dept of Microbiology at UAB) to set up in vivo models to examine beta cell damage and to address whether modulating NAD metabolism altered beta cell survival in vivo. Finally, we collaborated with Dr. Anath Shalev to set up in vitro studies with beta cell lines to probe the molecular mechanisms by which CD38 regulates beta cell protection following exposure to inflammatory cytokines and reactive oxygen species. These collaborations have been very fruitful and have resulted in two manuscripts that will be submitted for publication later this year. Name/Degrees/Title: Roslyn B. Mannon, MD; Professor of Medicine and Surgery; Medical Director of Kidney Transplantation; Director of Research, Comprehensive Transplant Institute; Endowed Professor of Transplant Nephrology Clinical Research

Role in DRC: Senior Scientist, Diabetes Complications

Background and Interests: My initial research career began as a basic scientist exploring the role of MHC disparity in allograft rejection by developing and characterizing a mouse model of kidney transplantation. These studies defined the role of MHC Class I and II antigens in transplant rejection and also provided a mouse model using genetically manipulated donors and recipients. My laboratory and clinical research have focused on immune and non-immune medicated mechanisms of graft injury. This is particularly relevant to those with diabetes following transplant; to this end, we have developed an active research program in kidney and kidney/pancreas transplantation that spans the spectrum of basic science, translational studies, and clinical research.

Funding: Current PI: 1I01BX003272-01A1, “AMP Kinase Activation in Calcineurin Inhibitor Nephrotoxicity”. Site PI: 1 U01 AI113362, “Clinical Trials in Organ Transplantation: Novel Therapies to Modulate the Inflammatory Response in Renal Allografts” Site PI: NIH/NIAID PAR-13-151, “Impact of CCR5 Blockade in HIV+ Kidney Transplant Recipients” Co-I: Novartis Pharma Corp. “A 24 Month, Multicenter, Randomized, Open-Label Safety and Efficacy Study of Concentration-Controlled Everolism with Reduced Calcineurin Inhibitor vs Myocophenolate with Standard Calcineurin Inhibitor in De Novo Renal Transplantation - Advancing Renal Transplant Efficacy and Safety Outcomes with an eveRolimus-Based Regimen (TRANSFORM)”.

Pending Co-I: NIH - National Institutes of Health/DHHS, “CKD Risk Prediction among Obese Living Kidney Donors” Site PI: U of Minnesota, PRECision lmmunoSupprEssion in African American Kidney Transplant Recipients through Genotype-Directed Dosing Recently Completed (select – see biosketch) Site PI: BAA-NIAID-DMID-NIHAI2010101, “NIH/NIAID Project 1: An Surveillance Study of Adenovirus Disease in Adult Renal Transplant Recipients: Identification of Clinical and Biological Markers Predictive of Disease Risk and Outcome; Project 2: The Safety, Tolerability and Pharmacokinetic Properties of CMX001 in Renal Transplant Recipients with BKV Viremia: A Phase IIA Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Dose-Escalation Study” Site PI: 1NR21NR013660-01, “Optimizing Kidney Transplant Patients Informed Consent for Increased Risk Donors” Research and Relationship to DRC Effort: The long-term goal of my work is to identify novel targets for biomarkers and therapeutic intervention, particularly of late injury in transplant recipients. We have extensive experience in this arena, including the use of animal models of late graft injury coupled with extensive molecular analyses of human tissues using low density mRNA arrays. We also have expertise in large transplant recipient cohorts (4,000+) that have graft demise examining clinical, immunological, and genetic parameters (DeKAF; Genomics of Kidney Transplantation). We have participated substantively with the Banff working group to develop standard definitions for the pathology of late allograft failure in the kidney. As Director of Research for the Comprehensive Transplant Institute, we maintain a robust clinical research group that follows study subjects, executes required regulatory requirements, obtains tissue samples at mandated time-points, and correlates mechanistic studies to graft and patient outcomes. Publications (2012-present): Dr. Mannon has 26 publications in the past 5 years, including in: Ann Surg, Transplantation, Clin J Am Soc Nephrol, and Am J Transplant. DRC Core Use: Dr. Mannon plans to use the Human Core for Analytic Services. DRC Collaborations: Dr. Mannon has grant and publication collaborations with Drs. Lewis, McGwin, and Mehta, and has 6 diabetes-related publications in the past five years. Name/Degrees/Title: Caroline B. Marshall, M.D.; Assistant Professor of Medicine, Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology

Role in DRC: Mentored Scientist, Diabetes Complications; Pilot and Feasibility Recipient

Background and Interests: Dr. Marshall is a graduate of Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, TX. She trained at Baylor College of Medicine as an Internal Medicine resident and at the University of Washington School of Medicine in Seattle, WA, where she completed her clinical and research fellowships in Nephrology. In 2007, Dr. Marshall joined the faculty at the University of Washington Medical Center as Assistant Professor of Medicine. In 2011, she transferred to UAB. Dr. Marshall’s earlier research interests have included the biology of glomerular visceral epithelial cells (podocytes) in health and disease with a focus on cell cycle regulatory proteins and how they affect the initiation and progression of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis. Since her move to UAB, she has shifted focus to examine the role of podocyte injury in the initiation and progression of diabetic nephropathy, seeking to understand the mechanisms of active remodeling of the glomerular basement membrane, especially as it relates to injury responses and activation of repair pathways.

Funding: Current Co-PI: CDA-2 BX001942 “The Role of Aminopeptidase-A in GBM Thickening in Diabetic Nephropathy”

Recently Completed Co-PI: P60 DK079626 Glomerular Basement Membrane Thickening in Diabetic Nephropathy

Research and Relationship to DRC Effort: Since making the transition to UAB, the Marshall laboratory’s primary research interest has been on understanding the initiation and progression of diabetic nephropathy (DN), with a focus on the earliest detectable structural feature of DN, glomerular basement membrane thickening (GBM). GBM thickening can be seen within 1-2 years following the onset of diabetes and precedes clinically evident albuminuria. Indeed, GBM thickening has been reported in patients in the pre-clinical stage of diabetes, so-called “pre-diabetes”. In a published study of normoalbuminuric patients with long-standing type 1 diabetes, greater GBM width was the only renal structural parameter that independently predicted progression to proteinuria and/or end-stage kidney disease. In the mature glomerulus, the podocyte is likely key in modifying the underlying GBM, synthesizing and assembling basement membrane components, and mediating extracellular matrix turnover, both in physiological and pathological states. It has been reported that podocyte- specific knockout of the insulin receptor (podIRKO) induces glomerular changes that mimic human DN, even in the absence of hyperglycemia. Thus, the insulin receptor signaling pathway may be important in the pathogenesis of early diabetic glomerulopathy. Alterations in normal GBM structure and function may constitute a critical pathogenic feature of progressive DN. These studies may increase our understanding of key molecular changes that result in diabetic podocyte injury and the development of GBM thickening to define possible biomarkers for the detection of pre-clinical DN and to develop mechanism-based therapies for DN.

Publications Jan 2012 to present: 27 publications (including PLoS One, PNAS, Frontiers in Pharmacology, Translational Research, Am J Physiol Renal Physiol, Plant Cell, J Biol Chem); 2 publications are diabetes related.

Core Usage: Redox Biology Core – Consultation for XF assays; Animal Physiology Core for mouse GTT assays

DRC Collaborations: Dr. Marshall has grant and publication collaborations with Dr. Sanders, and has 2 diabetes-related publications in the past five years.

Name/Degrees/Title: Sara Mazzoni, MD MPH; Assistant Professor, Obstetrics and Gynecology

Role in DRC: Mentored Scientist, Integrative Metabolism

Background and Interests: After completing my residency in Obstetrics/Gynecology, I obtained a Master’s in Public Health with a concentration in Health Systems and Policy. My research interests include public health program development, implementation and evaluation with a focus on underserved pregnant women. At my prior institution, I created a group prenatal care program for women with diabetes. I was the clinic director of this program for three years and published our positive results as well as presented our model at the international meeting of the American Diabetes Association. Now that I’ve recently begun work at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, I plan to collaborative create alternative models of care for pregnant women with gestational diabetes.

Funding: Current Co-PI: “Hospital-based prenatal healthy relationship education”

Pending PI: COERE and the Minority Health and Health Disparities Research Center (MHRC) Pilot Grant, “Group prenatal care as an innovative way to address disparities in postpartum effective contraception use in young women”. Completed

Co-I: “Balance after Baby Intervention 2” PI: “Group Prenatal Care for Women with Diabetes”

Research and Relationship to DRC Effort: My active research interests include developing alternative model of care for pregnant women with pregnancies complicated by gestational diabetes. Group prenatal care is a model that is widely used in the United States, however, women with medical complications have historically been excluded. I created a group prenatal care model for women with diabetes and used this model in my clinical practice for over three years. I am currently collaborating with local clinicians and researchers to develop a group prenatal care model for women with gestational diabetes. Once the model is clinically implemented, I plan to investigate how or if the model results in behavior change both during and after pregnancy, and how or if these behavior changes result in improved health outcomes.

All Publications Published or In Press from Jan 2012 to present: 12 publications (including in Am J Obstet Gynecol, J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med, Obstet Gynecol.).

Core Usage: N/A (new faculty)

DRC Collaborations: N/A (new faculty) Name/Degrees/Title: Kenneth McCormick, MD; Professor and Director, UAB Pediatric Endocrinology

Role in DRC: Senior Scientist, Interventions/Trials/Community Research

Background and Interests: Dr. McCormick graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a degree in Chemical Engineering. Thereafter, he attended the University of Rochester Medical School, completed residency at Case Western Reserve University, followed by a 3-year NIH Diabetes/Metabolism fellowship program at Brown University. Currently, Dr. McCormick is Director of Pediatric Endocrinology at UAB and Director of the Pediatric Endocrinology 3-year fellowship program. The UAB Pediatric Endocrinology program cares for a staggering number of patients with diabetes: approximately 2200 children (approximately 15% Type 2). Recipient of several extramural research awards, he was the Director of the NIH Core laboratory for the Wisconsin non-interventional, long-term study of Type I diabetes complications (1992-1998).

Funding: Current PI: Genentech “Effect of Growth Hormone (GH) on Fibroblast Growth Factor 23 and phosphate homeostasis” PI: NIDDK TrialNet “Natural History Study of the Development of Type 1 Diabetes” Co-PI: Eli Lilly Co “Safety and efficacy of Exenatide as monotherapy and adjunctive therapy to oral anti- diabetic agents in adolescents with Type 2 diabetes” PI: Diamyd Medical. “Oral GABA for the preservation of β-cell function in newly-diagnosed type1 diabetes” Co-PI: JDRF. “Oral GABA for the preservation of β-cell function in newly-diagnosed type1 diabetes” Dr McCormick is a PI or co-investigator on 5 additional pharmaceutical grants- see biosketch.

Description of Research Projects and Relevance to Diabetes and Cardiometabolic Disease: His research interests are manifold, and include both basic and clinical investigations. Basic laboratory pursuits encompass the regulation of intraluminal endoplasmic reticulum metabolism and redox state. Present studies are exploring the effects of altering endoplasmic membrane fluidity with omega 3 fatty acids and the subsequent modification of adrenal P450 steroidogenic enzymes. Besides numerous pharm-sponsored investigations, the primary JDRF- funded clinical study involves treatment with oral GABA (γ-aminobutyric acid) in new-onset diabetes. This is a double blind, placebo controlled, one year longitudinal study with primary endpoints the residual (baseline and stimulated) C-peptide and glucagon, with secondary assessment of HbA1C and insulin dose. The tenet is that GABA : 1) forefends against the ongoing autoimmune destructive process, 2) suppresses dysregulated α-cell glucagon secretion, and 3) preserves or restores extant insulin- producing β-cells.

All Publications from Jan 2012 to present: 12 publications (including in Early Human Development, J Ped Endocrine Metab, J Endocrinol, ClinSci, Endocrinology, PLoS One).

Core Usage: Dr. McCormick uses the Human Core: Blood samples for several hormones as part of the aforementioned GABA intervention study

DRC Collaborations: As a co-investigator in the GABA study of type1 diabetes trial, Dr Hubert Tse is assaying several markers of inflammation and T-cell function. Other collaborative interactions involving type1 diabetes are with Drs John Kearney (Immunology) and Sasanka Ramanadham (UAB Comprehensive Diabetes Center). Dr. McCormick has grant and publication collaborations with Drs. Ashraf, Bamman, Barnes, Casazza, Gutierrez, Kabarowski, Kearney, Ramanadham, and Tse, and has 5 diabetes-related publications in the past five years. Name/Degrees/Title: Gerald McGwin, Jr., M.S., Ph.D.; Professor of Epidemiology and Interim Chair, Department of Epidemiology

Role in DRC: Senior Scientist, Epidemiology/Genetics

Background and Interests: Dr. Gerald McGwin is a Professor and Interim Chair in the Department of Epidemiology in the School of Public Health at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). He is also the Director for Advanced Enterprise Analytics for the UAB Health System. Dr. McGwin obtained his B.S. degree from the University of Vermont (1993), his M.S. degree from Harvard University (1995) and his Ph.D. degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham (1998). In addition to his primary appointment in the UAB Department of Epidemiology, Dr. McGwin also holds appointments in the Departments of Surgery and Ophthalmology at the UAB School of Medicine as well as the Birmingham Veterans Affairs Medical Center. He serves as the director of the UAB Center for Clinical and Translational Science Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Research Design component as well as the UAB Injury Control Research Center. Dr. McGwin is also the Associate Director for the Center of Injury Sciences at UAB and the Associate Director for the Clinical Research Unit in the Department of Ophthalmology.

Funding: Current Co-PI: 5R01EY018966-06. (PI: Owsley). “Older Drivers and Vision Impairment: Naturalistic Driving Studies” Co-PI: 1U58DP002651-01 (PI: Owsley). “Improving Access to and Quality of Eye Care in an At-Risk, Underserved Population.” Co-PI: FY2010-11-231. (PI: Owsley). “Inflammatory, cholesterol, and genetic characteristics in older adults in normal retinal health as potential biomarkers for the incident development of early age-related maculopathy.”

Recently Completed Co-PI: R01AG021958-06A1, (PI: Ball). “Predicting Long-Term Mobility Outcomes for Older Adults”. Co-PI: R01 AG04212-20. (PI: Owsley). “Aging and ARM: Dark Adaptation”

Research and Relationship to DRC Effort: As a member of the DRC, Dr. McGwin collaborates in multiple areas of research that seek to reduce the impact of diabetes and cardiometabolic disease in the population, particularly in persons with advanced age. Of particular focus are diseases of the eye and research on eye care for at risk populations, such as those with Type II Diabetes.

Publications (2012-present): 41 publications (including in Am J Med, Am J Ophthalmol, Anesthesiology, BMC Ophthalmol, Health Qual Life Outcomes, Retina).

DRC Core Use: N/A

DRC Collaborations: Dr. McGwin has grant and publication collaborations with Drs. Allison, Allman, Ashraf, Casazza, Chandler-Laney, Gower, Mannon, Michael, Prabhu, Redden, and Weech-Maldonado, and has 19 diabetes-related publications in the past five years. Name/Degrees/Title: Mamie R. McLean MD; Assistant Professor, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility

Role in DRC: Mentored Scientist, Integrative Metabolism

Background and Interests: I am a Women's Reproductive Health Research Scholar at UAB. I am in my second year on a training grant. My main project is evaluating the periconception metabolic health of women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF). We are comparing ovarian follicular fluid, serum and endometrial fluid metabolomes of obese vs non-obese women. Since BMI can be a poor surrogate for metabolic health, we aim to use untargeted metabolomics to identify alterations in metabolism of obese women. Preliminary data shows significant differences between obese women who had a live birth after IVF compared to obese women without a live birth after IVF suggesting differential metabolism within the ovarian follicle and serum of women with differential reproductive outcomes. I have also received a UAB Faculty Development Grant to support the above work.

Funding: Current Co-PI: K12 HDOO1258-16 (PI: Dr Andrews) “Periconception Metabolic health among women undergoing IVF.”

Pending PI: R03HD087549. “Periconception Metabolomics and Obesity”

Recently Completed Co-PI: UAB Faculty development Grant, “Periconception metabolomics among women undergoing IVF”.

Research and Relationship to DRC Effort: My current research involves the altered metabolism in obese women periconception. While diabetes is an extreme phenotype, our project is focusing on altered metabolism among women without overt diabetes, by using untargeted metabolomics to identify these abnormalities. Our goal is to identify a metabolomic profile that can be used to select women at highest risk for adverse reproductive outcomes peri-conception, and then institute an intervention to improve metabolic health prior to conceiving.

All Publications 2012 to present: 4 publications (including in Obstetrics and Gynecology, American Journal of Perinatology).

Core Usage: Dr. McLean plans to use the Human Core for analytic services.

DRC Collaborations: Dr. McLean has grant and publication collaborations with Dr. Barnes in the past five years. Name/Degrees/Title: Tapan Mehta, PhD, MSEE; Assistant Professor, Health Services Administration

Role in DRC: Mentored Scientist, Epidemiology/Genetics

Background and Interests: I am data scientist with several years of experience in biostatistics and data mining. I lead the statistical analysis and study design core of the UAB/Lakeshore Research Collaborative in the area of disability and rehabilitation sciences. My projects have involved both pragmatic trials as well as aggregating and linking silos of longitudinal data to investigate interesting scientific questions through novel applications of statistical methods and computing platforms. My research interest span from clinical, epidemiological and health services related scientific inquiries in topics related to cardiometabolic conditions, disability, and rehabilitation. One of my recent line of research is in the area of quality improvement and patient safety. I am a co-investigator and lead statistician to several research studies funded by a variety of funding agencies such as NIH, NIDDILR and PCORI. Dr. Mehta has a strong publication record with over 30 peer- reviewed articles including several first-author articles, and published in highly competitive journals such as New England Journal of Medicine, and Obesity Reviews. I have also worked as a full-time data scientist at the School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) for 8+ years. During this time, I have managed and collaborated in a variety of health-related secondary data analyses projects, including data mining projects with large genomic datasets, and also mentored a small team of junior analysts.

Funding: Current PI: P30DK056336, “Have the Advances in Cardiometabolic Treatments Attenuated the Obesity-Mortality Association?” PI: 1K07AG043588, “Obesity Staging Systems, Interventions and Longevity” Co-I: R01HD085186 (PI: Rimmer), “Scale up evaluation of a physical activity program for adults with physical disability” Co-I: MS-1511-33653 (PI: Rimmer), “Comparative Effectiveness Trial Between a Clinic- and Home-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine Telerehabilitation Intervention for Adults with Multiple Sclerosis” Pending PI: R01 AHRQ, “Medical Management of People with Obesity: Clinical and Health Services Implications of Incorporating Obesity Staging Systems” Co-I: P30DK056336 (PI: Allison), “UAB Nutrition Obesity Research Center (NORC)” Co-I: R01HL137931 (PI: Allison), “Attenuating Summer Weight Gain in Children by Promoting Fruit and Vegetable Consumption with/out Desire Resistance Messaging: A Randomized Controlled Trial” Co-I: R01 NIH (PI: Allison), “Obesity and Longevity Across Generations” Recently Completed PI: Atlanta Census Research Data Center Intramural Grant, “Digging Deeper to Understand the Hispanic Obesity-Mortality Paradox,” Statistician: R43DK097972, “Personalized telehealth weight management system for overweight adults with disabilities,”

Research and Relationship to DRC Effort: I am early stage investigator in diabetes research, and find the services and mentoring provided by Diabetes Research Center very valuable. My entry into diabetes-research has been through my research in the area of obesity. My analytic and methods work in the area of changing obesity-mortality association led me to look into the changes in diabetes-mortality association, the inconsistencies in these findings, and the role of cardiometabolic medications.

Publications (since 2012): 25 publications (including in Obesity, BMC Public Health, Front Nutr, JAMA Surg, Metabolism, NEJM, PLoS One).

Core Usage: I have accessed and sought advice from Dr. Andrea Cherrington, who is the Co-Director of the Intervention and Translational Core, as part of my grant submissions.

DRC Collaborations: Dr. Mehta has grant and publication collaborations with Drs. Allison, Barnes, Casazza, Durant N, Dutton, Fontaine, Gower, Kim, Lewis, Locher, Mannon, Pekmezi, Sen, Smith, and Wingo, and has 10 diabetes-related publications in the past five years. Name/Degrees/Title: Joseph L. Messina, PhD; Professor of Pathology

Role in DRC: Senior Scientist, Molecular Signaling; Pilot and Feasibility Recipient

Background and Interests: Disease states, such as Type 2 Diabetes, cancer and stresses such as infection, sepsis and surgical trauma are characterized by changes in cellular metabolism and function. We are exploring the development of insulin resistance, similar to what occurs in Type 2 Diabetes, and the interaction between insulin and the proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-alpha, IL-6 and IL-1 beta) in cultured cells and in the liver, heart, muscle and fat of animal models of infection, injury, hemorrhage, diabetes and obesity. These studies are important if we are to understand the role of these hormones in normal physiology and growth, in diseases such as Type 2 Diabetes, and in the recovery following surgery, trauma, burns and infection.

Funding Sources: Current PI: Merit Review Application, “Muscle Insulin Resistance Following Trauma and Hemorrhage”. Pending PI: DOD Discovery Award. PR161989, “Influenza Infection and Metabolic Dysfunction” PI: R21AI130802-01, “Combined Injuries (Polytrauma), Acute Radiation Exposure and the Immune Response”. PI: DOD. PR161044, “The Role of Mitochondria in Insulin Resistance and Type 2 Diabetes”. PI: DOD. PR161062, “Injury Leading to Development of Type 2 Diabetes”

Research and Relationship to DRC Effort: The major goals of my current NIH projects are to study the development and potential causative factors for the development of insulin resistance in the liver following injury. Insulin resistance is one of the main problems in Type 2 diabetes. However, in animal models of Type 2 diabetes, the insulin resistance often takes many days, weeks or months to develop, similar to it taking many months, years or decades to develop in humans. We have animal models of insulin resistance, referred to as Critical Illness Diabetes, in which insulin resistance develops in minutes or within hours. We are able to study the role of cellular and oxidative stress pathways in the development of this rapidly developing insulin resistance in liver. We have also found that insulin resistance occurs in skeletal muscle in Critical Illness Diabetes, but unlike liver, the insulin resistance takes longer to develop, and requires an increase in glucocorticoid levels. In this VA funded research, we have found that there are many other aspects of skeletal muscle insulin resistance that differ between liver and skeletal muscle, necessitating these tissues to be studied separately.

All Publications 2012-present: 10 publications (including in Endocrinology, J Endocrinology, Am J Physiol Gastro Liver Physiol, IJCEM, Biochem. Biophys. Reports).

Core Usage: We have used the Redox Biology Core to study the upregulation of ROS and SOD activity and the role of these in insulin resistance. We have used the Human Core many times to measure hormone levels as well as cytokine, chemokines and free fatty acid levels. We currently plan to use the Animal Physiology Core to measure body composition, metabolic rates, and food consumption.

DRC Collaborations: Dr. Messina has grant and publication collaborations with Drs. Allison, Austad, Ballinger, Frank, Garvey, Li, Nagy, Smith, and Tollefsbol, and has 4 diabetes-related publications in the past five years. Name/Degrees/Title: Max Michael, MD; Dean, School of Public Health; Professor, Health Care Organization and Policy

Role in DRC: Senior Scientist, Interventions/Trials/Community Research

Background and Interests: I am trained as a general internist with long standing interests in access to care and care for underserved and marginalized populations. My work at UAB has focused on work with a variety of communities from the Black Belt to urban Birmingham, primarily through community based participatory research. I am also deeply involved in a number of community engagement efforts through the CCTS, the Center for the Study of Community Health, and the newly established Innovate Birmingham.

Funding: Current Co-PI: 1UL1RR025777 Guay-Woodford (PI) UAB Center for Clinical and Translational Science (CCTS), “One Great Community” PI: 1U48DP005037-01 “CITY Health II Center for the Study of Community Health”

Research and Relationship to DRC Effort: As noted above all of my efforts have been directed, broadly speaking, to community engagement and community based participatory research. None of these efforts directly related to diabetes or cardiovascular disease, rather are an effort to establish trust with our communities so that these research efforts are relevant to and embraced by the community in the broadest sense.

All Publications (2012 to present): 2 publications (including in Lancet Oncol).

Core Usage: Dr. Michael uses the ITC Core for Evaluation and Data Management services.

DRC Collaborations: Dr. Michael has grant and publication collaborations with Drs. Allon, Cherrington, Crowe, Davies, Hidalgo, McGwin, Reddy, Saag, Sen, and Wyss in the past five years.

Name/Degrees/Title: Sergey Mirov, PhD; Professor of Physics, Director Center for Optical Sensors and Spectroscopies

Role in DRC: Senior Scientist, Interventions/Trials/Community Research

Background and Interests: I am a USSR-born naturalized American scholar serving as University Professor of Physics and Director of the Center for Optical Sensors and Spectroscopies at UAB. I served as a staff research physicist at P. N. Lebedev Physics Institute, and as a principal research scientist and a group leader at the General Physics Institute of the USSR Academy of Sciences. Since 1993 I have been a faculty member in the Department of Physics, UAB. My main fields of interest include tunable solid-state lasers, laser spectroscopy, sensing, and quantum electronics. My input in laser science and spectroscopy is documented by more than 430 research publications, 22 patents, numerous presentations at international conferences and a large group (>25) of scholars fostered. The work in which I have been involved is vertically integrated, from development of effective technology of fabrication of laser materials and detailed characterization of materials properties, to demonstration of cutting edge devices. Over the last 24 years my lab received funding in excess of $11M from the NSF, NASA, DoD, and industry.

Funding Current PI: FA9550-13-1-0234 Mirov (PI) “Transition Metal and Rare Earth Doped II-VI Chalcogenides for Opticaly and Electrically Pumped Broadly Tunable Lasers” PI: CBET-1445342 “Portable photoacoustic platform for glucose sensing” Co-PI: DARPA W31P4Q-15-1-0008 (Vodopyanov, Co-PI) “Ultracompact Spectral Comb Source with Instantaneous Bandwidth of 3-10 µm for Massively Parallel Spectroscopic Sensing” Pending Co-PI: NIEHS (V.Antony, UAB, PI) “Superfund Program: Impact of Airborne Heavy Metals on Lung Disease and the Environment” Co-PI: DoD/ONR (A. Gaeta, Columbia Univ. PI) “Next Generation Sources And New Physics In The Long- Wavelength Infrared Regime” Recently Completed Co-PI: EPS-0814103 Hosur (PI) “Enhancing Alabama’s Research Capability in Nano/Bio Sciences and Sensors” PI: NSF/Biophotonics “Workshop and Assessment of New Technologies for Rapid Detection of Infectious Diseases” PI: ECS Mirov (PI) “New class of broadly tunable middle infrared electrically pumped solid state lasers” PI: Kirtland AFB-UAB contract #FA9451-10-C-0254 “Investigation of Co, Ni, and Fe doped II-VI chalcogenides”

Research and Relationship to DRC Effort Developing a portable photoacoustic platform for glucose sensing is a research project about which I am most excited. This work is funded by an NSF grant on which I am the PI (see below) and aims at producing a photoacoustic platform for glucose sensing with the use of a wavelength modulated middle infrared Cr:ZnS laser. The ability to measure glucose accurately and noninvasively in humans offers exciting prospect for both clinical management of diabetes and for research in obesity.

Publications (2012 to present): 51 publications (including in Laser Physics, Int. J of Nanomedicine, Laser Technik Journal)

Core Usage: N/A

DRC Collaborations: Dr. Mirov collaborates with Dr. Chandler-Laney.

Name/Degrees/Title: Kasturi Mitra, PhD; Assistant Professor, Department of Genetics

Role in DRC: Mentored Scientist, Molecular Signaling

Background and Interests: I am interested in studying mitochondrial structure-function relationship in health and disease. It has been demonstrated that a dynamic mitochondrial structure can modulate mitochondrial nutrient utilization and energetics. We use cell line and Drosophila models to study if and how mitochondrial structure-function relationship can underlie the association between diabetes/obesity and cancer.

Funding: PI: R21ES025662. “RT-SQuARED-M method to study the precise role of mitochondria in the oxidative damage caused by environmental toxins” PI: UAB CCC NCTN-LAPS Program Translational Research Initiative Award. “The role of the mitochondrial protein, Drp1, in ovarian cancer chemoresistance”

Research and Relationship to DRC Effort: My primary interest is to understand the role of mitochondria in health and disease with a focus on tumorigenesis. Specifically, my laboratory focuses on understanding the association between obesity/diabetes and cancer. Our main focus is to study mitochondrial structure-function relationship using sophisticated high resolution confocal microscopy in mammalian in vitro cell culture and Drosophila in vivo model systems. My unique expertise in a combinatorial approach using cell biology, biochemical and genetic tools is critical for addressing the significance of mitochondrial structure-function relationship in tumor biology. Mitochondrial structure-function relationship is majorly regulated by the proteins that regulate mitochondrial fission and fusion. It has been demonstrated that a dynamic mitochondrial structure can modulate mitochondrial nutrient utilization and energetics. We study how the mitochondrial fission protein Drp1 (and the fusion protein Mitofusins) regulates nutrient utilization to modulate cell proliferation and differentiation. Since we found that loss of Drp1 leads to deregulated cell proliferation in the epithelial cell layer of Drosophila ovary, we hypothesized that Drp1 is important for development of ovarian cancer. Therefore, we aim to understand the potential involvement of Drp1 and Mitofusins in initiating and/or maintain tumorigeneic process in obese/diabetic ovarian cancer patients. Towards that goal we are using cell culture, patient tissues and Drosophila model systems. Our published and unpublished preliminary data suggest that Drp1 driven mitochondrial energetics may be a critical factor contributing to normal and/or neoplastic stem cell maintenance, and a high sugar diet can provide oncogenic advantage to Drp1 repressed stem cells. Currently, we are studying the interactions between oncogenes, mitochondria and diet in the stem cells of the Drosophila ovarian epithelial layer. Collaborators: Todd Nustul (UCSF), Malay Kumar Basu (UAB), Rebecca Arrend (UAB).

All Publications (2012 to present): 9 publications (including in Am J Physiol Endoc Metab, J Cell Biol, PNAS)

DRC Core Usage: Dr. Mitra uses the Animal Core for Body Composition services; he also uses the BARB core for bioenergetic flux analysis and consultation services.

DRC Collaborations: Dr. Mitra has grant and publication collaborations with Drs. Arend, Barnes, Darley- Usmar, De Luca, Gower, and Ramanadham, and has 1 diabetes-related publication in the past five years.

Name/Degrees/Title: Douglas R. Moellering, PhD; Assistant Professor, Nutrition Sciences

Role in DRC: Scientist in Integrative Metabolism, Operational Director of the UAB DRC Bio-Analytical REDOX Biology Core Facility, Pilot and Feasibility Recipient

Background and Interests: Dr. Moellering received his PhD from UAB in 2003 for research in cellular signaling and redox biology mechanisms of action of oxidized lipids on redox and glutathione metabolism. He trained with Dr. V Darley-Usmar as a graduate student, then completed postdoctoral research with Dr. WT Garvey, current Director of the DRC. This research focused on the molecular, proteomic, and mitochondrial mechanisms in skeletal muscle contributing to insulin resistance, diabetes, and cardiometabolic syndrome. During his career, Dr. Moellering has received numerous awards, including two Young Investigator awards from the Society for Free Radical Biology and Medicine. He is an Assistant Professor in Nutrition Sciences since 2012 and has been the Operational Director for the Diabetes Research Center’s (DRC) Bio-Analytical REDOX Biology (BARB) Core facility since 2008, and has since established and managed all activities relating to the operation of the BARB Core, along with maintaining his own research. Even though a junior investigator, Dr. Moellering has emerged as a true expert in mitochondrial biology, and is a valued collaborator by many DRC members. His current research focus on redox-mediated health disparities in minority populations. Funding: Current Operational Director of Core: P30 DK079626 (PI: WT Garvey; Core Leader S Ballinger): “UAB Diabetes Research Center (DRC) – REDOX Biology (BARB) Core” Co-I: 1R21 NS100054-01 (PI: C Griguer) “Paracrine Signaling in Glioma: Bioenergetics Heterogeneity and Chemoresistance” PI: Mid-South TCC pilot (PI: Moellering) “Adverse Effects of Life Stress on Obesity and Disease Risk Are Mediated by Diet Quality and Oxidative Stress” Pending Co-I: DOD (PI: P Vayalil), “Oncobioenergetics of Breast Carcinogenesis” Co-I: 1R21 12094324 (PI: M De Luca), “Genetic basis of variability in mitochondrial function response to ACE inhibition with aging” Research and Relationship to DRC Effort: Dr. Moellering is an expert in mitochondrial biology, and methodologies for assessing mitochondrial oxidation, proteomics, and ROS production and signaling. In interventional human studies, he is investigating the effects of very low calorie diet and weight loss on muscle mitochondria substrate oxidation and respiratory complex function, and in other studies the effects of exercise intensity on metabolic, physiologic, and redox changes that improve insulin sensitivity through alterations in mitochondrial physiology and reduced ROS. Dr. Moellering has developed techniques for respirometry of mitochondria in situ in muscle fibers prepared from human biopsies. These mechanistic insights are directly applicable to lifestyle changes that ameliorate insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, and diabetes. As the operational director of the DRC BARB Core, Dr. Moellering provides scientific expertise, technical advice, experimental design, analysis and interpretation for the bioenergetic and redox experiments that are crucial for the diabetes-related research projects funded through NIH/NIDDK. Publications (2012-present): 14 publications (including J Clin Endocrinol Metab, BMC Genomics, Biochem J, Obesity, J Appl Phys, Metab Syndr Relat Disord, J Immunol, Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab, Circ Cardiovasc Genet, Current Obesity Rep, Horm Metab Res, Contemp Clin Trials, and J Biol Chem) DRC Core Use: The Animal Physiology Core facilitated Dr. Moellering’s work using animal models to investigate the mechanisms of insulin sensitivity and metabolic phenotyping in other rodent models. He has also utilized the Bio-Analytical REDOX Biology Core to analyze oxidizability of LDL & glutathione and the Human Physiology Core to analyze glucose, insulin, CRP, and C-peptide for his Mid-South TCC pilot award. DRC Collaborations: Dr. Moellering has grant and publication collaborations with Drs. Bae, Bailey, Ballinger, Bamman, Barnes, Calhoun, Cherrington, Darley-Usmar, Dell'Italia, De Luca, Fisher, Y Fu, Garvey, Gower, Grams, G Hunter, Kesterson, Locher, Nagy, Scarinci, Smith, Vayalil, and Yang, and has 14 diabetes-related publications in the past five years.

Name/Degrees/Title: Shannon Morrison, PhD, MSN, FNP-BC; Associate Professor, School of Nursing; Nursing Honors Program Coordinator; UAB Graduate School Faculty; UAB Undergraduate Honors College Faculty

Background and Interests: I began my research career examining health motivation and the predictors of motivation for diet and physical activity in older adolescents. I have also worked as a family nurse practitioner for 15 years with a passion for cardiometabolic disease prevention and complication reduction. I developed a mentoring relationship with Dr. Barbara Gower 3 years ago. Since that time I have developed skills in nutrition and energy metabolism physiology, research methods, analysis and interpretation as well as nutrition intervention implementation and fidelity. My long-term research goal is to conduct translational research aimed to reduce cardiometabolic disease incidence/prevalence as well as improve adverse outcomes for individuals previously diagnosed with a cardiometabolic disorder. In addition, I seek to explore how energy metabolism may influence other disease progression on other chronic diseases, particularly chronic conditions that impact cognition (i.e., Alzheimer’s, HIV-associated neurocognitive function).

Funding: Current PI: UL1TR00417, “Effect of a ketogenic diet on HIV-associated neurocognitive impairment” Co-I: 13337, Thrasher Early Career Award, Goss (PI) “Effects of a carbohydrate restricted diet on fatty liver disease in obese adolescents with NAFLD” Recently Completed Co-I: No assigned number, Sorge (PI) “The effect of diet on knee osteoarthritis pain in older adults”

Description of Research Projects and Relevance to Diabetes and Cardiometabolic Disease My clinical training and experience as a family nurse practitioner provided the contextual framework for my research interests. The unmeasurable costs of the human carnage related to cardiometabolic disease complications in regards to quality and quantity life is why I have committed my academic career to contribute to better understanding cardiometabolic processes so that interventions that are more effective can be developed. My initial research focused on motivation for diet and physical activity behaviors; however, I quickly realized that greater understanding of energy metabolism processes is needed to ensure healthcare providers are confident in the health behavior counseling provided. I developed a mentoring relationship with Dr. Barbara Gower approximately three years ago. Since that time I have obtain critical knowledge regarding all aspects of energy metabolism. I am also a co-investigator on the pilot grants of Drs. Robert Sorge and Amy Goss that are also focused on effects of low carbohydrate diet on chronic inflammation and fatty liver diseases. Analyses include insulin sensitivity/glucose resistance, body composition adaptations, and inflammation effects among others. Data from both of these studies will be used to develop R01 submissions. I have written several manuscripts regarding energy metabolism and body fat composition (diabetes-related) in populations at greater diabetes risks (i.e., polycystic ovary syndrome).

Publications (Jan 2012 to present): 16 publications, including in AM J Cardiol, Am J Crit Care, Appetite, Ped Nurs); of these, 4 are diabetes-related publications in the past five years

DRC Core Usage: My current study is utilizing the services of the Human Physiology Core (i.e., serum analysis of glucose/lipids and markers of inflammation as well as human insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance testing. I have collaborated on additional projects that have utilized the body composition services (i.e., DXA and MRI) offered in the Human Physiology Core. The objective measurement of body composition and laboratory essays are crucial components of my research.

DRC Collaborations: I have grant and publication collaborations with Drs. Casazza, Chandler-Laney, Y Chen, Crowe, Goss, Gower, Hidalgo, Wang S, and Willig. The mentoring relationship with Dr. Barbara Gower has been helpful far beyond what is tangibly measured (i.e., identification of collaboration opportunities with other relatively new investigators with similar research interests and networking at professional conferences). I am currently a co-investigator on two pilot grants (Sorge/Goss). I have gained experience with diet intervention best practices, cardiometabolic assay markers analysis, as well as body composition techniques and analysis) became aware of auxillary research support services (Metabolic Kitchen/Clinical Research Unit) just to name a few.

Name/Degrees/Title: Donald D. Muccio, Ph.D.; Professor, Chemistry

Role in DRC: Senior Scientist, Integrative Metabolism; Pilot and Feasibility Recipient

Background and Interests: Dr. Muccio is a bio-physical chemist. His research focuses on prevention of cancer and in particular obesity related cancers. His research involves the design, synthesis and structural biological studies on UAB retinoids that bind to the retinoid X receptor as selective agonists. He has used structural biological studies (x-ray diffraction; quantum mechanical and molecular dynamic computational methods) and thermodynamic approaches (ITC; DSC) in the design stage. Some of the drugs that he has developed have showed profound effects on metabolism; they reduce triglyceride biosynthesis, treat metabolic syndrome and reverse obesity and in addition prevent ER-negative breast cancers in in vivo cancer models. One of the compounds that he developed is currently evaluated in phase I clinical trials to prevent breast cancer.

Funding: Current Co-PI: 1 R21 CA195394-01 (Co-PI. Atigadda, Coric) “Chemoprevention of breast cancer with rexinoids that inhibit obesity-induced metabolic syndrome” Recently Completed PI: BCTR 20000690 Low-Toxicity Retinoids to Prevent the Recurrence of ER- Breast Cancer Co-PI: HL087824-01A2 (PI: Blalock) Therapeutics for Chronic Lung Disease: New Antagonists of PGP, Chemokines and CXCR

Research and Relationship to DRC Effort: Dr. Muccio’s research focuses on the development of ligands that prevent cancers. Later he found out that some of ligands that he developed also treat metabolic disorders. In collaboration with Jeonga Kim (DRC faculty), currently he is working on translating these drugs into clinic preventing metabolic diseases such as diabetes, obesity and obesity related cancers such as breast cancers.

Publications (2008-present): 20 publications in peer reviewed journals including J. Med. Chem, J. B. C, Canc. Lett, Mol. Canc. Ther. PLoS One).

DRC Core Use: N/A

DRC Collaborations: Dr. Muccio has grant and publication collaborations with Dr. Kim, and has 2 diabetes- related publications in the past five years. Name/Degrees/Title: Joanne E. Murphy-Ullrich, PhD; Professor, Departments of Pathology, Cell Developmental and Integrative Biology, and Ophthalmology Role in DRC: Senior Scientist, Diabetes Complications; Pilot and Feasibility Recipient Background and Interests: Dr. Murphy-Ullrich has expertise in the extracellular matrix (ECM) with a focus on extracellular matrix remodeling in disease. For nearly 20 years, her research has been focused on the role of thrombospondin 1 (TSP1) control of latent TGF-β activation under diabetic conditions and how this impacts diabetic complications, including diabetic nephropathy and cardiomyopathy. Earlier work elucidated basic mechanisms of glucose regulation of TSP1 expression and established the role of this axis in diabetic complications. Current work is focused on the development of lead compounds for therapeutic application to diabetic complications. Funding Current PI: 1 R01CA175012 (Murphy-Ullrich, PI) “The thrombospondin1-TGF-beta axis in multiple myeloma” PI: DOD CMDRP W81XWH-14-1-0203 “The Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Protein Calreticulin in Diabetic Chronic Kidney Disease” PI: 1R13AG053985 (Murphy-Ullrich PI) “American Society for Matrix Biology Biennial Meeting, The ECM Microenvironment, a Regulatory Force in Aging and Disease” PI: ADDA “Proposal to determine the tissue activity of the TSP1-TGF-β antagonist in the myeloma bone marrow environment” Pending Co-PI: NSF/CBE (Song, PI) “Cell-surface calreticulin-LRP1 binding in apoptotic cell clearance for tissue remodeling” Co-PI: R01EY027924 (Co-PIs: Downs, Zhou) “Optic Nerve Head Mechanobiology in Glaucoma” PI: R01DK112763 “Preclinical validation of Thrombospondin-1 TGF-beta antagonist for diabetic nephropathy” Recently Completed P30 DK074038 (Yoder PI) UAB Hepatobiliary Fibrocystic Diseases Research and Translational Core Center Dr. Murphy-Ullrich heads the pilot and feasibility grant program and development. PI: AHA Innovative Grant 12IRG9160008 “Calreticulin in diabetic vascular disease” PI: R01 DK078038 “Thrombospondin antagonists and diabetic nephropathy” PI: Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Advanced Target Validation Program 38-2009-633. Blockade of TSP1 dependent TGF-beta activation for diabetic complications Research and Relationship to DRC Effort: Dr. Murphy-Ullrich has expertise in the extracellular matrix (ECM) with a focus on extracellular matrix remodeling in disease. She has extensively studied the matricellular protein thrombospondin1 (TSP1). Her lab made the important discovery that TSP1 is a major regulator of latent TGF-β activation and established TSP1 as a significant factor in regulating TGF-beta activation in a number of disease processes. Her lab identified critical sites in TSP1 that induce TGF-beta activation and also sites in latent TGF-beta necessary for latency. Based on this work, she developed tools to probe the involvement of TSP1 in regulation of latent TGF-beta in various disease processes, including diabetic and diabetic cardiomyopathy. The initial tool was a tetrapeptide (LSKL), which reduced proteinuria, TGF-beta signaling, and tubulointerstial fibrosis in Akita mice with uninephrectomy. In recent work, initially funded by the Alabama Drug Discovery Alliance (ADDA) and now funded by NIH, she has teamed with the Drug Discovery unit at Southern Research to identify and develop lead compounds based on LSKLA goal of Dr. Murphy-Ullrich’s research program is to identify lead compounds and bring them to clinical trials for the treatment of TGF-β dependent diseases. One of her goals is to complete necessary preclinical characterization of lead compounds in animal models of diabetic nephropathy in preparation for moving to clinical trials. Publications (2012 to present): 14 publications (including Am J Pathol., Biochemistry, J Biol Chem.).

Core Usage: Dr. Murphy-Ullrich has used the Animal Physiology Core to monitor bone density for a project involving TSP1 regulation of latent TGF-β in a mouse model.

DRC Collaborations: Dr. Murphy-Ullrich has grant and publication collaborations with Drs. Agarwal, Brott, Kabarowski, Sanders, Xing, and Yoder, and has 3 diabetes-related publications in the past five years. Name/Degrees/Title: Prabhakara R Nagareddy, PhD; Assistant Professor, Department of Nutrition Sciences

Role in DRC: Mentored Scientist in Molecular Signaling

Background and Interests: Dr. Nagareddy is an early stage investigator whose research is mainly focused on understanding the pathobiology of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in diabetes/obesity with a special focus on myeloid cells. He received his PhD from the U of British Columbia, Canada in 2009. His PhD research was primarily focused on investigating the molecular mechanisms of vascular dysfunction in diabetes and insulin resistance. He had a very successful and productive research career as a graduate student with multiple scholarships and a dozen manuscripts, including 8 first-authored publications in leading journals. For postdoctoral training, he joined Dr. Ira Goldberg’s lab at Columbia University, New York. His research at Goldberg lab explored a fundamental issue that was plaguing diabetic patients, i.e., Why diabetic patients have higher incidence of CVDs. His findings uncovered a mechanistic link between blood glucose and proliferation of myeloid progenitor cells in the bone marrow, which contributes to increased burden of CVD in diabetic patients. These findings were published in Cell Metabolism (2013), with an editorial and highlight on the cover page. After a very productive 2.5-year postdoctoral training, he joined Dr. Susan Smyth’s lab at the University of Kentucky (UK) where he embarked on another challenging and independent project seeking answers regarding the source of adipose tissue (AT) macrophages (ATM) in obesity. He discovered that adipocyte- derived S100A8/A9 (a danger signal) promotes AT inflammation by stimulating the Nlrp3 inflammasome in ATMs. These findings were published in Cell Metabolism (2014) with an editorial, and it was recently selected as one of the “Top 10 Breakthroughs of the Decade” by the journal. He joined UAB in May 2016 and is currently studying the signaling pathways that promote thrombopoiesis in type I diabetes and neutrophilia in conditions of acute myocardial ischemia.

Funding: Current PI: 4R00HL122505 “Mechanisms of monocytosis in obesity: Implications for cardiovascular disease”

Pending PI: R01 HL137799-01 “Thrombopoiesis in Diabetes: Role of Damage Associated Molecular Patterns”

Recently Completed PI: 1K99HL122505 “Mechanisms of monocytosis in obesity: Implications for cardiovascular disease”

Research and Relationship to DRC Effort: Dr. Nagareddy’s research interests are mainly focused on understanding the signaling pathways of aberrant myelopoiesis in diabetes/obesity and study its impact on cardiovascular disease. His current research is broadly focused on three themes, 1) the relationship between serum S100A8/A9, circulating monocyte/neutrophil levels and the incidence of coronary artery disease in type II diabetic subjects 2) the mechanisms of aberrant platelet production in type I diabetes and its impact on standard antiplatelet therapy and atherosclerosis and 3) pathways that regulate neutrophil production following acute myocardial ischemia and its impact on cardiac remodeling and function.

Publications (2012 to present): 6 publications (including in Endocrinology, Cell Metab., Atherosclerosis).

DRC Core Usage: Dr. Nagareddy work has not utilized the DRC core yet but will be benefitted tremendously in the near future, particularly from the Redox Biology Core and Animal Physiology Core

DRC Collaborations: Dr. Nagareddy has two active collaborations currently with UAB investigators, Drs. Lyse Norian and Maria DeLuca. He is collaborating with Dr. Norian on a study that examines the effect of obesity on breast cancer tumorigenesis and with Dr. DeLuca to examine the role of heparin sulfate proteoglycan syndecan 4, on adipose tissue development. Dr. Nagareddy is new to UAB and has 3 diabetes-related publications in the past five years. Name/Degrees/Title: Tim R. Nagy, PhD; Professor, Department of Nutrition Sciences Role in DRC: Senior Scientist, Integrative Metabolism; Pilot and Feasibility Recipient Background and Interests: Dr. Nagy garnered a national reputation for excellence in small animal phenotyping, particularly in the areas of body composition and energy metabolism. Dr. Nagy was promoted to Professor in 2005, and elected Vice-Chair for Research in the Department of Nutrition Sciences in 2008. He directs the Animal Physiology Core of the DRC (P30DK0766260), the Animal Models Core of the UAB Clinical Nutrition Research Unit (P30DK56336), and the Comparative Organismal Energetics Core of the UAB Shock Center on Aging (P30AG050886). Dr. Nagy’s research interests include obesity and body composition, and their relationship with type 2 diabetes, cancer, and aging. His key areas of research include (A) body composition, energy balance and aging; (B) the relationship among caloric intake, body composition, and disease; and (C) methods development and validation for determining body composition of small animals.

Funding: Current Core Director: P30DK079626 (PI: WT Garvey), Animal Physiology Core, 02/01/08–01/31/18. Core Director: P30DK56336 (PI: D Allison), Animal Models Core, 04/01/00-06/31/17. Co-I: TR01AG043972 (PI: D Allison), Hypothesis 4; Temperature, energetics and longevity Co-I: R01AR058344 (PI S. Ponnazhagan) Skeletal regeneration for non-union bone defect coupling angiogenesis and osteogenesis, 09/01/11–08/30/17. Core Director: P30AG050886 (PI: S Austad) Core C: Comparative Organismal Energetics Core. Co: I: (PI: B Yoder) Understanding ciliary functions in mammalian development, 09/01/16–08/31/21. Recently Completed Core Director: P30AR046031 (PI: S Ponnazhagan), Core D – Small Animal Bone Phenotyping Co-Core Director: P30NS057098, (PI: K Roth), In vivo physiology and phenotyping core, 07/01/06–06/30/12. PI: R25CA047888-21, Cancer Prevention & Control Training Program, 09/20/88–08/31/12. Co-I: R01DK075996 (PI: B Yoder), Cilial dysfunction and pathogenesis of obesity, 07/01/07–06/30/13. Co-I: D43CA153784 (PI: G Parham), Zambian cervical cancer research capacity initiative, 07/01/10–06/30/13. Co-I: R01AG033682 (PI: D Allison), Body composition, energetics, and longevity, 02/15/10–02/14/16 PI: Epply Foundation for Research, Body composition and inflammation in overweight and obese cycling and non-cycling zoo African elephants.

Research and Relationship to DRC Effort: Dr. Nagy’s research is focused on three areas: (1) the regulation of body weight, energetics, and metabolism, (2) the development and validation of methods for phenotyping small animals, and (3) the links among body fat, caloric restriction, and disease. During Dr. Nagy’s studies on the regulation of energy expenditure using animal models, he realized the need to improve the measurement of body composition in small animals. Thus, he worked with two medical imaging companies to adapt human peripheral dual-energy X-ray absorptiometers (DXA) for use with mice, and he was the first to validate DXA for measurements of fat, lean, and bone in mice. He has extended his interest in imaging techniques to that of micro-computed tomography, quantitative magnetic resonance, and magnetic resonance spectroscopy. These non-invasive techniques are extremely useful and important tools for researchers using animal models in their research. Dr. Nagy’s current research interests include the role of caloric restriction and exercise, longevity, and cancer, and much of this work involves investigating the role of glucose homeostasis and insulin. With a DRC P&F grant, Dr. Nagy developed an MR method to detect and quantify brown adipose tissue in mice. This method has been transferable to studies in larger animals, including humans.

Publications (2012 to present): 23 publications (including in Obesity, Endocrine, EJCN, J Diabetes Metab, PNAS, AJP), and has 20 diabetes-related publications in the past five years. DRC Core Usage: Dr. Nagy’s research relies heavily on the DRC cores. The Human Physiology Core has provided measures of hormones for studies related to caloric restriction, metabolism, exercise, and the hormonal milieu, as well as studies on the effects of antipsychotic drugs on body weight gain and glucose intolerance. Dr. Nagy, in collaboration with Dr. D Allison, is using the Redox Biology Core to understand the effects of weight cycling on mitochondrial energetics. Dr. Nagy has utilized the Animal Physiology Core for the measurement of body composition and energy balance for numerous studies. DRC Collaborations: He has had (i) funded grants with: Allison, Bailey, Barnes, Fernández, Gower, Hunter, Kesterson, Ponnazhagan, Yoder; (ii) published manuscripts & abstracts with: Allison, Bailey, Barnes, Boggiano, Casazza, Fernández, Gower, Hunter, Katiyar, Kesterson, Moellering, Ponnazhagan, Wyss, Yoder. Name/Degrees/Title: Rajasekaran Namakkal-Soorappan, MPhil, PhD; Assistant Professor, Pathology Role in DRC: Scientist in Vascular Disease Background and Interests: Dr. Namakkal-Soorappan has spent the last decade and half exploring the regulation of Redox Signaling in heart and skeletal muscle. After completing his undergraduate/master Biology degrees and M.Phil (pre-research dissertation)/ Ph.D Thesis in Biochemistry (1995 – 2001) from the University of Madras in Tamilnadu, Chennai, India, he went on to undertake his post-doctoral training in the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IITM), Department of Chemistry as Department of Biotechnology Fellow (Govt. of India; 2002 – 2003) to investigate the roles of nutraceutical phenolic antioxidants in diabetic humans. He continued his postdoctoral training (2004 – 2008) in the Department of Medicine-Division of Cardiovascular Medicine at the University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT studying redox regulation of cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure with Dr. Ivor J. Benjamin. He was then promoted as junior faculty at the University of Utah in 2008 to pursue his independent research on developing unique reductive stress models utilizing the Beginning- Grant-in-Aid Award from the American Heart Association (AHA-BGI/2008 – 2010). Dr. Namakkal-Soorappan was then promoted as Research Assistant Professor in 2010 and secured funding from National Institute of Aging (NIA-R03 in 2012) to study the “Nrf2 signaling on Cardiac Aging” as well as the National Institute of Health (NHLBI-R01 in 2013) to study the “Reductive Stress on Proteotoxic Cardiac Disease”. In July of 2014, he joined the faculty at UAB in the Division of Molecular and Cellular Pathology. With these training experiences he has expanded his research through use of transgenic and reductive stress mouse models to identify molecular and genetic mechanisms of pathological cardiac remodeling and heart failure. Funding: Current PI: (R01HL118067) “Reductive Stress Induces Proteotoxic Cardiac Disease”. Co-PI: UAB – Comprehensive Cardiovascular Center – Pilot Grant. “Selection and Validation of Flow Modulation Protocols to Introduce Artificial Pulsatility using Continuous Flow Ventricular Assist Devices (CF- VADs)” Co-PI: UAB-School of Medicine – AMC21 Reload Multi-investigator grant. “Protein O-GlcNAcylation a central mediator of metabolic induced cardiovascular” Pending PI: (R01HL137792) “Reductive Stress in Myocardial Ischemia – Reperfusion Injury”. Co-PI: (R21HL12263365) “Molecular Mechanisms of CVAD-flow induced cellular remodeling”. Co-PI: Department of Defense – Focused Program Award (PI: Chatham, John) “Circadian disruption accelerates cardiovascular dysfunction during diabetes via aberrant O-GlcNAc signaling.” Co-PI: (R01HL139029) (PI: Scott Ballinger) “Mitochondrial-nuclear genetic interactions in cardiovascular disease.” PI: National Institute of Aging – R01 “Hyper-oxidative/reductive signaling in pathological cardiac aging” Research and Relationship to DRC Effort: Part of my research activities includes investigations on “Diabetic mediated oxidative stress and delayed tissue regeneration process”. In this project, we measured the levels of reactive oxygen species in patients using Electro Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. In collaboration with the IITM-Health Center, we performed antioxidant supplementation (diets enriched with phenolic antioxidants) trials in diabetic patients at different age groups. These findings revealed that the aged population had increased oxidative stress due to diabetes, a major risk factor for developing cardiovascular complications. Further, we focused on problems related to the molecular and cellular aspects of mitochondrial biology, LDL-oxidation in the context of diabetes and tissue regeneration. Currently, in collaboration with the UAB-SOM faculty, our laboratory is engaged in determining the mechanisms for redox regulation of circadian clock and O-GlucNAcylation in the context of diabetes. In collaboration with Dr. John Chatham and Dr. Martin Young, we have submitted a multi-PI grant on “Circadian disruption accelerates cardiovascular dysfunction during diabetes via aberrant O-GlcNAc signaling”. Publications (2012 to present): 20 publications (including Cell, PLoS-One, AJPathol, J Heart Lung Transplant, Redox Biol, J Translational Medicine) DRC Core Usage: Redox biology Core – We intended to use the Redox biology Core to determine the mitochondrial bioenergetics in cardiac cells exposed to oxido-reductive stress and hyperglycemic conditions. DRC Collaborations: Since I moved to the University of Alabama, I have established new collaborations with Dr. Martin Young (Comprehensive Cardiovascular Center, Department of Medicine), Dr. John Chatham (Department of pathology), Dr. Victor Darley-Usmar (Center for Free Radical Biology), Dr. Lou J Del`Itallia (Center for Heart Failure) and Dr. Sethu Palaniappan (Department of Bio-Medical Engineering). Through these collaborations, I was able to publish several research papers and submit grant applications.

Name/Degrees/Title: Lyse A. Norian, Ph.D.; Associate Professor, Department of Nutrition Sciences Role in DRC: Scientist in Integrative Metabolism Background and Interests: Dr. Norian has been an Associate Professor in the UAB Department of Nutrition Sciences since August of 2015. She performed her doctoral research in the laboratory of Dr. Gary Koretzky at the University of Iowa, where she studied transcriptional regulation of the pro-apoptotic molecule Fas Ligand on CD8+ T cells. She then moved to the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, where she studied tumor-induced T cell and dendritic cell dysfunction as a post-doctoral fellow in the laboratory of Dr. Paul Allen. Upon completion of her training, Dr. Norian was recruited back to the University of Iowa, where she was promoted to Assistant Professor in 2011 and began to study the effects of obesity on immune responses to renal tumors in the Department of Urology. Her obesity-related research has been funded by the American Cancer Society and the National Institutes of Health.

Funding: Current PI: NIH 5R01CA181088 – 05, “Obesity impairs immunity to kidney cancer”. Pending Co-I: NIH R01 Exercise type during energy restriction in breast cancer survivors – Racial differences and cancer biomarker response. PI: NIH R03 Improving pre-clinical modeling of tumor immunity to ccRCC. PI: NIH R21 Identifying outcome mediators of calorie restriction mimetic use in renal cancer. Recently Completed PI: Investigating pre-clinical anti-tumor efficacy of Immunoplex. Memcine Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Research and Relationship to DRC Effort: Immune-based therapies have shown tremendous clinical potential for treating advanced cancers in a subset of patients, but their broad clinical efficacy remains limited. As obesity is a known risk factor for increased cancer prevalence and mortality, it is critical to understand how obesity impacts anti-tumor immunity and immunotherapeutic efficacy. A major research focus in my lab is investigating how immune responses to solid tumors change in the presence of chronic, diet-induced obesity. We have found that in mice with renal tumors, obesity impairs protective anti-tumor immunity and leads to immunotherapeutic failure. We are now identifying the mechanistic basis for this failure, and have already described obesity-dependent defects in CD8+ T cells, dendritic cells, and myeloid-derived suppressor cells in mice with renal tumors. To better understand the broad applicability of our findings, we are extending our studies into murine models of metastatic breast cancer. In addition, we have begun to investigate the ways in which obesity alters immune responses and outcomes in renal cancer patients. Finally, as our long-term goal is to apply the fundamental knowledge gained during the course of these studies into novel, immune-based therapies for advanced cancer patients, we also have an active line of research that seeks to understand the potential adjuvant effects of diet and nutrition on immune responses to tumors and immunotherapeutic efficacy. Publications (2012-present): 17 publications (including one book chapter and one review in press) DRC Core Use: Dr. Norian plans to use the BARB core for tissue/mitochondrial isolation and consultation services. DRC Collaborations: Dr. Norian has grant and publication collaborations with Drs. Arend, Garvey, and Smith, and has 1 diabetes-related publication in the past five years.

Name/Degrees/Title: Suzanne Oparil, MD, FACC, FAHA, FASH, FAPS; Distinguished Professor of Medicine, Professor of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, Director, Vascular Biology & Hypertension Program Role in DRC: Senior Scientist in Vascular Disease; DRC Speakers and Events Committee Background and Interests: Dr. Oparil received her Bachelors from Cornell University, graduated in 1965 from Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, completed her medical residency at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital and her cardiology fellowship at Massachusetts General Hospital. In 1977, Dr. Oparil joined the faculty at UAB and subsequently appointed Director of the Vascular Biology and Hypertension Program, where she has served for over 30 years. Dr. Oparil is a practicing cardiologist with a special interest in the fundamental mechanisms of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and applying information gained toward development of novel treatments. She has a longstanding interest in prevention and treatment of CVDs, the aging heart and aging-associated predictors of chronic disease, pathophysiology and treatment of high blood pressure (BP), the effects of aging on CVD and conditions that increase CVD risk, including obesity, the metabolic syndrome, dyslipidemia, diabetes and hypertension. Dr. Oparil has for over 30 years played a leading role in the design, recruitment, and dissemination of results for large multi-center clinical trials of antihypertensive and CV therapies.

Funding: Current (select – see biosketch) PI/Director, UAB Clinical Center Network (CCN): (NIH/NHLBI) HHSN268200900047C, “Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial (SPRINT)” PI: T32 HL007457, “Mechanisms of Hypertension and Cardiovascular Diseases” PI: (Bayer Healthcare AG) 17530, “FIGARO-DKD: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel- group, multicenter, event-driven Phase III study to investigate the efficacy and safety of finerenone on the reduction of CV morbidity and mortality in subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus and the clinical diagnosis of diabetic kidney disease in addition to standard of care” Co-I: (NIH/NHLBI) R01 HL116727 (PI: YF Chen), “Targeted Delivery of iPS-Endothelial Cells for the Repair of Cardiovascular Injury” Pending Co-I: R01 (*to be assigned) (PI: P Muntner), “Evaluating novel approaches for estimating awake and sleep blood pressure” Co-I/(PI)Director-UAB CCN: (NIH/NHLBI) HHSN268200900047C, “Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial (SPRINT) Alzheimer’s, Seniors and Kidney Study (SPRINT ASK)” Recently Completed (select) PI: Merck and Co., Inc./Duke TECOS (082-01), “A Randomized , Placebo Controlled Clinical Trial to Evaluate Cardiovascular Outcomes after Treatment with Sitagliptin in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Inadequate Glycemic Control on Mono- or Dual Combination Oral Antihyperglycemic Therapy” Co-I: Novartis CSPP1004-US42T (PI: D Calhoun), “Effect of the Direct Renin Inhibitor Aliskiren on Endothelial Function and Arterial Stiffness in Diabetic Subjects” Research and Relationship to DRC Effort: Dr. Oparil is a leading figure in the DRC in vascular biology and regulation in cardiometabolic disease. She is expert on translating her robust findings from the basic science laboratory into the arena of randomized controlled clinical trials and to the patient in the clinical setting. She has extensive experience in the assessment of vascular function in animal models and in humans with various forms of vascular disease, including hypertension, diabetes, atherosclerotic peripheral vascular disease and chronic kidney disease and in studies of CVD prevention in patients with diabetes and hypertension. Publications (2012-present): 135 publications (including in AHJ, AJC, AJKD, Circulation, JAMA, JAMA Internal Medicine, NEJM, PLoS One, Stroke) DRC Core Use: Dr. Oparil uses the cardiovascular assessment subcore of the DRC Human Physiology Core DRC Collaborations: Dr. Oparil has grant and publication collaborations with Drs. Affuso, Agarwal, Allison, Ballinger, Calhoun, Chatham, Y Chen, YF Chen, Cherrington, Cui, Darley-Usmar, Feng, Garvey, Gutierrez, Hage, Harper, G Howard, Howard V, Irvin, Kearney, Kilgore, Levitan, Lewis, Lloyd, Muntner, Oparil, Patel, D Pollock, J Pollock, Redden, Sanders, Szalai, Thornley-Brown, White, Wyss, Xing D, Yang, and Young, and has 43 diabetes-related publications in the past five years.

Name/Degrees/Title: Robert A. Oster, PhD; Professor, Preventive Medicine

Role in DRC: Scientist in Epidemiology/Genetics

Background and Interests: Dr. Oster contributes his expertise as a biostatistician in multiple venues at UAB including the DRC Intervention and Translation Core, the DRC Pilot & Feasibility Scientific Review Committee, the Biostatistics Shared Facility of the UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center (CCC), Co-Director of the Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Research Design Program of the UAB Center for Clinical and Translational Science, and founder and director of the UAB Biostatistics Clinic. He previously served as the Director of the Biostatistics Core of the UAB SPORE in Pancreatic Cancer. He has excellent training in biostatistics, and more than twenty-five years of experience in statistical data analysis and consultation in clinical research. His extensive statistical consulting experience spans university, government, and contract research organization settings. Dr. Oster has served on several study review groups and special emphasis panels for diabetes/obesity- and cancer-oriented study sections of NIH. His research interests include categorical data analysis, longitudinal data analysis, and clinical trials methodology. Funding: All Current (select – see biosketch) Biostatistician: P60DK0769626 (PI: WT Garvey), “UAB Diabetes Research and Training Center Metrics Core” Biostatistician: P30 CA13148 (PI: E Partridge), “Cancer Center Core Support Grant” Co-PI: R01DK099550 (PI: Tse), “Redox Regulation of Anti-Viral Responses in Type 1 Diabetes” Co-PI: K23DK107911 (PI: Li), “Identification for Predictors of Future Diabetes – Impacts of Stress and Depression” Co-PI: R01DK110292 (PI: Ramanadham), “Contribution of Beta/Immune Cell-Derived Lipids to Beta-Cell Death and Diabetes” Co-PI: 1I01BX003387-01A1 (PI: Lee), “The Role of Endothelial Dysfunction in Arteriovenous Fistula Maturation” Recently Completed (select) Biostatistician: PEP2008-R-03 (PI: M Pisu); Biostatistician: U01CA093344 (PI: M Fouad), “Cancer Core Outcomes Research and Surveillance (CanCORS) Consortium” Biostatistician: U54RR024376 (PI: L Guay-Woodford), “UAB Center for Clinical and Translational Science” Core PI: P50 CA101955 (PI: D Buchsbaum), “UAB/UMN SPORE in Pancreatic Cancer” - Dr. Oster was the PI of the Biostatistics Core (Core C) Research and Relationship to DRC Effort: Dr. Oster is the “go to” biostatistician in the DRC, and has collaborated extensively with many investigators on projects relevant to diabetes, cardiometabolic disease, and related endocrine and metabolic diseases. In addition, he serves as a biostatistician in the DRC Intervention and Translation Core and as a member of the P&F Scientific Review Committee. Out of his total of 104 peer- reviewed publications, more than 25 are relevant to diabetes and cardiometabolic disease. Many of Dr. Oster’s previous collaborations on diabetes projects have occurred through the UAB Center for Clinical and Translational Science (CCTS), and prior to that, the UAB General Clinical Research Center. An example of Dr. Oster’s contributions was his instrumental role in assisting UAB investigators to obtain a several grants relevant to diabetes and cardiometabolic disease and in the conduct of these studies. He will continue to assist our members as the biostatistician in the DRC Intervention & Translation Core. Publications (2012-present): 44 publications (including Obesity, Nutrition and Cancer, Journal of Pediatric Endocrinology and Metabolism, Cancer, and American Journal of Physiology – Endocrinology and Metabolism) DRC Core Use: Dr. Oster is the Biostatistician of the DRC Intervention and Translation Core. DRC Collaborations: Dr. Oster, as a Biostatistician in the DRC Intervention and Translation Core, has given statistical assistance to numerous DRC members, which has supported their research and resulted in many collaborative publications. Dr. Oster has grant and publication collaborations with Drs. Arend, Ashraf, Bae, Calhoun, Cherrington, Cui, Dutton, Fisher, Fouad, Goss, Gower, G Hunter, Li, Ovalle, Pisu, Pogwizd, Ramanadham, and Tse, , and has 9 diabetes-related publications in the past five years.

Name/Degrees/Title: Fernando Ovalle, MD; Professor of Medicine, Div. of Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism, Dept. of Medicine; Medical Director, UAB Hospital Diabetes & Glycemic Control Programs Role in DRC: Senior Scientist, Interventions/Trials Background and Interests: The focus of my research over the last 20 years has been the area of diabetes, specifically diabetes and metabolism-related clinical and translational research. As Director of our Division’s Diabetes & Endocrinology Clinical Research Unit for the last 13 years, I have acquired considerable experience with the development, recruitment, conduct, and analysis of clinical trials of both government and pharmaceutical industry-sponsored projects. The bulk of my research experience in clinical translational research so far has been obtained through extensive collaboration as a co-investigator with several well- established scientists, including most frequently with Dr. Barbara Gower. I have helped design and perform multiple research studies given my experience with in vivo research methods used in the areas of diabetes & metabolism research including assessment of insulin sensitivity and/or beta cell function using the OGTT, MMTT, FSIVGTT, as well as the gold standards Hyperinsulinemic Euglycemic Glucose Clamp; Stepped Hypoglycemic Glucose Clamp; and the Hyperglycemic Glucose Clamp techniques.

Funding: Current Co-PI: 3-SRA-2014-302-M-R – JDRF (A Shalev & F Ovalle Co-PIs) Repurposing of Verapamil as a Beta Cell Survival Therapy in T1D Co-I: 1R01AG046920 (MM Bamman, PA Kern, C Peterson Co-PIs) Novel Actions of Metformin to Augment Resistance Training Adaptations in Older Adults Sanofi US Services Inc/EFC6017 (Ovalle, PI); A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, 2 Arm Parallel-Group, Multi-Center Study with a 24-Week Main Treatment Period and an Extension Assessing the Efficacy and Safety of AVE0010 on Top of Pioglitazone in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes not Adequately Controlled with Pioglitazone Janssen (Ovalle, PI) A Randomized, Multicenter, Double-Blind, Parallel, Placebo-Controlled Study of the Effects of JNJ-28431754 on Cardiovascular Outcomes in Adult Subjects with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Novo Nordisk Pharma, Inc/LGQ# 2345 -v2 LGQ# 2345 -v2 "A Trial Comparing Cardiovascular Safety of Insulin Degludec Versus Insulin Glargine in Subjects with Type 2 Diabetes at High Risk of Cardiovascular Events Sanofi US Services Inc. A 26-Week Open-Label Study Assessing the Efficacy and Safety of the Insulin Glargine/Lixisenatide Fixed Ratio Combination in Adults with Type 2 Diabetes Inadequately Controlled on GLP-1 Receptor Agonist and Metformin ± Pioglitazone

Recently Completed (select –see biosketch) 2R01DK049779-11A1 Exercise Intensity, Metabolic Rate & Insulin Sensitivity Pilot and Feasibility Program of the UAB Diabetes Research Center (DRC) and the UAB Comprehensive Diabetes Center (UCDC) (G Fisher PI) Mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and risk for type 2 diabetes The Joslin Clinic (PI: JK Sun) DME FOUND: Diabetic Macular Edema Found by OCT Utilization at Non- ophthalmic Diabetes care visits. Protocol No.11-008065 (PI: S Grant) A Study of the Genetic Causes of Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults (LADA) Research and Relationship to DRC Effort: Clinical trials:SYR-322 (SYR110322) and pioglitazone in T2DM; optimization of a novel assay to monitor anti-islet responses in recent onset T1DM;glargine versus liraglutide in insulin-naïve patients; (S,S)-Reboxetine (PNU-165442G) vs routine care in painful diabetic neuropathy Publications (2012-present): Dr. Ovalle published has 24 articles on the last five years in such journals as The Lancet, NEJM, Annals of Internal Medicine Diabetes & Vascular Disease Research, Nutrition & Metabolism, Journal of Diabetes Research, and Diabetes Care. DRC Core Use: Dr. Ovalle uses the Human Core for Analytical services. DRC Collaborations: Dr. Ovalle has grant and publication collaborations with Drs. Bamman, Bowen, Chandler-Laney, Cherrington, Clay, Crowe, Fisher, Goss, Gower, Oster, Pogwizd, and Shalev, and has 8 diabetes-related publications in the past five years. Name/Degrees/Title: Rakesh P Patel, PhD; Professor, Pathology, Director, Center for Free Radical Biology, Director, UAB Translational and Molecular Sciences Certificate Program

Role in DRC: Senior Scientist in Vascular Disease

Background and Interests: My laboratory’s area of interest is in understanding mechanisms linking reactive species to inflammatory injury in different tissues and disease settings, and then using these insights to develop and test therapeutics. We use an interdisciplinary approach that encompasses basic science to translational clinical trial studies. Our current interests center on how endothelial N-glycans control chronic inflammation associated with atherosclerosis and how these may change in diabetic atherosclerosis. A specific focus is on endothelial redox signaling as novel mechanism regulating N-glycoforms of inflammatory adhesion molecules and how PPARγ ligands modulate this process.

Funding Current PI: U01 ES023759. “Nitrite dependent protection against Cl2 gas toxicity_role of chlorinated lipids” PI: T32 GM109780. “UAB predoctoral training grant in translational and molecular sciences” PI: New Health Sciences / NHLBI (SBIR). “Assessing RBC quality in aerobic vs anaerobic storage” Co-PI: NHLBI. “Prohealing Multifunctional Endothelium Nanomatrix Coated Stent” PI: Heart Biotech Holdings Ltd- Research Agreement. “Testing the Efficacy of Hydrogel-based Nanoparticles, Encapsulating Nitrite and Nitric Oxide in the Treatment of Acute Lung Injury and Pulmonary Hypertension.” Co-PI: RO1H128694. “Saturated Fatty Acid-induced Autophagy in Vascular Endothelium” Pending Co-PI: R01GM121925-0. “Novel Circulating Mediators in Sepsis” PI: NIH U54. “Oral microbiome and Br gas toxicity” Co-PI: “Oral Microbiome, Nitric Oxide Metabolism, and Oral and Cardiometabolic Health.” Recently Completed PI: iNO Therapeutics. “Inhaled Nitric oxide and human liver transplantation”. PI: 1R01HL092624-01A2. “Role of Hemoglobin b93cys Residue in Nitric Oxide Bioactivity”. Co-PI: NHLBI. “Mitochondrial Mechanisms of Hydrogen Sulfide Induced Suspended Animation” Co-PI: NHLBI. “The role of mitochondrial protein thiol modification in endothelial dysfunction” PI: HHMI. “Howard Hughes Institute-UAB Med to Grad Program”

Research and Relationship to DRC Effort We are interested in defining how endothelial redox cell signalling pathways are involved in controlling vascular inflammation that occurs during diabetes and atherosclerosis. In this context we are investigating the mechanisms that operate within the endothelium to control leukocyte interactions that occur during inflammatory vascular disease with specific focus on how N-glycosylation of endothelial adhesion molecules are regulated during diabetic inflammation. Specifically, we are testing how high glucose dependent oxidative stress inhibits early steps of N-glycan biosynthesis and in turn how this leads to the formation of hypoglycosylated adhesion molecules, which have enhanced adhesively to monocyte ligands. The anti- inflammatory effects of PPARγ ligands on this process is also being tested.

Publications (2012 to present): 49 publications (including from AmJPCP, Biochem J, Circ Res, Diabetes Technol Ther, Free Radic Biol Med., Kidney Int, PLoS One, Toxicology)

DRC Core Usage: We are planning to use the BARB core for tissue isolation and bioenergetics services.

DRC Collaborations: We are collaborating with Dr. Tse to test nitrite-dependent mechanisms for preventing diabetes and improving isolated islet function. The goals are to test if nitrite can improve islet viability during collection and post transplantation. We are collaborating with Drs Chen and Kim on projects related to testing how endothelial N-glycoforms regulate monocyte adhesion. We are collaborating with Dr. Moellering to test of red cell oxidant / antioxidant balance is a predictive biomarker for onset of diabetes. I have grant and publication collaborations with Drs. Allison, Arora, Darley-Usmar, G Hunter, Kim, Oparil, Wyss, and Yoder, and have 8 diabetes-related publications in the past five years.

Name/Degrees/Title: Andrew J. Paterson, PhD; Assistant Professor, Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism

Role in DRC: Senior Scientist in Molecular Signaling

Background and Interests: I received my MSc (Chemistry) from the University of Canterbury in 1975, and a PhD (Biochemistry) from the University of Otago, New Zealand in 1981. In 1981 I moved to the USA for a postdoctoral fellowship at the NIH and then moved to Toronto Canada as Research Associate. In 1989 I was recruited with Dr Jeffrey Kudlow to UAB as Assistant Professor in the Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology. As co-investigator and co-PI on Dr Kudlow’s grants our research interests that started with transforming growth factor / EGF receptor signaling, moved to the study of how the post-translational modification of O-glycosylation modifies cellular function (see below). My association with Dr Kudlow ended in 2008 when Jeff retired due to ill health, and I carried on with the principal projects and extended my collaborations with other UAB investigators. These collaborations have resulted in projects on cardiovascular dysfunction with Suzanne Oparil, John Chatham and Adam Wende.

Funding: Current Co-PI: DK 107441 – (PI Frank) “A Novel Role for IGF-1R Receptor in Growth Hormone Action” Completed Co-PI: NS 076312 (PI: McMahon) “O-Glycosylation and Hippocampal Synaptic Plasticity”

Research and Relationship to DRC effort: The research in our laboratory is focused on the regulation of cell function by the O-GlcNAc post-translational modification on cellular proteins. We showed that the regulation of transforming growth factor-α gene expression with glucose was linked to the O-GlcNAc status of the ubiquitous transcription factor, Sp1. Thus, glucose-specific O-GlcNAc modification of Sp1 regulated not only TGF-α, but also a multitude of other cytoplasmic and nuclear proteins, including the proteasome, a major protein complex whose function is to get rid of unwanted cellular proteins. We demonstrated that increased O-GlcNAc modification reduces proteasome activity, and since some of the important cellular regulatory proteins, such as Sp1, p53, IκB, and the cyclins, are targets of the proteasome, they too are regulated somewhat by glucose. The regulation of the enzymes that control this PTM provide a mechanisms that can potentially be used in the treatment of some diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular dysfunction.

Publications (2012 to present): 7 publications (including in Endocrinology, J Biol Chem, Mol Endocrinol).

DRC Core Usage: N/A

DRC Collaborations: Dr. Paterson has grant and publication collaborations with Drs. Chatham, Frank, Wende, and Young, and has 2 diabetes-related publications in the past five years. Name/Degrees/Title: Dori Pekmezi, PhD; Associate Professor, Health Behavior

Role in DRC: Scientist in Interventions/Trials/Community Research

Background and Interests: I am a clinical psychologist with a primary appointment in the UAB School of Public Health. My research is diabetes-related and focuses on include chronic disease prevention and health communication with an emphasis on physical activity promotion in underserved populations. Projects to date have involved designing, implementing, and evaluating home-based, technology-driven physical activity interventions, grounded in the Social Cognitive Theory and Transtheoretical Model, for low income African Americans and Latinas.

Funding: Current PI: ACS MSRG-13-156-01-CPPB Physical Activity to Reduce Cancer Risk and Related Health Disparities PI: 1RO3CA177538-01A1 “IVR-Supported Interventions for Cancer Prevention in the Deep South” Co-PI: ACS CRP-14-111-01-CPPB (Co-PI: Demark-Wahnefried) American Cancer Society Clinical Research Professor. Co-PI: 1R01HD085186-01A1 (Co-PI: Rimmer) “Scale up evaluation of a physical activity program for adults with physical disability” Pending Co-PI: 1P01CA214651 (Demark-Wahnefried & Meneses, Co-I) “Adapting MultiPLe behavior Interventions that eFfectively Improve (AMPLIFI) Cancer Survivor Health” Co-PI: HSRP20164136 (Rimmer, Co-I) “Comparative Effectiveness Trial between a Clinic- and Home-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine Telerehabilitation Intervention for Adults with Multiple Sclerosis (MS)” Recently Completed Co-I: R01CA159954 (Co-I: Marcus) “Promoting physical activity in Latinas via interactive web-based technology” PI: UAB Minority Health & Health Disparities Research Center Award (5P60MD000502-09) “Feasibility/acceptability of using interactive Internet technology to promote physical activity in Latinas” Co-I: R01NR011295. (Co-I: Marcus). “Culturally and Linguistically Adapted Physical Activity Intervention for Latinas” Research and Relationship to DRC Effort: My research has focused on physical activity promotion with an emphasis on technology and theory- based interventions for underserved populations who are disproportionately affected by diabetes and cardiometabolic risk factors. I have also been involved in several NIH-funded technology-based physical activity intervention studies for Latinas (a group at increased risk for diabetes, as Co-I on CA159954, NR011295, NR009864) and received a Charles Barkley Health Disparities Research Award to explore using interactive Internet technology to promote physical activity in Latinas in Alabama (Benitez, 2015). As a Co-I on recently funded NIH and PCORI grants, I have expanded this interest towards Internet and tablet-supported physical activity interventions for individuals with MS and physical disabilities.

Publications (2012 to present): 14 publications (including in AJPM, J Behav Med, J Transcult Nurs, Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act., Health Psychol., Curr Sports Med Rep).

DRC Core Usage: The Interventions & Translation Core directed by Beth Lewis and Andrea Cherrington have been instrumental to my research success by allowing me to network with investigators with similar diabetes related research interests. Moreover, I was able to use accelerometers available through this core to advance my own projects and speed up data collection.

DRC Collaborations: I have collaborated with Drs. Cherrington and Dutton on several projects related to physical activity promotion among racial/ethnic minority groups (African Americans, Latinas). These collaborations have been fruitful and resulted in at least 4 publications. I have grant and publication collaborations with Drs. Affuso, Allison, Barnes, Baskin, Casazza, Cherrington, N Durant, Dutton, Fouad, Gower, G Hunter, Mehta, and Sen, and have 10 diabetes-related publications in the past five years.

Name/Degrees/Title: Ji-Bin Peng, PhD; Associate Professor, Nephrology

Role in DRC: Scientist in Molecular Signaling

Background and Interests: Ji-Bin Peng, PhD, received his doctoral degree at the Institute of Cell Biology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. He completed postdoctoral training at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and became an instructor in medicine at Harvard Medical School. He is now an associate professor in the Division of Nephrology at UAB. Dr. Peng’s main research interest is molecular mechanisms of calcium transport and how they become dysregulated in diseases. Dr. Peng has been focusing on physiological roles of epithelial calcium channels TRPV5 and TRPV6, which are key players in vitamin D regulated calcium absorption and reabsorption. Currently Dr. Peng is interested in the how they contribute to hypercalciuria under metabolic syndrome. The other research interest of Dr. Peng is the regulation of WNK4, a protein kinase associated with a hereditary form of hypertension known as pseudohypoaldosteronism type II.

Funding: Current PI: R01 DK072154 “Regulation of WNK4, a protein kinase mutated in a hereditary form of hypertension Pending PI: R01DK104924 “Hypercalciuria and TRPV6-mediated active calcium reabsorption in the proximal tubule.”

Research and Relationship to DRC Effort: The ongoing project of Dr. Peng is the regulation of WNK4, a protein kinase associated with a hereditary form of hypertension known as pseudohypoaldosteronism type II. Dr. Peng’s research in this area shows that calcium/calmodulin regulates WNK4 kinase activity. This provides a key link between angiotensin II and WNK4 activity. In addition, we are among the first groups to discover Kelch like 3 (KLHL3) is the substrate adaptor of WNK4 in an ubiquitin E3 ligase complex that regulate the protein abundance of WNK4. These studies revealed new aspects of blood pressure regulation in the kidney. Dr. Peng has been focusing on physiological roles of epithelial calcium channels TRPV5 and TRPV6, which are key players in vitamin D regulated calcium absorption and reabsorption. Dr. Peng is working towards the mechanism of increased calcium excretion under hyperinsulinemia. This research is expected to provide insights into why obesity and metabolic syndrome increase the risk of kidney stone disease.

Publications (2012 to present): 9 publications (including in Biochem Biophys Res Commun, Am J Physiol Renal Physiol, PLoS ONE, Biochemistry).

DRC Core Usage: None to date.

DRC Collaborations: Dr. Peng has grant and publication collaborations with Drs. Allison, Y Chen, Irvin, Lewis, and Q Yang, and has 2 diabetes-related publications in the past five years.

Name/Degree/Title: Courtney M. Peterson, PhD, MS, MSc, MASt; Assistant Professor, Nutrition Sciences Role in DRC: Mentored Scientist in Integrative Metabolism Background and Interests: Dr. Peterson conducts randomized controlled feeding trials in humans to discover new dietary interventions that mitigate or reverse type 2 diabetes and obesity, with a focus on meal timing/time-restricted feeding and nutrient-rich foods. Dr. Peterson is a new tenure-track Assistant Professor at UAB. She completed an NIH T32 obesity postdoctoral fellowship in nutrition and metabolism at Pennington Biomedical Research Center (PBRC), where she trained under Dr. Eric Ravussin, a world expert in energy metabolism and in diabetes and obesity clinical trials. She also was mentored by top endocrinologist Dr. William Cefalu, who is the incoming Chief Scientific & Medical Officer of the American Diabetes Association. During her time at PRBC, she served as a Co-I on several controlled lifestyle intervention trials, ranging from using resistant starch to mitigate prediabetes, to overeating and caloric restriction, to using whole-body hypoxia to reduce insulin resistance. Over the past 3 years, Dr. Peterson has received a KL2 Career Development Fellowship, an Early-Career Research Grant from The Obesity Society (top 1%), and a Louisiana Clinical and Translational Science Center Roadmap Scholars Fellowship. Funding: Current PI: NIH/NCATS, KL2TR001419, “Impact of Time-Restricted Feeding on Energy Balance and Circadian Control of Metabolism” Co-I: NIDDK, R01DK092575, “Role of Slowly Digestible Starch on Diabetes Risk Factors in Pre-diabetic People” PI: The Obesity Society, Early-Career Research Grant, “Does Meal Timing Affect Energy Expenditure” PI: NIGMS, U54GM104940 (P&F Study), “Time-Restricted Feeding to Increase Insulin Sensitivity and Improve Vascular Function” (prediabetes study) Pending PI: Arnold Foundation, “Can a high-carbohydrate diet Ever Be Healthy? Effects of a Low-Carb Diet, a High- Carb Whole Grain Diet, and a High-Carb Whole Fruit Diet on Cardiometabolic Health in Adults with Type 2 Diabetes” PI: DoD Clinical Trial Award, PR161557, “Using Early Time-Restricted Feeding and Timed Light Therapy to Improve Glycemic Control in Adults With Type 2 Diabetes” PI: NIDDK, R01DK114258, “Using Early Time-Restricted Feeding and Timed Light Therapy to Improve Glycemic Control in Adults with Type 2 Diabetes: The Role of the Circadian System in the Pathophysiology of Diabetes” PI: NIH Office of the Director, DP2OD024100, “Reversing Type 2 Diabetes with High Doses of Fruit: A Randomized, Controlled Feeding Trial in Adults” Recently Completed NIDDK, P30 DK072476 (P&F Study), “Validation of Video Monitoring to Assess Compliance in Clinical Interventions” NIDDK, P30 DK072476 (P&F Study), “Effect of Hypoxia on Insulin Sensitivity and Inflammation in Humans” Research and Relationship to the DRC Effort: Dr. Peterson’s research tests new dietary interventions to mitigate or reverse type 2 diabetes and obesity. She is particularly interested in meal timing and circadian rhythms; intermittent fasting; and nutrient-rich foods. Dr. Peterson is the PI of two pilot studies on a new meal timing intervention called time-restricted feeding (TRF) in humans. TRF with an early eating period (eTRF) combines daily intermittent fasting (15+ hour daily fasting) and eating in sync with the body’s internal clock (or circadian rhythms). eTRF has been found to reverse or prevent diabetes, hypercholestoremia, and obesity in rodents. Dr. Peterson is testing whether eTRF can improve blood sugar control and vascular health in prediabetic adults. Dr. Peterson is also the co-I of a clinical trial to test whether resistant starch can improve blood sugar control, appetite, and gut microbiota in prediabetic adults. Publications (2012 to present): 21 publications, including 3 in press (including in Am J Clin Nutr, Am J Hum Biol, Br J Nutr., Diabetes Care, J Diabetes Complications, Obesity, Front Microbiol) DRC Core Usage: Dr. Peterson recently started as a faculty member at UAB, but has plans to use multiple DRC Core facilities. DRC Collaborations: Dr. Peterson recently submitted four grants to conduct novel dietary interventions in adults with type 2 diabetes, in collaboration with Dr. Tim Garvey, the Director of the UAB DRC.

Name/Degree/Title: Maria Pisu, PhD; Associate Professor of Medicine, Division of Preventive Medicine Role in DRC: Scientist in Interventions/Trials/Community Research; co-Investigator in the Intervention and Translational Core Evaluation Unit as an expert in health economic evaluation; Pilot and Feasibility Recipient Background and Interests: Dr. Pisu obtained her Ph.D. in Economics in 1998 and completed her postdoctoral training at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as a Steven M. Teutsch Prevention Effectiveness Fellow. She became an Assistant Professor at UAB in 2001, and Associate Professor in 2011. Dr. Pisu serves as an economic evaluation resource for several UAB centers, including the Diabetes Research and Training Center. Her studies include analyses of health care utilization data from administrative databases and randomized control trials, and economic modeling and evaluation. Dr. Pisu received a DRTC P&F Award to investigate the economic burden of diabetes among rural diabetic patients, and the cost- effectiveness of the Peer Advisor Intervention for improving outcomes in persons with diabetes. Funding: Current PI: 1R01NS080898-01, Quality of Epilepsy Treatment and Costs in Older Americans by Race (QUIET CARE) Co I: U54MD008620 (Vickers/Shikany, Durant – PI, Research Project 1), National Transdisciplinary Collaborative Center for African American Men’s Health Co I: RSG-13-242-01-PCSM (PI: Bakitas), Reducing Disparities in Rural Advanced Cancer Patients and Caregivers Co I: R21CA182601 (PI: Rogers), Find your BEAT: Toolkit to increase physical activity in rural cancer survivors PI: 1U54MD008602-01 (Benjamin/Pisu/Butler), Gulf States Collaborative Center for Health Policy Research (Gulf States CC) Co I: R18DK109501-01 (PI: Cherrington), The Alabama Care Plan: Assessing the Impact of Regional Care Organizations on Diabetes Outcomes in a Sample of Alabama Medicaid Recipients. Co I: R44AR057616 (PI: Kopperdahl), Robust BCT for Clinical Use – Phase II Co I: No Number Assigned (PI: Rocque), Evaluation of NCCN Guidelines for Breast Cancer within the Deep South Cancer Navigation Network Co I: R01DK106041 (PI: Dutton), Primary Care Obesity Management in the Southeast (PROMISE) PI: RWJF 48979, Let's talk about the cost of cancer care: finding what is understandable and useful for patients and providers Recently Completed Co I/Lead for Evaluation: CMS1C1-12-001 (PI: Partridge), The Deep South Cancer Navigation Network (DSCNN) Research and Relationship to DRC Effort: Dr. Pisu is a health economist who studies the economic burden and impact of therapy in several diseases, including diabetes. She conducted a cost-effectiveness analysis of the Peer Advisor Intervention for rural patients with diabetes conducted with Drs. Safford, Halanych, Cherrington, and Martin. This study has major implications for improved care and outcomes for rural patients with diabetes. The DRTC pilot grant Dr. Pisu received provides support for the development of appropriate questionnaires to collect data on costs and economic burden, and for data collection. Dr. Pisu’s research also investigates the use of health care services in older adults for several chronic diseases like cancer and epilepsy. She received funding from the NIH and CDC to examine the racial variation in receipt of quality care using Medicare claims large databases. She collaborates with Dr. Cherrington on the Alabama Care Plan project to evaluate the Medicaid RCOs on diabetes outcomes. Publications (2012-present): 70 publications (including Ann Intern Med, Cancer, and Am J Public Health). DRC Core Use: Dr. Pisu uses the ITC Core for Measurement; Recruitment and Retention; Evaluation; and Data Management services. DRC Collaborations: Dr. Pisu has grant and publication collaborations with Drs. Akinyemiju, Cherrington, Fouad, Funkhouser, Levitan, Nagy, Oster, Scarinci, Shikany, and Weech-Maldonado , and has 11 diabetes- related publications in the past five years. .

Name/Degrees/Title: Eric P. Plaisance, PhD; Assistant Professor, Human Studies

Role in DRC: Scientist in Integrative Metabolism

Background and Interests: I am a trained Exercise Physiologist from the Auburn University School of Kinesiology where I examined the combined effects of pharmacological doses of niacin and aerobic exercise on lipid metabolism in participants with metabolic syndrome. Following my training at Auburn, I pursued a second fellowship at the Pennington Biomedical Research Center where I was trained in Molecular Nutrition. My studies with dietary methionine restriction were initially funded by a T32 fellowship award from NIDDK, followed by an individual award (F32, NIDDK). My work showed that an 80% restriction of the essential amino acid methionine in the diet of rodents produces significant improvements in energy metabolism and insulin sensitivity which are superior to calorie restriction-based diets despite the observation that methionine restricted animals are hyperphagic. I later received a Mentored Scientist Award (K01, NIDDK) and was appointed Assistant Professor – Research at Pennington Biomedical. In 2013, I was recruited to the University of Alabama at Birmingham in the Kinesiology Program of the Department of Human Studies. My work at UAB has primarily focused on the effects of high intensity forms of interval exercise as a means to combat reductions in energy expenditure experienced during weight loss. Another project was recently funded by our NIDDK sponsored Nutrition Obesity Research Center to explore the role of dietary ketone esters on glucose and lipid metabolism in obese mice. I am currently supported by a Named New Investigator Award from the UAB NORC which provides research salary support.

Funding: Current PI (SubContract from UAB NORC, P30DK056336) Role of Hydroxycarboxylic Acid Receptor Agonists on Energy Homeostasis and Metabolism” PI: UAB Faculty Development Grant. “Effects of High Intensity Interval Exercise on Skeletal Muscle Markers of Energy Metabolism” 7 Recently Completed Co-I: NTCC-14-001 “Healthy Eating, Activity, & Resting Together (HEART) Matters.” Co-I: Department of Human Studies Pilot Award “Exercise Intensity, Metabolic Rate, and Insulin Sensitivity” PI: Department of Human Studies Pilot Award. “Role of Energy Restriction and High-Intensity Interval Exercise Training on Adaptive Thermogenesis and Metabolism” PI: 2P30AG031054 (Subaward) “Resistance Training as a Strategy to Reduce Physiological and Metabolic Disparities in African American Women Undergoing Cardiac Rehabilitation”

Research and Relationship to DRC Effort: My laboratory has two primary research agendas which are using unique dietary and/or exercise strategies to combat obesity-related impairments in glucose and lipid metabolism. Project one was designed to examine whether a novel form of exercise training called high intensity interval training (HIIT) attenuates the reduction in resting energy expenditure during weight loss. Our second project is currently examining the effects of dietary ketone ester administration on energy homeostasis and metabolism. All mice were placed on a 45% kcal fat diet for 10 weeks to induce obesity. Mice were then randomized to one of four groups for an additional 12 weeks: Control (remain on high fat diet); Ketone ester (30% kcal from ketones with a 45% kcal fat base diet); Pair-fed. Ketone esters suppress food intake from 10- 50% in a dose-dependent fashion which requires a pair-fed group to determine if our hypothesis is correct that ketone-induced activation of the sympathetic nervous system will lead to more pronounced reductions in adiposity and improvements in glucose/insulin tolerance than simply reducing energy intake.

Publications (2012 to present): 17 publications (including in Appl Physiol Nutr Metab, Clin Nutr, Curr Opin Endocrinol Diabetes Obes., Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab., J Nutr Metab) DRC Core Usage: Dr. Plaisance uses the Human Core for Analytical and Body Composition services, and also uses the Animal Core for Glucose/Energy Metabolism, Body Composition and Consulting services. DRC Collaborations: Dr. Plaisance has grant and publication collaborations with Drs. Barnes, Bittner, Fernandez, Fisher, Gower, G Hunter, Nagy, and Smith, and has 7 diabetes-related publications in the past five years.

Name/Degrees/Title: Steven M. Pogwizd, MD; Professor of Medicine, Physiology & Biophysics Role in DRC: Senior Scientist, Diabetes Complications Background and Interests: Dr. Pogwizd obtained his MD at Washington U in St. Louis in 1981, and trained as a Research and Clinical Fellow in Cardiovascular Disease at Barnes Hospital. Dr. Pogwizd is primarily an expert in electrophysiology and cellular mechanisms of arrhythmias, although in more recent years he has turned to the study of diabetic cardiomyopathy. He was recruited from the U. of Illinois at Chicago to UAB in 2008 as a Professor and Associate Director of the Cardiac Rhythm Management Laboratory, and he became the Director of the Center for Cardiovascular Biology in 2009. The mission of the Pogwizd lab is to define the electrophysiological and biochemical mechanisms underlying lethal arrhythmias in the setting of heart failure (HF). His interest in the mechanisms of ventricular tachycardia (VT) and ventricular fibrillation (VF) arose from my 3-dimensional cardiac mapping studies of VT and VF in the setting of myocardial ischemia. His work evolved to the area of HF with the development of a novel arrhythmogenic rabbit model of HF and a model of ischemic cardiomyopathy in the dog. During a nearly one-year sabbatical in the laboratories of Drs. D Bers and A Samarel at Loyola University, he learned fluorescent imaging of cellular Ca++ and Na+, patch clamping and molecular biology approaches that he applies to his studies in experimental models of HF and in the failing human heart, along with continued studies of Ca++ handling, adrenergic stimulation and ion channel alterations in the failing heart. More recently his work has expanded to 3-D electrocardiographic imaging and the role of connexins, their phosphorylation and dephosphorylation, both of which have important implications in the setting of diabetic cardiomyopathy. Funding: Current PI: 15GRNT25860028, AHA GIA, “Circadian Rhythm in the Canine Heart”. PI: Gilead Sciences, “Antiarrhythmic and Hemodynamic Effects of GS967 in an Arrhythmogenic Rabbit Model of Nonischemic Cardiomyopathy”. PI of subcontract: P01-HL080101-06A1, NIH (University of California, Davis), “CaMKII and InsPE-Mediated Signaling in Cardiac Myocytes”. Co-I: R01HL121206, “Mitochondria-SR Redox Signaling and Ca2+ Handling in Healthy and Failing Hearts”.

Recently Completed PI: AHA 11GRNT8000059, “Phosphatase Activation and Arrhythmias in the Failing Heart” Co-PI: R01-HL08093 (PI: B He), “3-Dimensional Electrocardiographic Imaging” Co-I: The Foundation LeDucq (PI: M Anderson), “Alliance for Calmodulin Kinase II Signaling in Heart Disease” Co-I/Core Director: 2PO1HL080101 (PI: D Bers), “CaMKII and InsP3-Mediated Signaling in Cardiac Myocytes (Core C)”

Research and Relationship to DRC Effort: Dr. Pogwizd contributes to the DRC through his studies of the molecular mechanisms impairing myocardial function in heart failure and causing diabetic cardiomyopathy. While his earlier work concerned electrophysiological and biochemical mechanisms underlying lethal arrhythmias in the setting of heart failure, his work evolved to the molecular basis of heart failure in a novel arrhythmogenic rabbit model of heart failure and a model of ischemic cardiomyopathy in the dog. During a nearly one-year sabbatical in the laboratories of Drs. Donald Bers and Alan Samarel at Loyola University, Dr. Pogwizd learned fluorescent imaging of cellular Ca++ and Na+, patch clamping, and molecular biology approaches. He applies these techniques to his investigations in experimental models of heart failure, including that related to diabetes, together with studies of Ca++ handling, adrenergic stimulation, and ion channel alterations. More recently, Dr. Pogwizd’s work has expanded to three-dimensional electrocardiographic imaging and the role of connexins, their phosphorylation and dephosphorylation, both of which also have important roles in the diabetic heart, particularly in the setting of diabetic cardiomyopathy.

Publications (2012-present): Dr. Pogwizd has 12 publications in the past five years, including papers in Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol, Heart Rhythm, Circulation Research, and J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol.

DRC Core Use: Dr. Pogwizd plans to use the Animal Core for imaging.

DRC Collaborations: Dr. Pogwizd has grant and publication collaborations with Drs. Oster, Ovalle, Wende, and Yang, and has 2 diabetes-related publications in the past five years. Name/Degree/Title: David M. Pollock, PhD; NRTC Endowed Professor, Division of Nephrology

Role in DRC: Senior Scientist in Vascular Disease

Background and Interests: Dr. Pollock received his PhD in Physiology from the University of Cincinnati before taking a post-doctoral fellowship at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill under the direction of National Academy member, Carl W. Gottschalk. Following a two year period as a research investigator at the Harvard University Institute for Circadian Physiology, he took a position in drug discovery at Abbott Laboratories. He then went back to academia where we developed a research program at the Medical College of Georgia rising to the level of Regents Professor and Chief of Experimental Medicine in the Department of Medicine. In 2014, Dr. Pollock and his team moved to UAB and established a translational research program in Cardio-Renal Physiology and Medicine where the research focus is on endothelial factors important in hypertension, diabetes and obesity. Dr. Pollock and his lab have generated much of the pre-clinical evidence for the use of endothelin antagonists in diabetic nephropathy which are now in phase III clinical trials.

Funding: Current AMC21 SOM Planning Grant for Multi-Investigator Programs, Circadian Disruption and Susceptibility to Target Organ Damage. Role of project, Project 2 Leader. (M. Young, P.I.) Co-I: PKD Foundation Research Grant, Renal Vascular Function in ARPKD. (E. Inscho, P.I.) Co-I: Strategically Focused Research Network, Novel mechanisms of salt-sensitivity and diurnal blood pressure rhythm. (P. Muntner, P.I.) Co-P.I .: U01 HL117684, The Role of Endothelin-1 in Sickle Cell Disease. P01 HL69999, NIH/NHLBI, Stress related mechanisms of hypertensive risk. Project 3: Impact of stress and obesity on sodium balance. Role on project, Project 3 Leader, Co-I: R01 HL069321, NIH/NHLBI, Evaluation of human variants in disease models for end stage renal disease. Pending PI: R01 HL130401, NIH/NHLBI, Diurnal control of sodium excretion. PI: P01 HL136267, NIH/NHLBI, Integrating novel mechanisms controlling sodium excretion and blood pressure.

Completed (Diabetes-Related since Jan 2012 – select – see biosketch) PI: Investigator Initiated Study, Takeda Pharmaceuticals, Hypertension, Inflammation, Oxidative Stress, and Nitric Oxide in a Rodent Model of Metabolic Syndrome. PI: R15 HL118922, FASEB SRC on Renal Hemodynamics: Integrating with the nephron and beyond.

Research and Relationship to DRC Effort: More recently, our group has discovered that high salt diets impair , rhythms of clock genes specifically within the renal inner medulla. This impairment may be a normal adaptation to prevent excess conservation of sodium. We have generated evidence that the timing of salt intake during the day impacts the ability to excrete salt. In other words, salt consumption in the evening results in salt retention if the ETB receptor system is impaired. In preliminary studies with our collaborator, Karen Gamble, we have observed that shift workers that consume more salt at night have higher triglyceride levels. Given that shift workers are at higher risk for diabetes and metabolic disease, we hypothesize that timing of food intake, and in particular, salt intake, may be an important mechanism contributing to diabetes risk.

Publications (2012 to present): Dr. Pollock has 55 papers published in the last 5 years, in journals such as Physiology, Hypertension, Am J Cardiol and Life Sciences.

Core Usage: We have made frequent use of the Animal Physiology Core. This has been particularly helpful in measurement of whole body composition related to our studies examining the impact of high fat and high salt diets on adiposity in both rat and mouse models. We have also made use of the Transgenic Animal Core to help in validating our new rat knockout models that used crisper/cas9 techniques. This core has also helped in developing various primers as well as sperm cryopreservation.

DRC Collaborations: Dr. Pollock has grant and publication collaborations with Drs. Bailey, Calhoun, Darley- Usmar, Gamble, Gutierrez, G Howard, VJ Howard, Kesterson, Oparil, J Pollock, Redden, Shikany, Speed, Yoder, and Young, and has 9 diabetes-related publications in the past five years. Name/Degree/Title: Jennifer Pollock, PhD; Professor, Division of Nephrology

Role in DRC: Senior Scientist in Vascular Disease

Background and Interests: Dr. Pollock’s research career has been solely involved in cardiovascular research. She began her graduate work with structure-function analysis of prothrombin and classical training as a protein biochemist with Dr. Richard Hiskey at UNC-Chapel Hill in the Dept of Chemistry. She joined Dr. Ferid Murad’s laboratory for postdoctoral fellowship in 1989 at Abbott Laboratories where she was involved in the initial studies on deciphering the enzymatic source of the endothelial-derived relaxing factor (now known as nitric oxide). Her work was the first purification and characterization of the enzyme producing EDRF or nitric oxide and is a highly cited publication from 1991. Dr. Murad was awarded the Nobel Prize in 1998 for his groundbreaking work in the nitric oxide signaling pathway. Dr. Pollock began her academic career at the Medical College of Georgia as an Assistant Professor in 1995. She was then promoted to Associate Professor and granted tenure in 2000. Dr. Pollock was then promoted to Professor in 2005. Dr. Pollock was the University System of Georgia MD/PhD Program Director from 2010-2013. In January 2014, Dr. Pollock relocated to the University of Alabama at Birmingham where she is a Professor, Endowed Scholar in the Division of Nephrology, Co-Director of Cardio-Renal Physiology & Medicine Section, and member of the Steering committee for the MD/PhD program. Dr. Pollock was selected as the 2015 Bodil Schmidt-Nielsen Distinguished Mentor and Scientist Awardee. One emphasis of her work is focused on translational aspects of mechanistic pathways sensitive to behavioral stress during early life and mediating cardiovascular disease risk later in adulthood. This is particularly relevant to cardiometabolic disease and diabetes risk.

Funding: Currrent PI: P01 HL69999 “Stress Related Mechanisms of Hypertension Risk, Project 2: Early life stress mediated endothelial dysfunction” Co-PI: U01 HL117684 Kutlar, A; Meiler, S; Pollock, D (Co-PIs) “The role of endothelin-1 in sickle cell disease” PI: AHA Strategically Focused Research Network AHA Hypertension Center ‘Novel mechanisms of salt- sensitivity and diurnal blood pressure rhythm’ Pending PI: NIH R01 “High Salt and Physiological/Pathophysiological Regulation of Distinct Nitric Oxide Synthase Isoforms” Co-PI: NIH R25 “PROmoTE: PRedOctoral phd and md research training in Teams” PI: NIH “KURE: Kidney Undergraduate Research Experience”

Research and Relationship to DRC Effort: Dr. Pollock initiated studies to investigate early life stress-induced mechanisms of endothelial dysfunction and subsequently cardiovascular disease risk. We are working with Dr. Virginia Howard and Dr. Ryan Irvin in epidemiology to determine the SNPs of these genes in the REGARDS cohort. We hypothesized that these gene SNPs promote enhancement of CVD risk with childhood stress. Further in collaboration with Dr. Dan Feig in Pediatrics we will determine the role of these pathways in mice and adolescents as it relates to vascular function and early life stress, which in humans often results in cardiometabolic dysfunction.

Publications (2012 to present): 43 publications (including Am J Health Syst Pharm, Br J Pharmacol, Curr Opin Nephrol Hypertens, FASEB J, Hypertension, Pharmacol Rev, Scientific Reports).

DRC Core Usage: To date, my lab has not utilized any DRC core facilities. However, I have cited the availability of the Redox Biology Core and Animal Physiology Core in 2 pending grants. We plan to utilize the aortic lesions assessments, oxidative stress and mitochondrial bioenergetics and damage assessments as well as animal metabolic rate measurements.

DRC Collaborations: Dr. Pollock has grant and publication collaborations with Drs. Bailey, Calhoun, Darley- Usmar, Fu Y, Gamble, Gutierrez, Oparil, D Pollock, Redden, Shikany, Speed, Wang S, and Young, and has 14 diabetes-related publications in the past five years.

Name/Degree/Title: Selvarangan Ponnazhagan, PhD; Professor, Pathology

Role in DRC: Senior Scientist in Molecular Signaling

Background and Interests: The major research interest of my lab is biology and experimental therapeutics of cancer and bone diseases. I have been working in cancer immunology, osteopenia and cancer bone metastasis for over 10 years and published several papers in these fields. With combined experience in these three inter-related fields, we are currently expanding our research efforts to understand the immune mechanisms of osteolytic cancer metastasis and develop novel treatment methods and test them first in preclinical animal models. Using gene transfer approaches, our studies focus on anti-angiogenic gene therapy for solid tumors, dendritic cell-based vaccines for cancer immunotherapy, and genetically-engineered stem cell therapy for bone defects. In addition, the lab is also focused on studying the effects of noggin in adipogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells.

Funding: Current

NIH-1P20CA192973-01 (Manne, U.) 09/23/14 – 8/31/18 Role: Co-PI of Project-2 The Alabama State University/UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center Partnership: Project-2: Role of TGF beta and regulatory T cells in prostate cancer progression and clearance

NIH-R01 CA138340 (Sanderson) 05/01/14 – 04/30/19 Role: Co-investigator Heparanase Regulation of Myeloma Metastasis: Mechanism and Therapy

1 R01 CA184770 (Ponnazhagan) 03/01/15 - 02/28/20 Role: PI Targeted therapy for breast cancer with osteolytic bone damage

1R01AR0560948-01 (Ponnazhagan) 09/01/11 - 08/31/17 Role: PI Skeletal regeneration for non-union bone defect coupling angiogenesis and osteogenesis

DoD PR 141945 (Ponnazhagan) 09/01/15 - 02/28/17 Role: PI Osteoimmune Mechanisms of Segmental Bone Fracture Healing and Therapy

Recently Completed (select – see biosketch):

5P30 AR046031-10 (Ponnazhagan) 06/01/06 – 05/31/12 Role: PI UAB Core Center for Basic Skeletal Research (CCBSR)

AHA 12IRG91600008 (Murphy-Ullrich) 01/01/12 – 12/31/13 Role: Co-investigator Calreticulin in diabetic Vascular Disease

Research and Relationship to DRC: Dr. Ponnazhagan investigates the role of the protein Calreticulin in diabetic vascular disease. Approaches employed by his lab include understanding the osteoimmune mechanisms in bone fracture and bone metastasis and to develop and test novel therapeutics utilizing stem cell and genetic methods.

Publications (2012 to present): Dr. Ponnazhagan has 22 papers published in the past 5 years, in journal such as FASEB J, Bone, PNAS, Cancer Research and JBC.

DRC Core Usage: Animal Physiology Core directed by Tim Nagy; We routinely use this core for micro-CT and faxitron analyses.

DRC Collaborations: With Dr. Tim Garvey: We collaborated and published studies on the role of noggin in adipogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells. With Dr. Victor Darley-Usmar: We collaborated in studies determining the role of steroid receptors in prostate cancer redox mechanisms and how endostatin provided antitumor effects targeting this mechanism. Dr. Ponnazhagan also has grant and publication collaborations with Drs. Gilbert S, Nagy, Reddy, Shalev, and Tse, and has 8 diabetes-related publications in the past five years.

Name/Degrees/Title: Kirill Popov, PhD; Associate Professor, Biochemistry Role in DRC: Senior Scientist in Molecular Signaling Background and Interests: Dr. Kirill M. Popov received his M.S. degree in Biochemistry from the Moscow State University in 1982 and carried out his graduate studies at the Institute of Organic Chemistry (Ph.D., 1986). Dr. Popov trained as a post-doctoral fellow with Richard A Harris in the cloning and molecular physiology of Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Kinase (PDH Kinase). He was recruited to UAB as an Associate Professor in 2003 and has been continuously funded by R01 grants since 1994. His research program is aimed at better understanding of the regulation of carbohydrate, fatty acid and amino acid metabolism in normal and pathologic states in general, and in diabetes in particular. Dr. Popov’s laboratory has made several important contributions: (a) he has established that an entirely new and structurally unique family of proteins exists in humans and other animals - mitochondrial protein kinases; (b) he was the first to demonstrate the existence of multiple isoenzymes of pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase and pyruvate dehydrogenase phosphoprotein phosphatase; (c) he has also provided the first evidence suggesting that the abnormal expression of the isoenzymes of pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase, as well as pyruvate dehydrogenase phosphatase, contributes to abnormal metabolism in diabetes. Thus, his laboratory is a recognized leader in the structure, function, regulation, and role of PDH kinase in diabetes.

Funding: Current PI: R01 DK082528, “Regulation of energy metabolism by PDP1 and PDP2”. PI: R01 GM051262, “Characterization of a new family of protein kinases”.

Research and Relationship to DRC Effort: Dr. Popov is a leading investigator in defining the roles of the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (PDC) and pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase (PDK) in energy metabolism, and their contributions to metabolic defects in diabetes. It is generally believed that in well-oxygenated tissues the major determinant of carbohydrates oxidation is the activity of the mitochondrial PDC. PDC catalyzes the irreversible decarboxylation of the pyruvic acid and, by this means, commits carbohydrates to further catabolism. It is not surprising, therefore, that this reaction is heavily regulated by a variety of nutritional and hormonal stimuli. This regulation is carried out by two dedicated enzymes – pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase (PDK) that phosphorylates and inactivates PDC and pyruvate dehydrogenase phosphatase (PDP) that reverses the action of kinase dephosphorylating and re-activating PDC. Both PDK and PDP activities are the subjects of regulation by hormones and nutrients and, therefore, adjust the phosphorylation state of PDC reflecting the stimulation the cells receive at the moment. To complicate matters even further, it appears that, in humans, there are multiple isoenzymes of PDK and PDP. As a result, almost every tissue has its own subset of isoenzymes that are somewhat different with respect to their enzymatic properties and regulation. Thus, the current objectives of the Popov laboratory are: 1) to understand how both PDK and PDP function at the atomic level and how they manage to integrate a variety of metabolic stimuli; 2) to understand the molecular mechanisms responsible for regulation of kinase and phosphatase activities by hormones; and 3) to evaluate the molecular basis for abnormal regulation of PDC observed in diabetes.

Publications (2012-present): 3 publications (include JBC, Biochemistry) DRC Core Use: Dr Popov uses the Animal Physiology Core (body composition, energy expenditure, glucose homeostasis) and the BARB REDOX Biology Core (mitochondrial isolation, function, and proteomics). DRC Collaborations: Dr. Popov collaborates with Dr. Chatham on mechanisms of the regulation of glucose metabolic pathways.

Name/Degrees/Title: Sumanth D. Prabhu, MD; Professor, Cardiovascular Disease, Director, Division of Cardiovascular Disease, Director, Comprehensive Cardiovascular Center

Role in DRC: Senior Scientist in Vascular Disease

Background and Interests: Prior to arriving at UAB in 2011, Dr. Prabhu was Cardiology faculty and Fellowship Director at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UTHSCSA, 1992-1999) and then Professor of Medicine, Distinguished University Scholar, Director of Heart Failure (HF) Research, and a key faculty of the HF/Transplant Program at the University of Louisville (U of L). Clinically, he is a HF cardiologist who maintains a clinical practice and attends to patients with advanced HF who may require LVADs or heart transplantation. Dr. Prabhu’s research program focuses on the pathophysiological, cellular, and molecular mechanisms of left ventricular (LV) remodeling, dysfunction, and repair in HF (including diabetic cardiomyopathy), especially those related to inflammation, immune cells, and stem cells.

Funding: Current (select – see biosketch) PI: 1R01HL125735-01 “Splenic Marginal Zone Macrophages in Chronic Ischemic Heart Failure” PI: VA Merit 1I01BX002706-01A1 “Role of Regulatory T-Lymphocytes in Chronic Heart Failure” Site PI: 1 R01 MD009118-01. GRAHF 2: Genomic Analysis of Enhanced Response to Heart Failure Therapy in African Americans Site PI: DREAM HF-1: A Double-blind, Randomized, Sham–Procedure–Controlled, Parallel-Group Efficacy and Safety Study of Allogeneic Mesenchymal Precursor Cells (rexlemestrocel-L) in Patients with Chronic Heart Failure Due to Left Ventricular Systolic Dysfunction of Either Ischemic or Nonischemic Etiology Pending PI: 1T32HL129948-01 “Basic and Translational Science in Heart Failure” Co-I: 1R01 HL133011-01A1 (PI: Wende) “Glucose-Mediated Remodeling of Cardiac DNA Methylation” Recently Completed (select – see biosketch) PI: Veterans Administration Merit Review Award. “TNF Receptors and Inflammation in Chronic Heart Failure” Director: NIH, NCRR (COBRE award; 1P20 RR-024489) (Bhatnagar,Bolli). Title: Center of Excellence in Diabetes and Obesity Research Sponsor: AHA. “Pre-Doctoral Fellowship for Mehak Goel, BS: Role of macrophages in diabetic cardiomyopathy”

Research and Relationship to the DRC Effort: I have been studying the cellular and molecular mechanisms of cardiac remodeling, dysfunction, and repair in HF for many years. This includes heart failure related to myocardial infarction, and to non-ischemic etiologies such as pressure-overload, obesity, and type II diabetes. My NIH- and VA-funded laboratory routinely incorporates physiological assessments of murine cardiac function (e.g., echocardiography and pressure-volume analysis) with cellular and molecular studies. We routinely perform in vivo survival cardiac surgery, mouse myocardial infarction, myocyte isolation and contraction studies, multi-color flow cytometry, and a variety of in vitro cell culture and molecular assays. As a clinician- scientist, I have a particular interest in the role of inflammation, immune cells, and stem cells in HF, and the translation of new therapeutic approaches to alleviate inflammation and promote cardiac repair.

Publications ( 2012 to present): 47 publications in journal such as Circ Res, Stem Cells, Clin Cardiol, Am J Med, J Am Heart Assoc., and Lab Investigations.

DRC Core Usage: We have used the Animal Physiology Core for evaluation of metabolic parameters in mice with diet-induced obesity.

DRC Collaborations: Dr. Prabhu has grant and publication collaborations with Drs. Agarwal, Allman, Arora, Bailey, Bhatnagar, Chatham, Frank, Gamble, Hage, Halade, Kim, Lorenz, McGwin, Namakkal, Shalev, Wende, Q Yang, Young, and Zhou, and has 13 diabetes-related publications in the past five years. Name/Degrees/Title: Jeevan Prasain, PhD; Assistant Professor, Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology

Role in DRC: Mentored, Molecular Signaling

Background and Interests: I have extensive research experience in the area of metabolomics- a comprehensive identification and quantitative analyses of small molecules in biological samples. Crucial to these areas are the development of analytical methodologies that are capable of monitoring active metabolites at physiologically relevant concentrations. I extensively use liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometric techniques (LC-MS/MS) for qualitative and quantitative analyses of metabolites. These tools are very useful in investigating the complex profiles in persons with diabetes and cardiometabolic disease.

Funding: Current Co-PI: NIH R01 GM109933-01A1, “Genetic Regulation of Unconventional Prostaglandin Metabolism” . Co-I: NIH R01 GM109933-01A1, “Genetic Regulation of Unconventional Prostaglandin Metabolism”. Co-I: P30 DK079337-02, “UAB-USCD O’Brien Core Center for Acute Kidney Injury Research”. Co-I: Muscular Dystrophy Association, “Postnatal Origin of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis”

Recently Completed NIH R01 3R01GM085105-07S1, “Collaborative Activities to Promote Metabolomics Research” (Admin Supp). 1R21CA137519-01, “Urinary metabolites of cranberry that protect against bladder cancer”. 1 R01 CA122804, “Novel Treatment of NF-1 Associated Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumors”.

Research and Relationship to DRC Effort: I have collaborated with or supported a number of Diabetes Research Center investigators in the research studies involving the analysis of endogenous metabolites such as estradiol, prostaglandins and isoprostanes in biological samples. As a member of the Diabetes Research Center (DRC) at UAB, I am passionate to serve the DRC in the future by collaborating with DRC investigators in order to move the field of diabetes research forward.

Publications (2012-present): Dr. Prasain has 13 articles published on the last five years in journals such as Science, PLoS Genetics, Metabolites, JoVE, Scientific Reports, and Redox Biology.

DRC Core Use: N/A

DRC Collaborations: Dr. Prasain has grant and publication collaborations with Drs. Barnes, Casazza, Cui, Darley-Usmar, Dell'Italia, Garber, Harper, Kabarowski, Reddy, Tiwari, Wyss, and Q Yang, and has 16 diabetes-related publications in the past five years. Name/Degrees/Title: Sasanka Ramanadham, PhD; Professor, Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology

Role in DRC: Senior Scientist, Islet Biology/Autoimmunity; Pilot and Feasibility Recipient

Background and Interests: As a PhD candidate and during my first post-doctoral fellowship, I examined the impact of diabetes on cardiovascular complications. During my second post-doctoral fellowship, I investigated the impact of lipid signaling on beta-cell function and survival. Those studies led to our group’s discovery of a novel phospholipase A2 enzyme in islet beta-cells that plays a critical role in beta-cell death, leading toT type 1 diabetes. We are currently utilizing cell culture, animal models, and human samples to examine the beneficial effects of inhibition this enzyme on ameliorating T1D onset/progression. Our work has garnered awards from the ADA, NIH/NIDDK, and the Iacocca Family Foundation.

Funding: Current Co-PI: (R01DK110292) Calcium-independent PLA2Beta and immune responses Pending PI:: American Diabetes Association Interplay between lipid signals and transcription events in triggering beta- cell apoptosis Co-PI (Co-I:Chalfant) NIH/NIDDK. Lipid-regulated Bcl-x splicing and β-cell death: implications in type 1 diabetes. Recently Completed PI: Center for AIDS Research P&F Program, UAB. Novel Methodology to Analyse Substrate Oxidation In Metabolically-Active Tissues. PI (Co-PIs, Gregory Clines, Krista Casazza, and Hubert Tse). DRTC P&F Program, UAB. Low Bone Mass in Diabetes: Importance of Signaling Between Islet and Osteoblast PI: Center for Metabolic Bone Disorders P&F Program, UAB. iPLA2Beta - Derived Lipid Signals and Bone Integrity PI: Iacocca Foundation Countering lipid-mediated immune response to prevent beta-cell death and T1DM PI: (2RO1 DK069455) “Calcium-independent PLA2Beta in Beta-Cell Apoptosis” PI: UAB-CDC Does Dysregulation of Autophagy Contribute to Beta-Cell Survival in Diabetes? PI-Project 2 of 3 (Multi PI: Joseph Messina and Bingdong Sha) UAB CCC pilotPPG. Role of ER stress in cancer (Project 2- Understanding the role of iPLA2β-derived lipids in cancer cell survival

Research and Relationship to DRC: The focus of our lab is to identify how lipid signaling impacts survival of the beta-cell, in the context of type 1 diabetes (T1D). Our studies have identified a Ca2+-independent phospholipase A2beta (iPLA2 ), which appears to be a key facilitator of beta-cell death leading to T1D. Activation of this enzyme leads to generation of lipid signals (iDLs) which act on downstream targets to promote inflammation and beta𝛽𝛽-cell death.

Publications (2012 to present): 14 publications (including in Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab, Endocrinology, Islets, J Biol Chem, J Lipid Res, Mol Pharm, PLoS One).

Core Usage: Dr. Ramandham plans to use the Analytic Core services.

DRC Collaborations: Dr. Ramanadham has grant and publication collaborations with Drs. Arora, Ashraf, Barnes, Bray, Casazza, Darley-Usmar, Fernandez, Garvey, Kesterson, McCormick, Mitra, Oster, Sztul, and Tse, and has 10 diabetes-related publications in the past five years. Name/Degrees/Title: David T. Redden, BS, MS, PhD; Professor and Chair, Biostatistics

Role in DRC: Senior Scientist in Epidemiology/Genetics

Background and Interests: Dr. Redden has 22 years of experience as a research biostatistician and university professor. He received a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics with emphasis in Computer Science in 1991. He received a Master of Science in 1993 and Doctor of Philosophy in 1995, both in Applied Statistics, from the University of Alabama. He has also served as Co-PI and Statistician on multiple R01 grants and longitudinal studies investigating AIDS, Diabetes, Obesity, Tuberculosis, Asthma, Early Childhood Education, Nutrition, Gerontology, Urinary Incontinence, and Pain. I currently serve on the Executive Committee of the UAB Center for Clinical and Translational Science (CCTS) and I am Senior Statistician of Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Research Division of the CCTS. He has expertise in design and analysis of clustered trials, group randomized trials, power calculations, generalized estimating equations, and regression methodology including hierarchical linear models, mixed linear models, repeated measures ANOVA, and clinical trial design.

Funding: Current PI, NIH P60 AR064172, Methodology Core for the Multidisciplinary Clinical Research Center. Co-Investigator, NIH R37 AR067427, Ethnic Differences in Responses to Painful Stimuli (Upload). Co-Investigator, NIH R01 AR060240, Activating Patents to Reduce Osteoporosis Aproposis. Co-Investigator, NIH P50 AR060772, Centers of Research Translation (CoRT). Co-Investigator, NIH R01 DK082548, Combined Behavioral and Drug Treatment of Overactive Bladder in Men. Co-Investigator, NIH E03 DK106432, A Pragmatic Video Intervention to Promote African American Organ Donor Registration at the Department of Motorized Vehicles. Co-Leader BERD, NIH UL1 TR001417, UAB Center for Clinical and Translational Science (CCTS). Co-Investigator, VA IPA Agreement, Evaluation of Methods for Implementation of a Comfort Care Order Set – BEACON II.

Research and Relationship to the DRC Effort: I have served as Co-PI and Statistician on multiple R01 grants and longitudinal studies investigating AIDS, Diabetes, Obesity, Tuberculosis, Asthma, Early Childhood Education, Nutrition, Gerontology, Urinary Incontinence, and Pain. I currently serve on the Executive Committee of the UAB Center for Clinical and Translational Science (CCTS) and I am Senior Statistician of Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Research Division of the CCTS. Current collaborations within Diabetes and Cardiometabolic Diseases include focusing upon quantile regression methodology to examine waist circumferences percentiles as a function of age. Furthermore, the statistical methodology I have developed regarding quantile regression is ideal for studying multiple diabetes and cardiometabolic phenotypes. The statistical methods my doctoral students and I have developed to control for Type I error rates in group randomized trials is suitable for where naturally occurring clusters (communities, hospitals, MD practices) might be randomized to different treatment/intervention arms for Diabetes and Cardiometabolic Diseases interventions.

Publications (2012 to present): 60 publications (including in BMC Genet, Health Psychol, J Allergy Clin Immunol, J Pain, J Palliat Med, Transplantation).

DRC Core Usage: N/A.

DRC Collaborations: Published with Jose Fernandez regarding Quantile Regression estimation applied to waist Circumference percentiles and James Shikany regarding dietary intakes and risk of cardiometabolic disease. Dr. Redden has grant and publication collaborations with Drs. Allison, Aslibekyan, Baskin, Calhoun, Cui, Fernandez, Fouad, Gutierrez, G Howard, Kilgore, Levitan, Lewis, McGwin, Muntner, Oparil, D Pollock, J Pollock, Shikany, and Warriner, and has 10 diabetes-related publications in the past five years. Name/Degree/Title: Michael S. Reddy, DMD, DMSc; Professor of Dentistry, Dean of the School of Dentistry

Role in DRC: Senior Scientist in Interventions/Trials/Community Research

Background and Interests: Dr. Michael Reddy attended the Harvard University School of Dental Medicine where he earned his DMD degree, Certificate of Periodontology, and Doctorate of Medical Sciences degree in Oral Biology. Dr. Reddy joined the UAB faculty in 1989 as an Assistant Professor, and served as Chair of the Department of Periodontology from 2004 to 2011. In 2011 he was named Interim Dean of the UAB School of Dentistry and in March of 2012 was named the eighth Dean. He is a senior scientist in multiple UAB research centers including the Center for Metabolic Bone Disease and the Center for Aging. His research has focused on interrelationships between oral infections and overall health and regenerative medicine approaches in the oral cavity. He has had continuous NIH funding for more than 20 years and over 40 grants awarded as an investigator or co-investigator. Dr. Reddy is an internationally recognized master clinician in the area of periodontal therapy and dental implants and he is an examiner for the American Board of Periodontology. He has served as a member or committee chair of several national and international associations and societies, including the Joint Commission on Dental Accreditation.

Funding: Current Co-I: RO1 DE024670-01 (Reddy and Bellis PI’s) “Coupling Osteoinductive Factors to Graft Materials to Promote Osteoregeneration” Co-I: RO1 DE023813-01 (Li PI) “Periodontitis by Targeting Cathepsin K and Attenuating TLR Signaling” PI: BioHorizons “5-year assessment of BioHorizons’ dental implants: retrospective review of clinical and radiographic data” Recently Completed Co-I: RO1 AR062376 (Bridges PI) “Dissection of the ACPA response in African-Americans with rheumatoid arthritis” Co-PI: 5T32DE017607 (MacDougall Co-PI) Dental Academic Research Training – DART

Research and Relationship to the DRC Effort:

Publications (2012-present): 16 Publications (including in JAMA, J Clin Periodontol)

DRC Core Use: Dr. Reddy plans to use the ITC Core for recruitment services.

DRC Collaborations: Dr. Reddy has grant and publication collaborations with Drs. Bailey, Biggio, Bittner, Chen J, Cui, Geisinger, Gilbert G, Harper, G Hunter, Lewis, Michael, Nagareddy, Ponnazhagan, Prasain, and Rowe, and has 6 diabetes-related publications in the past five years.

Name/Degrees/Title: Richard J Reynolds, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology Role in DRC: Scientist in Integrative Metabolism Background and Interests: Dr. Reynolds’ primary training is in evolutionary biology and quantitative genetics, with specialized postdoctoral training statistical genetics. After completing his post-doc at UAB’s Department of Biostatistics he joined the rheumatology faculty, and funded under an NIH, NIAMS K01 commenced study on the genetics of rheumatoid arthritis in African Americans and obtained training in mechanisms of inflammatory diseases. Since then and in partnership with UAB’s Center for Research Translation (CORT) P50-AR060772 grant in gout and hyperuricemia (PIs, Dr. Kenneth Saag and Dr. S. Louis Bridges, Jr.) he has developed a research interest in gout and its comorbidities. His current research focuses on the joint genetic and epigenetic basis of traits representing hyperuricemia, gout and its comorbidities. Type-2 diabetes co-occurs with gout at rates much higher than expected if their etiologies were completely independent. His current and pending grant funding is geared toward elucidating the genetic and epigenetic etiology of hyperuricemia and gout and its comorbid conditions. In continuing partnership with the UAB DRC he is exploring the genetic and epigenetic determinants of co-expression of hyperuricemia, gout and metabolic syndrome. Funding: Current PI: Arthritis National Research Foundation, “Developing a Mobile Health Intervention to link Diabetes CHWs with Primary care” Co-I: CDMRP Log Number: PR151462 (PI: Bridges), “The Role of the Interferon-Gamma-Jak/STAT Pathway in Rheumatoid Arthritis” Pending PI: Arthritis National Research Foundation, Genetic and Epigenetic Determinants of Gout Co-I: R01 AI132657 (Bridges & Ippolito, MPIs), “Molecular and Functional Analyses of Anti-PAD Antibodies in Rheumatoid Arthritis” Co-I: P50 AR060772 (Saag, PD/PI), “INvestigations in Gout, Hyperuricemia, and comorbidiTies (INSIGHT) Center of Research Translation (CORT): Project 3 – Translational Genomics of Hyperuricemia (Mount, Project Lead)” Recently Completed PI: K01 AR060848 “Discovering novel genetic and environmental risk factors for RA in African Americans“ PI: WS2425009 ASPIRE, Pfizer, Inc. “Evaluating genetic heterogeneity of HLA B and HLA DRB1 risk alleles with rheumatoid arthritis in African Americans – Is classical allelic and amino acid sequence level genetic risk conditional on European or African ancestry?

Research and Relationship to DRC Effort: Dr. Reynolds’ research on hyperuricemia and gout is currently utilizing large databases of participants with genotypes and phenotypes from NIH dbGaP and the UK biobank, and sophisticated statistical and bioinformatics approaches, in order to leverage this “Big Data” for making inferences on molecular features responsible for disease etiology. Hyperuricemia (serum urate > 7.0 mg/dL) has potential effects beyond its causal role in the pathogenesis of gout. Hyperuricemia co-presents with a host of comorbid conditions, such as type-2 diabetes and including other metabolic syndrome traits, which have staggeringly high prevalence in the United States of America. We want to know whether there are genetic and epigenetic sources of variation that connect this complex of characters related to hyperuricemia and its comorbidities. Dr. Reynolds collaborates with a number of UAB investigators including early stage and established medical scientists (Dr. Jasvinder Singh, Dr. Angelo Gaffo, Dr. S. Louis Bridges, Jr., Dr. Kenneth Saag), epidemiologists (Dr. M. Ryan Irvin) and statistical geneticists (Dr. Gustavo de los Campos and Dr. Ana Vazquez, both from Michigan State University) to address this unmet need in the study of correlated disease traits. In his newly established collaboration with the UAB DRC, Dr. Reynolds will seek insight on the overlapping molecular basis of hyperuricemia, gout and metabolic syndrome, and will provide his expertise and guidance to other DRC investigators related to their current and future research protocols needing statistical genetic support. Publications (2012-present): 19 publications (including in Evolution, Mol Med, J Rheumatol). DRC Core Use: N/A DRC Collaborations: Dr. Reynolds has grant and publication collaborations with Drs. Allison, Bittner, Cui, Gutierrez, Irvin, and Levitan, and has 1 diabetes-related publications in the past five years.

Name/Degrees/Title: Glenn C. Rowe, PhD; Assistant Professor, Cardiovascular Disease

Role in DRC: Mentored Scientist in Integrative Metabolism

Background and Interests: Dr. Rowe received his PhD from Yale University studying the role of AP-1 transcription factors in the maintenance of adipose mass. After which he went on to pursue his post-doctoral training at Harvard University studying the role of PGC-1 transcriptional coactivators on regulating mitochondrial metabolism. Throughout both his graduate and post-doctoral experiences, Dr. Rowe has been trained extensively in various aspects of molecular and cellular biology and have used these tools to ask questions pertinent to physiology. Currently, Dr. Rowe’s lab focuses on understanding the molecular changes to gene expression that occur in skeletal muscle in response to diet and exercise.

Funding: Current PI: NIH K01 AR062128 Regulation of Mitochondria by Exercise and PGC-1 Coactivators in Skeletal Muscle Pending PI: NIH R01 AR071992 “PGC-1s in Skeletal Muscle Exercise Performance and Mitochondrial Function” Co-I: NIH R01. “Tissue-Specific Control of Glucose and Lipid Metabolism by LDB1 Transcriptional Co- Regulator Complexes”

Research and Relationship to the DRC: Metabolic imbalance and mitochondrial dysfunction have been associated with the development of the metabolic syndrome and many of its contributing diseases (cardiovascular disease, obesity and type II diabetes). Restoration of normal metabolic balance and mitochondrial function are important factors to eradicating this disorder. To date, diet and exercise have been proven to be the best intervention in the treatment of the many of metabolic syndrome. However, many of the molecular mechanisms responsible for these improvements are poorly understood. The research interest of the laboratory focuses on understanding the molecular pathways that influence mitochondrial metabolism in response to diet and exercise, in order to improve mitochondrial function and reduce the deleterious effects of the metabolic syndrome. Specifically, the lab studies the PGC-1 family of transcriptional coactivators and the molecular pathways they regulate in striated muscle to maintain normal mitochondrial function (including biogenesis, oxidative capacity and dynamics) and normal metabolic function.

Publications (2012 to present): 25 publications (including in Cell Rep, Circulation, Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab, J Biol Chem, Mol Cell, PLoS One, PNAS, Rev Endocr Metab Disord).

DRC Core Usage: Dr. Rowe uses the Animal Core for Transgenic, Glucose/Energy Metabolism, Body Composition, Cardiovascular Assessment and Consulting services. He also uses the BARB core for enzyme activity assays, tissue/mitochondrial isolation and consultation services.

DRC Collaborations: The Rowe laboratory is actively engaged in collaborative efforts with the laboratories of Drs. Chad Hunter and Kirk Habegger on studying the role of LDB1 on metabolism in different tissues including skeletal muscle. This collaboration as resulted in a collaborative publication as well as being co-PI on multi-PI R01 that was recently submitted. In addition the lab is actively collaborating with Drs. Kirk Habbegger and Martin Young on a project that was recently submitted to ADA, with me as P.I. I also have grant and publication collaborations with Drs. Bailey, Bebok, Chatham, and Reddy, and have 7 diabetes-related publications in the past five years. Name/Degree/Title: Michael S. Saag MD; Professor and Associate Dean, Infectious Diseases

Role in the DRC: Senior Scientist in Interventions/Trials/Community Research

Background and Interests: I am Associate Dean for Global Health in the School of Medicine, Director of the UAB Center for AIDS Research and a Professor of Medicine in the Division of Infectious Diseases. I am also the principal investigator of the CFAR Network of Integrated Clinical Systems (CNICS), an NIAID-funded National Network of EMR-collected clinical data at 8 CFAR centers that are merged for the purposes of clinical research. I am the founding director of the UAB 1917 HIV Clinic, which has pioneered treatment programs based on real world clinical trials and studies focused on quality improvement in the area of HIV. I serve as Co- PI of the NA-ACCORD, an international collaboration of more than 30 sites that merge data for comparative effectiveness research, and also serve on the Executive Steering Committee of the ART-CC, an international cohort research group. Funding: Current

U of Washington/UWSC8029(PO764150) UWSC8029(PO764150) Cardiovascular, Pulmonary, & Hematological Disease in HIV: Prevention & Treatment Bristol Myers Squibb Pharma Co., Atazanavir Exposure and the Risk of Myocardial Infarction P50AR060772 Centers of Research Translation (CoRT) - Centers of Research Translation (CoRT) - Project 2 and Administrative Core P2CHD086851, National Resource Center for High-Impact Clinical Trials in Medical Rehabilitation: Promo/Dissemination Component UM1AI069452 Alabama Clinical Trials Unit (CTU) Pending U of Maryland (Baltimore), MAPB Global Health Fellowship Consortium Research and Relationship to DRC Effort: As an HIV researcher and clinician, I have been interested in the topic of fat distribution and metabolic abnormalities (including diabetes) which result from antiretroviral treatment. I have published on and held funding for such research and currently mentor early career scientists who are working on metabolic health and adiposity among persons with HIV.

Publications (2012-present): 22 papers published in the last 5 years, in journals such as AIDSBehav, AIDS Res Treat. JAMA Cardiol, Clin Infect Dis., Infect Dis Clin North Am., AIDS, Curr Hypertens Rep. and J Nucl Cardiol.

DRC Core Use: N/A

DRC Collaborations: Dr. Saag has grant and publication collaborations with Drs. Geisinger, Michael, and Willig, and has 2 diabetes-related publications in the past five years. Name/Degree/Title: Sarah-Jeanne Salvy, PhD; Associate Professor of Medicine, Division of Preventive Medicine Role in DRC: Scientist in Interventions/Trials/Community Research Background and Interests: Dr. Salvy was recruited to UAB in 2016 as an Associate Professor in the Department of Preventive Medicine. Dr. Salvy obtained her PhD in Clinical Psychology at the University of Quebec in Montreal and completed her clinical internship in Clinical and Pediatric Psychology at the Columbus Children’s Hospital in Ohio. She was then a postdoctoral fellow in Social Psychology at the University of Toronto. Dr. Salvy subsequently held faculty positions in Pediatrics at the University at Buffalo, State University of New York, at the University of Southern California and at the RAND Corporation in Santa Monica, California. Dr. Salvy has won several awards including the American Psychological Association Outstanding Dissertation Award and the University at Buffalo Exceptional Scholar Award. Dr. Salvy’s work focuses on social determinants of health and obesity, as well as social regulation of behavioral, metabolic, and inflammatory markers of obesity in children, adolescents and adults. She is particularly interested in applying these models to understand intergenerational transmission of obesity, and in implementation science related to developing scalable, sustainable and cost effective models of obesity prevention implemented in infancy. Funding Sources: Current Co-I: R01DK103106-01A1 (PI:Goran) Home Intervention for Reducing Sugary Drinks & Obesity in Hispanic Women-Infants. Co-I: R01MD010358-A1 (Co-I: Goran & Allayee) Nutrigenetic Intervention to Reduce Liver Fat in Hispanics. Pending Multi-PI: R01HD092483 (Co-I: de la Haye) In-home obesity prevention to reach low-income infants through maternal and social transmission. Multi-I: PCORI 2016C2-1507-31367 (Co-I: de la Haye) Effectiveness of an in-home childhood obesity prevention program to decrease disparities among low-income infants and their families. Co-I: DOD Clinical Trial PR161557 (Co-I: Peterson) Using Early Time-Restricted Feeding and Timed Light Therapy to Improve Glycemic Control in Adults with Type 2 Diabetes. Completed Research Co-I: 5U54HD070725 (Co-I: de la Haye) Health Support Networks for Preventing Childhood Obesity in Home Visitation Programs. PI: 8UL1TR000130 Integrating Childhood Obesity Prevention into Home Visitation Programs. Co-I: R01HD064958 (Co-I: Roemmich) Non-Shared Environments and Discordance of Obesity in Adolescent Siblings. PI: R01HD057190 The Role of Peer Relations on Youth Eating and Choices of Activities. PI: R03 HD056059-01 (Salvy) Peer Influence on Eating Behavior in Overweight and Normal Weight Youths. Co-I: 38846 (Co-I: Epstein) Cost-Effectiveness of Family-Based Pediatric Obesity Treatment. PI: 39297 Effects of Social-Skills Training on Recreational Activities in Youths

Research and Relationship to DRC Effort: Dr. Salvy’s current research capitalizes on the strengths of nationwide home visitation programs to deliver childhood obesity prevention implemented in infancy to address intergenerational transmission of obesity and associated conditions like diabetes and cardiometabolic disease. Specifically, her ongoing research assesses a targeted approach (dietary sugar reduction) for addressing obesity and metabolic risk in low-income Hispanic post-partum mothers and their infants, using the home visiting program infrastructure. Dr. Salvy is also currently working on a nutrigenetic clinical trial to determine whether dietary sugar reduction is beneficial to Hispanic pediatric patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) as a function of genotype.

Core Usage: Dr. Salvy uses the ITC Core for Intervention; Development and Implementation; Measurement; and Recruitment and Retention services. DRC Collaborations: Dr. Salvy is new to UAB but already collaborates with several DRC members. Dr. Salvy has grant and publication collaborations with Drs. Chandler-Laney, and Peterson, and has 1 diabetes-related publication in the past five years.

Name/Degree/Title: Paul W. Sanders, MD; Professor, Nephrology

Role in DRC: Senior Scientist in Diabetes Complications

Background and Interests: Dr. Paul Sanders is Professor of Medicine and holder of the Thomas E. Andreoli Endowed Chair in Nephrology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). He is also Chief of the Renal Section at the Birmingham Veterans Affairs Medical Center and is Director of the Nephrology Research and Training Center at UAB. After completing a residency in Internal Medicine and fellowship in Nephrology at UAB, Dr. Sanders has remained on faculty and has risen in the ranks to his present position. He has received a number of honors that include election into Alpha Omega Alpha and the American Society for Clinical Investigation. He is Fellow of the American College of Physicians and American Heart Association. His research has been funded for almost three decades by the Department of Veterans Affairs and by the National Institutes of Health. Dr. Sanders has served on numerous grant review committees for the National Institutes of Health, National Kidney Foundation, American Heart Association, American Society of Nephrology, and the Department of Veterans Affairs. He has authored 114 peer-reviewed articles and 54 book chapters and editorials. As a translational researcher, he investigates 1) the pathogenesis of kidney diseases associated with immunoglobulin light chains, 2) the endothelial cell responses to dietary salt and potassium intake, 3) mechanisms of salt sensitivity and salt-sensitive hypertension, 4) mechanisms of acute and chronic kidney injury and 5) diabetic kidney disease and associated cardiovascular complications.

Funding: Current Co-PI: 2P30 DK79337. (PI: Agarwal). “UAB-UCSD O’Brien Core Center for Acute Kidney Injury Research”. PI: 1 I01 CX001326. Department of Veterans Affairs Merit Award. “Low Molecular Weight Protein Nephrotoxicity” Co-PI: DOD PR130327 (PI: Murphy-Ullrich). “The Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Protein Calreticulin in Diabetic Chronic Kidney Disease.” Site-PI; 1 R01 HL126903-01A1 (PI: Agarwal, R). “ChLorthalidone In Chronic Kidney Disease (CLICK) Study”

Recently Completed PI: 1 1IP1 BX001595. “Novel Regulators of Vascular Disease”

DRC Core Use: My laboratory (i) provided novel insights into the pathogenesis of immunoglobulin light chain- related renal diseases (including AL-amyloidosis, monoclonal light chain deposition disease, proximal tubular cell activation and injury, and cast nephropathy); (ii) developed a unique inhibitor that prevents acute kidney injury from cast nephropathy; and (iii) advanced an innovative paradigm involving a central role of the endothelium in production of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β ) in response to changes in salt intake and a modulating role for nitric oxide (NO) in endothelial cell TGF- β1production. Recent projects include: 1) signal transduction events induced by salt ingestion and involving endothelial PTEN, eNOS, Akt, Pyk2, and c-Src; 2) the mechanism and consequences of vascular production of TGF-β1; and 3) the mechanisms by which light chain-induced oxidative stress activates Apoptosis Signal-Regulating Kinase 1 (ASK1), c-Src, NF-κB, and JAK2/STAT1 in renal epithelium. We are particularly interested in endothelial dysfunction, a product of diabetes mellitus, and the role the endothelium plays in the development of salt-sensitive hypertension. In addition, I mentor Dr. Caroline Marshall, a young faculty member who has a VA Career Development Award that investigates mechanisms of diabetic kidney disease.

All Publications (2012 to present): 35 publications (including in Adv Chronic Kidney Dis, Am J Cardio, Am J Kidney Dis., Am J Med., Am J Pathol., Kidney Int., Nephron, PLoS One)

Core Usage: N/A

DRC Collaborations: Dr. Sanders has grant and publication collaborations with Drs. Agarwal, Barnes, Y Chen, Cui, Darley-Usmar, Dell'Italia, Feng, Gutierrez, Hage, Kennedy, Marshall, Murphy-Ullrich, Oparil, and Szalai, and has 4 diabetes-related publications in the past five years.

Isabel C. Scarinci, PhD, MPH; Professor of Medicine, Preventive Medicine

Role in DRC: Senior Scientist in Interventions/Trials/Community Research

Background and Interests: Dr. Scarinci is a behavioral scientist with a deep commitment to the elimination of cancer disparities in the U.S. and in low- and middle-income countries. The focus of her research is on the application of behavioral science to public health by promoting behavior change at the population level. Her primary area of interest is development, implementation, and evaluation of theory-based, culturally relevant and sustainable interventions in cancer prevention and control (including tobacco control) among low-income, racial/ethnic minorities, and immigrant populations (particularly Latinos and African Americans (AA)) in the U.S. and vulnerable populations abroad. She leads/co-leads a number of multi-institutional research and capacity building programs focusing on cancer disparities, including minority-serving institutions in U.S. and other academic institutions in low- and middle-income countries. She is also very dedicated to community service. One example of her community work is a 12-year program to promote breast and cervical cancer screening among Latina immigrants in Alabama that relies 100% on the work of committed volunteers – Sowing the Seeds of Health. She is currently the Honorary Consul of Brazil to Alabama, and serves on the Advisory Committee on Minority Health at the Office of Minority Health, Department of Health and Human Services. Funding: Current PI: NIH/FIC R01TW009272 "Tobacco Control Network among Women in Parana, Brazil – II" PI: Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation CGA-2016-AL100-UNDP73-00003 "Sowing the Seeds of Health: Latina Lunches IV" Co-PI: NCI P20CA192973 "1/2 The Alabama State University/UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center Partnership" Co-PI: NCI U54CA118948 "Morehouse School of Medicine/Tuskegee University/University of Alabama Cancer Center Partnership: Planning and Evaluation Core" Co-PI: Subproject PI: NIMHD P60MD000502 "Comprehensive Minority and Health Disparities Research Center - Phase III - HPV Vaccination Among Daughters of Latina Immigrants Core" Co-PI: Supplement NIAID/NIH P30CA013148 "Comprehensive Cancer Center Core Support Grant" Co-PI: Subcontract NIH U54CA164336 Co-I: U54MD008620 "National Transdisciplinary Collaborative Center for African American Men's Health" Co-PI: U54MD008176 "Mid-South Transdisciplinary Collaborative Center for Health Disparities Research" Co-PI: NIH U54CA153719 (Sponsor: NIH); "Deep South Network for Cancer Control" Pending PI: Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation "Sowing The Seeds of Health: Expansion of the Latina Lunches Program" Co-PI: RNIH 21CA217638 "Development, Implementation, and Evaluation of a Smoking Cessation Intervention Tailored to Rural Young Adult African American Men: Toward Scalability" Co-I: NCI P30CA013148 "Comprehensive Cancer Center Core Support Grant - Administrative Core"

Research and Relationship to DRC Effort: Dr. Scarinci’s work on tobacco control, although in the context of cancer prevention and control, applies to diabetes and cardiometabolic diseases. She currently has a R01 on examining the efficacy of a gender-relevant tobacco cessation through a group randomized trial in Brazil. She also has a Research Project (within a P60 funded by the NIMHD) to promote HPV vaccination among daughters of Latina immigrants. As part of the control group, they have an intervention to promote healthy eating among mothers and daughters, which is associated with diabetes prevention efforts.

All Publications (2012 to present): 26 publications (including AJPM, BMC Obesity, Am J Med, Cancer, Ethn Dis, JCTS, Women Health); 7 publications are diabetes related. Core Usage: Dr. Scarinci uses the Interventions and Translation Core. DRC Collaborations: Dr. Scarinci has grant and publication collaborations with Drs. Bae, Baskin, Cherrington, Durant R, Dutton, Fouad, Moellering, Pisu, Shikany, Weech-Maldonado, and Willig. Name/Degrees/Title: Bisakha Sen, PhD; Professor, Health Care Organization and Policy

Role in DRC: Senior Scientist in Interventions/Trials/Community Research

Background and Interests: I received my PhD from the Department of Economics, Ohio State University. I specialize in health economics, health services research and health policy. My primary research interest is exploring how policies and interventions may be used to improve outcomes for vulnerable populations with respect to nutrition, physical activity, medication adherence and appropriate use of preventive healthcare. I have considered diabetes as one of the outcomes of interest in my research on obesity-related chronic disease. Additionally, in the course of my research on medication adherence among vulnerable populations, I have undertaken projects centered upon medication adherence among dual-eligible, elderly diabetic population in the Deep South.

Funding Source: Current Co-I: NCCDPH/CDC/U58DP005814 "Birmingham REACH for Better Health" PI: Component Project: AL Dept of Public Health C60112018 “The Impact of the Mental Health Parity & Addiction Equity Act on Costs and Utilization Patterns among ALL Kids Enrollees.” funded under ‘All Kids Special Projects for Health Services Research’ Co-I: "Gulf States Collaborative Center for Health Policy Research (Gulf States CC).” PI: "Social-Ecological Stressors, Obesity-Risk & Racial Disparities in Obesity: A Longitudinal Study using NLSY97 Data." Co-I: NIA/NIH/F31AG052276 "Effects of Medicare Reimbursement Policies on the Quality of Hospital Care" Pending PI: National Acad of Sciences "A Multi-Faceted Approach to Understanding & Helping Improve Resiliency to Disasters Among the Elderly in Louisiana"

Research and Relationship to DRC Effort: Funded by the CDC, ‘Birmingham REACH’ is an academic- community partnership that aims to reduce racial and ethnic disparities in obesity-related chronic diseases – such as diabetes -- by improving opportunities for nutrition and physical activity in disadvantaged urban communities. My role in the project is leading the evaluation component that measures the effectiveness of various community-level interventions aimed at improving access to nutrition and physical activity. ‘Social- Ecological Stressors’ is a pilot grant funded by Mid-South TCC, UAB, where I am investigating whether exposure to stressors like violence in early life predict obesity and chronic diseases like diabetes in later life.

All Publications (2012 to present): 42 publications (including Health, Pediatrics, Clin Pediatrics, Obesity, Am J Pub Health, Journal of Health Administration Education).

Core Usage: Dr. Sen plans to use the Interventions and Translation Core.

DRC Collaborations: I am collaborating with Dr. Mona Fouad and Dr Monica Baskin for Birmingham REACH. Dr Fouad is PI of the project. I have grant and publication collaborations with Drs. Affuso, Allison, Baskin, Casazza, Durant N, Dutton, Fontaine, Kilgore, Levitan, Locher, Mehta, Michael, Pekmezi, Smith, and Weech- Maldonado, and have 17 diabetes-related publications in the past five years.

Name/Degrees/Title: Dr. Bingdong Sha, Ph.D.; Professor, Dept. of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology Role in DRC: Scientist, Molecular Signaling Background and Interests: I received extensive protein crystallography training during my graduate and postdoctoral research. At the University of Alabama at Birmingham, I have been working on the structure and function relationship for molecular chaperones throughout my career. We have successfully demonstrated how Hsp40 interacts with its peptide substrate and Hsp70 by presenting the crystal structures of the Hsp40-peptide substrate complex and the Hsp40-Hsp70 complex. We have identified the peptide substrate for PERK luminal domain and determined the crystal structure of PERK luminal domain and peptide complex. The complex structure and the structure-based mutagenesis studies provided strong support for our ligand-driven hypothesis for ER stress activation. We strive to understand the mechanism how misfolded proteins activate UPR pathway upon ER stress and how the UPR is regulated. Knowledge of these mechanisms has important implications for diabetes and cardiometabolic disease therapies.

Funding: Current

PI: R01GM080261, “Structural and Functional Studies for Mitochondrial Protein Translocations’”

Pending PI: R01GM124116, “ER Stress Activation”. PI: AHA, “ER Stress Activation and Regulation”.

Recently Completed

Research and Relationship to DRC Effort: Our laboratory has a broad interest in protein folding and protein dynamics, which has broad applications in understanding the processes involved in diabetes and cardiometabolic disease. ER stress and UPR signaling pathway represent one of the major directions of our laboratory. We utilize structural biology and other biochemical studies to investigate the mechanisms how molecular chaperones and protein translocons achieve their biological functions.

Publications (2012-present): Dr. Sha has 2 publications in the recent past in Acta Crystallographica Section:F Structural Biology Communications.

DRC Core Use: Dr. Sha plans to use the BARB core for enzyme activity assays, tissue/mitochondrial isolation and consultation services.

DRC Collaborations: Dr. Sha has 1 diabetes-related publication in the past five years and collaborates with Dr. Garvey.

Name/Degrees/Title: Anath Shalev, MD; Professor of Medicine, Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism; Director of UAB Comprehensive Diabetes Center

Role in DRC: Senior Scientist in Islet Cell Biology; Enrichment Core Director; Member DRC Leadership and Pilot & Feasibility Scientific Review Committee

Background and Interests: Dr. Shalev is a professor in the Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism and the Director of the UAB Comprehensive Diabetes Center. Dr. Shalev received her MD from the University of Basel Medical School in Switzerland and then completed her residency in Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Basel, Switzerland. She then completed a Postgraduate Scholarship in Experimental Medicine and Biology, University of Zurich, Switzerland. In 1995, she came to the U.S. for a Research Fellowship at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston. She then went to NIH to do a fellowship in Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, NIDDK, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda. In 2002, she took a faculty position in Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. In 2010, Dr. Shalev was recruited to UAB to direct the UAB Comprehensive Diabetes Center and to expand UAB’s growing repertoire of beta cell biology experts.

Funding: Current PI: R01 DK078752, “TXNIP Regulation of Endogenous Beta Cell Mass” Co-I: R01 DK107441, “A Novel Role of IGF-1 Receptor in Growth Hormone Action” PI: UC4 DK104204, “Targeting TXNIP to Enhance Beta Cell Mass in T1D Co-I: P30 DK079626 “Diabetes Research Center” PI: 3-SRA-2014-302-M-R, “Repurposing of Verapamil as a Beta Cell Survival Therapy in T1D Completed since January 2012 PI: JDRF 40-2011-1, “Promote beta-Cell Survival by Blocking TXNIP: Role of Calcium Channel Blocker” PI: ADA 7-07-CD-22, “Islet Cell Growth and Function: The Role of Thioredoxin-Interacting Protein”

Research and Relationship to DRC Effort: Dr. Shalev’s laboratory is dedicated to studying beta cell biology as the loss of pancreatic beta cells by programmed cell death (apoptosis) is a key feature of diabetes. Therefore, finding a target that could be used to block beta cell apoptosis and thereby preserve the patient’s own beta cell mass and insulin production would represent a major breakthrough for diabetes therapy. However, the mechanisms involved in beta cell death are not well understood and many DRC collaborators are working to address this challenge.

Publications (2012-present): 17 publications (including Nature Medicine, Diabetes, Molecular Metabolism)

DRC Core Use: Dr. Shalev uses the Human Core for the ongoing JDRF-funded clinical trial Analytical and Glucose Metabolism services. Dr. Shalev also uses the Animal Core for Transgenic and Body Composition services.

DRC Collaborations: Dr. Shalev has established a strong collaboration with Drs. Young and Chatham focused on the role of TXNIP in the cardiovascular system and some of this work was recently published in American Journal of Physiology - Heart and Circulatory Physiology. Dr. Shalev has grant and publication collaborations with Drs. Bailey, Ballinger, Carson, Chatham, J Chen, Y Chen, Cherrington, Darley-Usmar, Dell'Italia, Frank, Gamble, Garvey, Gower, G Jing, Jun HW, Kim, Lewis, Nagy, Ovalle, Ponnazhagan, Prabhu, Q Yang, Xu, and Young, and has 12 diabetes-related publications in the past five years.

Name/Degrees/Title: Richard Shelton, MD; Professor, Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology

Role in DRC: Senior Scientist in Integrative Metabolism

Background and Interests: Dr. Shelton is a physician-scientist with a research focus on the development of novel treatment interventions in depressed patients. After completing his training in Psychiatry in the Harvard/Longwood program, he was a research fellow in the intramural program at the NIH. He then joined the faculty in the Department of Psychiatry at Vanderbilt University. He came to UAB in 2012 to become the Charles Byron Ireland Professor and Vice Chair for Research for the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology. Dr. Shelton has been involved as PI or Co-I in over 100 funded research studies including 43 NIH grants. He has a strong interest in the interface between diabetes and depression. Since coming to UAB, Dr. Shelton has been involved in studies of diet and exercise intervention in obese depressed patients, the role of systemic inflammation linking diabetes, obesity, and depression, and novel biomarker studies. The latter includes an investigation of dysregulated microRNAs as factors linking Type I diabetes and depression.

Funding Source: Current Site PI: PCORI, “Augmentation versus Switch: Comparative Effectiveness Research Trial for Antidepressant Incomplete and Non-responders with Treatment Resistant Depression (ASCERTAIN-TRD)” Site PI: Alkermes, Inc., “A Phase 3 Efficacy and Safety Study of ALKS 5461 for the Adjunctive Treatment of Major Depressive Disorder” Site PI: Naurex, Inc., “Phase 2, Open Label Extension for Subjects with Inadequate/Partial Response to Antidepressants during the Current Episode of Major Depressive Disorder Previously Treated with GLYX13” Site PI: Genomind Inc., “An 8-Week Prospective, Randomized, Controlled, Single-Blind Trial of the Genecept Assay 2.0 vs. Treatment-as-Usual to Evaluate Efficacy of Assay-Guided Treatment in Adults with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)” Dr. Shelton is involved in 4 other clinical trials. Pending Co-PI: R21MH112014 (NIMH), “MicroRNA Mediators of Early Life Stress Vulnerability and Resilience,” Recently Completed PI: NIMH R01MH081235, Ziprasidone as adjunctive therapy in treatment resistant depression Co-PI: NIMH/Massachusetts General Hospital, Rapidly-acting treatments for treatment-resistant depression Site PI: Takeda, Ramelteon for depression; Site PI: Naurex, Inc., Rapastinel for treatment resistant depression Site PI: Otsuka, Relapse prevention study with aripiprazole in bipolar I depression; PI: Nestle’ Health, Cytokine analysis in depressed patients treated with l-methylfolate; Co-PI: Janssen, Validation study of a novel assessment tool for suicidal depressed patients; Site PI: Janssen, Intranasal esketamine in patients with treatment resistant depression; Site PI: Janssen, Intranasal esketamine in suicidal depression.

Research and Relationship to DRC Effort: Dr. Shelton’s research focuses on the development of novel ways to identify, treat, predict, and prevent depression, a major risk factor for diabetes. He has a strong interest in the interface of diabetes, obesity, and depression and is conducting novel biomarker and treatment studies.

Publications (2012-present): 44 publications (including PLoS ONE, JAMA, JAMA Psychiatry, Lancet Psychiatry, Obesity, J Diabetes Metab, J Psychopharmacol, Addict Behavior) 9 publications are diabetes related.

DRC Core Use: Dr. Shelton’s work has depended heavily on the on the Human Physiology Core (cytokine analysis, DXA scanning).

DRC Collaborations: Dr. Shelton collaborates extensively with Dr. Barbara Gower, Dr. Timothy Garvey, and Dr. Anath Shalev. This includes being a co-mentor with Dr. Garvey for a K23 recipient, Li, M.D., Ph.D., and being a co-PI with Dr. Shalev of a project focusing on the role if microRNAs in diabetes and depression. He has published and has conference abstracts with Drs. Gower and Garvey. Dr. Shelton also has grant and publication collaborations with Drs. Bae, Dwivedi, Fobian, Fontaine, and Gamble. Name/Degrees/Title: Lalita Shevde-Samant, Ph. D. Professor, Pathology

Role in DRC: Scientist, Molecular Signaling; Pilot and Feasibility Recipient

Background and Interests: I have trained in the area of cancer biology. My research program encompasses understanding mechanisms that regulate cancer progression, metastasis, and drug resistance. The goal is to derive mechanistic understanding of these processes and to develop new combinatorial therapies to increase our arsenal of cancer therapeutics. We are now in the process of determining the nexus of diabetes and cancer, in particular breast cancer, and its outcomes on metastasis and chemoresistance

Funding: Current PI: (R01 CA138850) Molecular determinants of breast cancer malignancy PI: NCI/NIH (R01 CA169202) Mechanisms of resistance to cancer therapeutics PI: DoD CDMRP (BC131845) Breast Tumor Tissue-Derived Hedgehog Morphogens Immunoedit the Polarization of Breast Cancer-Associated Macrophages Pending PI: NCI/NIH (R01) Mechanisms underlying hyperglycemia associated triple-negative breast cancer progression

Research and Relationship to DRC Effort: Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) is a growing public health problem that is directly associated with the risk of breast cancer occurrence and worsened breast cancer prognosis. Among all the breast cancer subtypes, diabetic patients present with a higher risk of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) relative to non-diabetic patients. Given the lack of targeted therapies available to TNBC patients, treatment complications are exacerbated in diabetic TNBC patients where the rate of recurrence is greater. Thus, diabetic, TNBC patients represent a very vulnerable patient population for whom successful therapy remains a challenge. Hyperglycemia, one of the main characteristics of diabetes, is considered one possible reason for worsened prognosis of breast cancer. Through multiple studies, it is established that the risk of death in breast cancer patients increases significantly with hyperglycemia. The molecular underpinnings of these outcomes present a gap in knowledge that needs intense investigation. We aim to comprehensively address the gap by focusing on understanding the effect of hyperglycemia on the outcome and disease progression of the TNBC subtype. Our sustained efforts have identified a determinative role for aberrantly activated Hedgehog (Hh) signaling in breast cancer progression and metastasis. We are following compelling leads from our investigations that clearly indicate deregulated activation of the Hh pathway in TNBC in conditions of hyperglycemia. We hypothesize that glucose exacerbates Hh signaling through O-Glc-NAc-ylation of the GLI transcription factors of the Hh pathway; this modification enhances the potency of Hh/GLI signaling culminating in chemoresistance under hyperglycemic conditions. We contend that inhibition of Hh signaling in hyperglycemic TNBC subjects offers an avenue to restore sensitivity to cytotoxic therapy. Outcomes from our research have the potential to unravel the molecular underpinnings of drug resistance inherent to tumor cells in hyperglycemic conditions. Using the FDA-approved Hh inhibitor, NVP LDE 225, we will investigate the benefit of improving the effectiveness of cytotoxic drugs concurrent with Hh inhibition. We anticipate that our research will aid in the identification of targetable entities that will allow us to make an informed decision on how to best overcome the protective effects of diabetes on the response of TNBC to conventional chemotherapeutics.

Publications (2012-present): 34 Publications (including Int J Canc, Trends in Cancer, Oncotarget, Scientific Reports, PLoS One).

Core Usage: Not Applicable

DRC Collaborations: Collaborations with Dr. Stuart Frank and Dr. Kirk Habeggar have been particularly helpful in understanding the various models of diabetes that are used. In particular, determining their applicability to cancer was a very relevant aspect of discussions. The pending R01 application is in collaboration with Dr. Habeggar. I have grant and publication collaborations with Drs. Bae and Barnes in the past five years. Name/Degrees/Title: James M. Shikany, DrPH, PA-C, FAHA; Professor, Preventive Medicine Role in DRC: Senior Scientist in Integrative Metabolism Background and Interests: I am a Professor of Medicine in the Division of Preventive Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) School of Medicine. I have more than 23 years of experience in the conduct and management of large, long-term, multi-center clinical trials, longitudinal studies, and dietary interventions related to diabetes risk/protective factors, such as overweight/obesity, diet, and physical activity, as well as diabetes-related comorbidities, including dyslipidemia, hypertension, and coronary heart disease.

Funding Source: Current (select – see biosketch) PI: NIH (NIAMS) U01AG042140 "Osteoporotic Fractures in Men (MrOS) Renewal – Birmingham" PI: NIH (NHLBI) HHSN268201300 "Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) Study – Coordinating Center" PI: NIH (NHLBI)/Northwestern University (UAB subcontract) 16SDG27250022 "Proteomic Analysis of Apolipoprotein A-1, HDL Efflux, and Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease" PI: NIH/Northwestern University (UAB subcontract) 5F32HL129695-02, "The Role of Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor-1 in the Development and Progression of Obesity" PI: NIH (NHLBI)/Kaiser Permanente (UAB subcontract) R01DK106201 "Pregnancy-Related Risk Factors and Glucose Tolerance in Women during Midlife" Pending (select) PI: AHA/University of California, San Diego (UAB subcontract) "Associations between Dietary Intake, the Microbiome, Obesity and Cardiovascular Health Outcomes" PI: NIH (NHLBI)/University of Minnesota (UAB subcontract) "Caloric and Non-caloric Sweeteners and the Distribution of Adipose Tissue" PI: NIH (NHLBI)/Harvard University (UAB subcontract) "Molecular Markers of Early Cardiometabolic Health Transitions in the CARDIA Study" Completed (Select Diabetes-Related since Jan 2012) PI: NIH (NHLBI)/Kaiser Permanente (UAB subcontract) R56HL125423 "10-Year Changes in Objectively- Measured Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior in the CARDIA Cohort" PI: NIH/Kaiser Permanente (UAB subcontract) 115-9488-02/21096 "Lactation and Incidence of Diabetes Mellitus in CARDIA Women"

Research and Relationship to DRC Effort: My research interests focus on risk factors for the development of cardiometabolic disease, including diabetes. As a nutritional epidemiologist, I have studied the associations of diet with risk factors for and complications of diabetes, including obesity and dyslipidemia. In addition, I have led studies which have investigated the evolution of diabetes and its complications, including examining racial disparities. I am Principal Investigator of the Coordinating Center for the NIH-funded Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) study, which investigates the evolution of coronary heart disease and its risk factors, an important complication of diabetes. I am Principal Investigator of the NIH-funded National Transdisciplinary Collaborative Center for Research on African American Men’s Health, which seeks to address health disparities in conditions affecting African American men on a national scope, including chronic diseases such as diabetes. I am the subcontract Principal Investigator of the NIH-funded CARDIA ancillary study, Pregnancy-Related Risk Factors and Glucose Tolerance in Women during Midlife, evaluating the relationship of pregnancy-related weight gain components to the progression of glucose intolerance in midlife.

Publications (2012 to present): 58 publications (including JAMA, Am J Public Health, Br J Nutr, Sleep, Stroke, Am J Clin Nutr, Nutrition, Ann Epidemiology); 29 publications are diabetes related.

Core Usage: Dr. Shikany uses the ITC Core for Intervention; Development and Implementation; Measurement; Recruitment and Retention; Evaluation; and Data Management services.

DRC Collaborations: Dr. Shikany has grant and publication collaborations with Drs. Ahmed, Akinyemiju, Allison, Aslibekyan, Bae, Baskin, Bittner, Brown, Calhoun, Carson, Chandler-Laney, Cherrington, Durant N, Durant R, Dutton, Fernandez, Fontaine, Fouad, Funkhouser, Garvey, Gower, Gutierrez, G Howard, VJ Howard, Irvin, Levitan, Lewis, Locher, Pisu, D Pollock, J Pollock, Redden, and Scarinci, and has 29 diabetes- related publications in the past five years. Name/Degrees/Title: Daniel L. Smith, Jr., BS, MS, MS, PhD; Assistant Professor, Nutrition Sciences

Role in DRC: Mentored Scientist in Integrative Metabolism

Background and Interests: Dr. Smith obtained his PhD in 2007 at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville. There he studied the genetic and molecular basis of calorie restriction using the chronological aging yeast model, which highlighted the importance of carbohydrate type and amount in cellular health and survival. He completed a postdoc on a T32 training grant at UAB with DRC members, Drs. TR Nagy and DB. Allison. He studies the effects of nutrition and metabolism on obesity related outcomes and longevity including studies of calorie restriction, brown adipose tissue, and diet-induced obesity animal models. He has tested pharmaceuticals used for diabetes control (metformin and acarbose) as potential calorie restriction mimetics. His research focuses on nutrition and metabolism in aging and disease, using both calorie restriction and diet- induced obesity models.

Funding Source: Current PI: Ellison Medical Foundation, “Preservation of glucose homeostasis with acarbose for lifespan extension” Co-PI: R01AG043076 “Constructing gene-regulatory networks to reveal the metabolic basis of lifespan in yeast” Co-I: R01OD011415 “Energetics, disparities, & lifespan: a unified hypothesis” Co-I: P30AG050886 "Comparative Energetics and Aging, Nathan Shock Center of Excellence in the Basic Biology of Aging" Pending Co-PI: NIH R01 DK112263 Brown Adipose Tissue Amount and Function Following Spinal Cord Injury PI: NIH DP2 Energy Balance and Age-related Disease: An Alternative Examination of the Obesity Paradox Co-I: NIH R01AG056435 (PI: Hartman) Discovery of Genetic and Metabolic Network Dynamics to Explain Complex Aging Phenotypes in Response to Gene and Nutrient Perturbations Co-I: NIH R21 (PI: Norian) Identifying outcome mediators of calorie restriction mimetic use in renal cancer” Recently Completed Co-I: R01AG33682 (PI: Allison), “Body composition, energetics, and longevity” PI: The Obesity Society, “Reduced ambient temperature as a confounding agent in obesity drug discovery” PI: UAB NORC Pilot, “Diet and husbandry optimized for growth and reproduction in zebrafish (D. rerio) as a predictor of reduced health and longevity” Co-I: DRTC Pilot & Feasibility grant, “In vivo determination of brown adipose tissue and adipocyte cell size using MRI”

Research and Relationship to DRC Effort: Dr. Smith is interested in effects of calorie restriction on energetics and metabolism, and the role of brown fat in energy homeostasis and disease susceptibility. His current research uses acarbose and metformin to mimic caloric restriction in laboratory models. Studies include the application and development of non-invasive, magnetic resonance imaging for in vivo assessment of brown adipose tissue amount and functional characteristics. Dr. Smith is working with Dr. Ceren Yarar- Fisher to measure brown adipose tissue as a potential contributor to increased diabetes and cardio-metabolic disease risks in subjects with high anatomic level spinal cord injury. With Drs. Allison and Nagy, Dr. Smith continues to study the effects of changes in metabolism through temperature manipulations or altered day:light lengths for long-term effects on health and cardiometabolic disease risk. All Publications (2012 to present): 17 publications (including Obesity, Zebrafish, Aging, Eur J Clin Invest, Nutr Healthy Aging); 14 publications are diabetes related. Core Usage: Dr. Smith is a frequent user of the Animal Physiology Core (Dr. Tim Nagy) for his animal studies on body composition, energy metabolism, glucose homeostasis, and metabolic imaging. Additionally, the Human Physiology Core (Dr. Barbara Gower) has assisted with serum analyte measurements for ongoing studies, with Dr. Douglas Moellering assisting with mitochondrial and redox measures in the BARB Core. DRC Collaborations: Dr. Smith has grant and publication collaborations with Drs. Allison, Austad, Ballinger, Bamman, Barnes, Biga, Casazza, Chandler-Laney, Darley-Usmar, Durant N, Dutton, Fernandez, Fisher, Fontaine, Gamble, Garvey, Halade, Hartman, G Hunter, Javed, Kesterson, Mehta, Messina, Moellering, Nagy, Norian, Plaisance, Sen, Sun, Tollefsbol, Wyss, Yarar-Fisher, and Young. Name/Degree/Title: Robert E. Sorge, PhD; Assistant Professor, Psychology

Role in DRC: Scientist in Diabetes Complications

Background and Interests: In 2012 I came to UAB and started my own lab that is generally focused on immune system contributions to both pain and addiction. In my time here at UAB, we have published a number of high profile papers that have highlighted; the sex difference in the immune system cells that mediate chronic pain (Nature Medicine), the finding that olfactory cues from male animals (including humans) causes a stress- induced analgesia in mice (Nature Methods), and the impact of a Western diet on recovery from injury in mice (Journal of Pain). Currently my lab is focused on the role that diet plays in recovery from injury in the peripheral and central nervous systems. We are continuing to use animal models and have recently also completed a clinical trial testing the potential of a diet intervention to reduce knee osteoarthritis pain in older adults.

Funding Current PI: Rita Allen Scholars and American Pain Society. “Immune System Modulation of Pain via Diet .” Co-I: (R01NS092651) “Smad signaling in skeletal muscle as a biomarker of disease progression in ALS”

Pending PI: Safer Analgesia Due To Baclofen and Opioid Interactions

Recently Completed PI: International Association for the Study of Pain Early Career Award. The effect of diet and dietary intervention on behavioral and physiological indices of pain in rats PI: UAB College of Arts and Sciences Interdisciplinary Award. “The effects of diet on behavioral and physiological markers of pain”

Research and Relationship to DRC Effort: My current research interests center on the impact that diet has on our immune system and how this relates to experienced pain. The preclinical work in my lab is focused on both diet intervention and on the peripheral and central immune system effects of a poor quality American diet. We are interested in metabolic changes as they relate to inflammatory diseases and biomarkers for diabetes mellitus. Our clinical work is currently investigating the potential of diet interventions to reduce pain and/or inflammation that accompanies knee osteoarthritis. The early data look promising and we anticipate a large NIH grant to carry on this critical work.

Publications (2012 to present): 19 publications (including Ann Rheum Dis., J Neurosci., Nat Med, Pain, PNAS).

Core Usage: Dr. Sorge uses the Human Core for Analytical services; the Animal Core for Body Composition and Consulting services; and the ITC Core for Measurement, Evaluation and Data Management services.

DRC Collaborations: My initial exposure to the science of diet and inflammation came from a discussion with Barbara Gower in 2013. Since that time, I have worked with Barbara extensively and we have one manuscript published, one under review, two submitted grants (unfunded), one planned submission (June 2017), two specially-formulated experimental diets, one clinical trial and three successful grant applications as a result of our collaboration. I have also been working with Lyse Norian for just over a year. We have been using our developed diets to investigate the potential of diet to alter the progression of kidney cancer. We have some promising new data and will be moving this forward to at least one manuscript and a grant application. Finally, for the past 2 years I have been working with Steve Watts to develop a zebrafish-based model of pain. We received a grant to develop this model that was recently submitted for publication. This work has developed into a much greater collaboration than anticipated and we continue to examine how diet affects pain response in zebrafish. I have grant and publication collaborations with Drs. Gower, and Tse, and 2 diabetes-related publications in the past five years. Name/Degree/Title: Joshua S. Speed, PhD; Instructor, Nephrology Role in DRC: Scientist in Diabetes Complications Membership in Another NIDDK-Funded Center at UAB: (1) Nutrition and Obesity Research Center (NORC), DK056336; (2) O’Brien Core Center for Acute Kidney Injury, DK079337

Background and Interests: Joshua Speed earned his B.S. in Chemistry from Belhaven University in 2005 and his Ph.D. in Physiology and Biophysics from the University of Mississippi Medical Center in 2011. He continued his pursuit of an academic career through a postdoctoral fellowship that began at Augusta University and was completed in 2015 at the University of Alabama at Birmingham in the Cardio-Renal Physiology and Medicine section within the Division of Nephrology. Dr. Speed joined the Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology at UAB in 2015 as an instructor where he was funded by a Scientist Development Grant from the American Heart Association. Currently, he is funded by a K99/R00 from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Dr. Speed is currently pursuing translational research determining the effects of dietary salt intake on obesity and metabolic syndrome risk. He aims to determine mechanisms by which high salt intake affects lipid metabolism and may contribute to the development of insulin resistance and obesity.

Funding Current PI: NIH/NHLBI- K99 HL127178, “Endothelin: Mechanisms in Hypertension and Obesity”

Research and Relationship to DRC Effort: The major goal of my research revolves around pathophysiology associated with high salt intake, which includes insulin resistance and cardiometabolic dysfunction. The hypothesis of my current funding is that high dietary sodium has a major negative impact on metabolism and promotes the development of obesity. Preliminary experiments determined that vascular endothelial cell specific ET-1 knockout mice (VEET KO) have greater adiposity than the floxed controls when they were placed on a chronic high salt diet. This observation has led me down the path of high salt effects on lipid metabolism and understanding the pathophysiology of obesity.

All Publications (2012 to present): 17 Publications (including in Am J Physiol Renal Physiol., FASEB J, Life Sci, Semin Nephrol.).

Core Usage: Dr. Speed’s research has benefited greatly from the use of two cores. First, the Animal Physiology Core directed by Dr. Tim Nagy has measured body composition in an adipocyte specific endothelin A receptor knockout mouse using quantitative echo MRI. In addition, Dr. Speed has utilized the Human Physiology Core directed by Dr. Barbara Gower for help measuring several metabolic parameters in plasma. These two cores are integral parts of Dr. Speed’s research plan.

DRC Collaborations: Dr. Speed has been in close collaboration with Dr. Karen Gamble to determine the impact of the time of day in which shift workers eat salt, and its contribution to cardiovascular disease and/or metabolic syndrome. He has had 1 manuscript with Drs. Karen Gamble and Martin Young and two conference abstracts with Dr. Martin Young. Dr. Speed has grant and publication collaborations with Drs. Bamman, D Pollock, and J Pollock, and has 5 diabetes-related publications in the past five years.

Name/Degrees/Title: Liou Sun, PhD.; Assistant Professor, Biology

Role in DRC: Mentored Scientist in Integrative Metabolism

Background and Interests: My research is to evaluate lifespan and health span of mice and rats for a mutation of GH signaling and dietary intervention, to learn more about how this intervention slows aging and prevents age-related diseases, including diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease I have a broad background in biology of aging, with specific training and expertise in key research areas of endocrinology. In previous research positions, I carried out studies on important interactions between hormonal signal, insulin action, stress responses and extended lifespan in mutant mice. At the UAB, I expanded my research to in the role of specific hormones as modulators of the aging process in a variety of models.

Funding: Current PI: K01 AG048264. “The effects of early life nutritional and hormonal signals on mammalian aging” PI: R56AG050531-01. “Methionine restriction and delay aging: a search for mechanisms”

Research and Relationship to DRC Effort: The long-term goal of our research is to understand the molecular mechanism of liver pathophysiology so novel strategies for the effective prevention and treatment of NAFLD can be developed. The objective of our research is to investigate in-depth the role of GH signaling in the development of NAFLD and understand its underlying molecular mechanisms utilizing both well- characterized and novel models of whole animal or tissue-specific alteration of GH signaling. The central hypothesis is that GH signaling plays a key role in NAFLD by regulating the hepatic stress signaling pathways, metabolic homeostasis and secretory activity of visceral adipose tissues.

Publications (2012-present): 16 Publications (including in Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab., Cell Metab, Front Endocrinol, PLoS One).

Core Usage: Our group is currently using the Animal Physiology Core, directed by Tim Nagy.

DRC Collaborations: Dr. Sun has grant and publication collaborations with Drs. Aslibekyan, Austad, Barnes, Smith, and Tollefsbol, and has 4 diabetes-related publications in the past five years.

Name/Degree/Title: Alexander J. Szalai, PhD; Professor, Immunology and Rheumatology

Role in DRC: Senior Scientist in Vascular Disease

Background and Interests: For more than 25 years the focus of my research has been on innate immunity and its contribution to the maintenance of health, the propagation of disease, and the tissue response to injury; much of my past and current efforts focus on vascular and metabolic diseases and signaling pathways that have clear implications for diabetes and its management. I’ve used a multi-pronged translational approach employing transgenic/knockout mice and human cells/DNA in studies aimed at revealing causal genotype/phenotype relationships. The genes, proteins, and diseases of interest I have studied are numerous and diverse but all have share one thing in common - an underlying inflammatory process. My early studies of CRP’s impact on the cardiovascular system led to studies of the role of CRP on renal health, including ones on diabetic nephropathy. I turned my growing interest and expertise towards the problem of acute kidney injury (AKI) and chronic kidney disease (CKD). Before my research, the possibility that CRP might have a causal role in AKI/CKD had never been considered. We have discovered a role for myeloid derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) in AKI and importantly, that CRP regulates MDSC actions in AKI. Of direct relevance to diabetes is our finding that the effect of CRP on MDSCs is dictated by the multifunctional kinase GSK3β, a signaling molecule implicated in diabetes and its metabolic complications.

Funding Current PI: R01 DK099092. “Role of C-reactive protein in acute kidney injury”

Recently Completed PI: American Heart Association. C-reactive protein mediated vascular injury: vasoprotective mechanisms PI: UAB-UCSD O’Brien Core Center for Acute Kidney Injury Research. Role of C-Reactive Protein in Acute Kidney Disease

Research and Relationship to DRC Effort: I have recently turned my growing interest and expertise towards the problem of acute kidney injury (AKI) and chronic kidney disease (CKD). Before my research, the possibility that CRP might have a causal role in AKI/CKD had never been considered. We have discovered a role for myeloid derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) in AKI and importantly, that CRP regulates MDSC actions in AKI. Of direct relevance to the DRC is our finding that the effect of CRP on MDSCs is dictated by the kinase GSK3β, a signaling molecule of direct relevance to diabetes and its complications. Thus as I pursue my ongoing studies of the role of MDSCs and cell signaling in CRP mediated exacerbation of AKI, my knowledge and expertise will be of continuing benefit to the DRC. The publication “Collaboration and Team Science: A Field Guide” (http://teamscience.nih.gov.) states “today it is widely accepted that collaborations become necessary whenever researchers wish to take their research programs in new directions”. This is a philosophy I strongly believe in and by interacting with other members of the DRC it would not be difficult to translate my findings into the diabetes realm.

Publications (2012-present: 18 Publications (including in Am J Physiol Renal Physiol., Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol., Biochem J., Clin Sci, J Am Soc Nephrol., J Nutr Metab).

Core Usage: Dr. Szalai uses the Animal Core for Imaging services.

DRC Collaborations: Dr. Szalai has grant and publication collaborations with Drs. Agarwal, Ashraf, Barnes, Calhoun, Darley-Usmar, Fisher, Gower, Hage, Kearney, Oparil, and Sanders, and has 4 diabetes-related publications in the past five years.

Name/Degree/Title: Elizabeth S. Sztul, PhD; Professor, Professor of Cellular, Integrative and Developmental Biology

Role in DRC: Senior Scientist, Molecular Signaling; Pilot and Feasibility Recipient

Background and Interests: Dr. Sztul completed her PhD at Yale University in 1984, investigating membrane trafficking proteins with Nobel Prize winner, Dr. G Palade. She then completed post-doctoral research in mitochondrial biogenesis with Dr. L Rosenberg, also at Yale University. Dr. Sztul became an Assistant Professor at Princeton University in 1989, and was awarded the Presidential Investigator Award from NSF at that time. She joined UAB as an Associate Professor in 1995 and became Professor in 2003. Dr. Sztul has discovered and/or characterized novel regulatory proteins, including the p115 tethering factor and its regulators, GM130, giantin and SNAREs, and provided key novel understanding of vesicle tethering and fusion. Furthermore, her studies of vesicle formation have uncovered crucial mechanistic insights into how vesicles are formed through the action of coats and regulatory proteins. Dr. Sztul’s findings represent a major contribution to current understanding of protein traffic regulation. Dr. Sztul has leveraged her expertise in membrane trafficking to probe mechanisms regulating cellular itineraries of clinically relevant proteins such as MDR (multi-drug resistance efflux pump), CFTR (defective in Cystic Fibrosis), ATP7A (defective in Menkes disease), GLUT4 (glucose transporter), ABCA1 (cholesterol efflux pump) and SSTR3 (defective in polycystic kidney disease). By identifying regulatory hubs for these proteins, she provided novel putative targets for future therapeutic means to regulate the transport of these proteins within a pathological context.

Funding: Current AHA 15GRNT25740020 Sztul (PI) Regulation of ABCA1 transporter cycling 7/01/15-6/31/17 1R01 AI125561 01 Sztul (co-PI) Role of Host GBF1 in enterovirus replication 6/01/16-5/31/21 MCB13-510 NSF Sztul (PI) Biophysical principles of vesicle coating 6/01/16-5/31/20 Pending 1R01 GM122802 Sztul (PI) Regulation of ARF signaling in vesicle formation 6/01/17-5/31/21 AHA Fellowship Sztul (Mentor) Novel regulators of ABCA1 trafficking 6/01/17-5/31/19 1R01 GNT12331836 Sztul (co-PI) Virus-specific Modifications of Secretory Pathway 6/01/17-5/31/22 Recently Completed NIH P60 DK079626-05 Sztul (investigator) UAB Diabetes Center Pilot, DRTC 3/01/12-08/30/13 CAS Interdisciplinary Team Award Sztul (PI) Principles of Vesicle Formation 10/15/14-10/15/15 NSF MCB1050852 Sztul (PI) Role of Sec7 exchange factors in membrane traffic 6/01/11-05/31/16

Research and Relationship to DRC Effort: Dr Sztul is a nationally recognized investigator who recently applied her expertise to GLUT4 vesicle trafficking and abnormalities that exist in insulin resistance and Type 2 Diabetes. The major goal of Dr. Sztul’s research is to understand how cells regulate protein trafficking in order to develop disease-specific therapies. Her research focuses mainly on two protein families: 1) tethering factors required for interactions between vesicle and organelle membranes, and 2) proteins that regulate cargo selection for transport. Homeostasis of blood glucose in mammals requires insulin-dependent translocation of GLUT4 from intracellular stores to the cell surface of adipocytes and muscle cells. Dysregulation of GLUT4 sorting to vesicles, as required for translocation, may represent a key factor underlying the development of type 2 diabetes. Therefore, with funding from a DRTC P&F Award, Dr. Sztul obtained preliminary data for future ADA and NIH (R01) applications to identify proteins facilitating sorting of GLUT4 to insulin-responsive vesicles as possible targets for clinical intervention in insulin-resistant Type 2 Diabetes.

Publications since 2012: 22 publications (Nature Cell Biol, AJP, J Biol Chem, and J Cell Sci)

DRC Core Use: Dr. Sztul has not used DRTC cores to-date, but plans to use the Animal Physiology Core for metabolic phenotyping of transgenic mice in the future.

DRC Collaborations: Dr. Sztul has grant and publication collaborations with Drs. Garvey and Ramanadham, and has 1 diabetes-related publication in the past five years.

Name/Degrees/Title: Denyse Thornley-Brown, MD; Professor, Division of Nephrology, UAB

Role in DRC: Senior Scientist, Interventions/Trials

Background and Interests: My background and training have centered around cardiometabolic disease, diabetes, and their associated complications. As a clinician educator, I endeavor to provide excellent care to my patients while helping to prepare the next generation of clinicians for the challenges and joys of clinical service. I am interested in clinical research in order to improve the lives of patients.

Funding: Current

Mallinckrodt ARD Inc. / Treatment of Proteinuria due to Treatment Resistant or Treatment Intolerant Idiopathic Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis: A 2 Part Prospective Study of HP Acthar® Gel (PODOCYTE). Sponsor: Mallinckrodt ARD Inc.

Pending ASCEND-D: Study in dialysis subjects with anemia of chronic kidney disease to assess safety and efficacy of daprodustat compared to erythropoietin. Sponsor: The GlaxoSmithKline group of companies

Wearable Cardioverter Defibrillator in Hemodialysis Patients (WEDHED) Study. Sponsor: Zoll Medical Corporation

Research and Relationship to DRC Effort: I have participated as a co-investigator in several multicenter studies including AASK, AASK Cohort, FIND and SPRINT. These studies have helped to elucidate the treatment of hypertension and to identify clinical and genetic risk factors for progression of chronic kidney disease in patients with hypertension and diabetes mellitus.

Publications (2012-present): Dr. Thornley-Brown has 10 articles published on the last five years in such journals as NEJM, J Am Soc Nephrol, Neurology, Curr Opin Nephrol Hypertens, PLoS Genetics and Clin J Am Soc Nephrol.

DRC Core Use: Dr. Thornley-Brown plans to use the ITC core for consulting services.

DRC Collaborations: Dr. Thornley-Brown has grant and publication collaborations with Dr. Oparil, and has 2 diabetes-related publications in the past five years. Name/Degree/Title: Trent E. Tipple, MD; Associate Professor of Pediatrics

Role in DRC: Scientist in Interventions/Trials/Community Research

Background and Interests: I have an intense interest in mechanisms mediating oxidative stress, and the responses and programming of macrophages under these conditions. As a neonatologist, I have studied the role of the thioredoxin (Trx) system in hyperoxic lung injury for the past 14 years and have demonstrated expertise in Trx redox signaling and in murine models of oxidant lung injury. K08 funding allowed me to study the role of Trx family proteins in brocho-pulmonary dysplasia (BPD). My currently funded R01 entitled “Targeting Thioredoxin Reductase-1 to Prevent Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia” investigates mechanisms by which thioredoxin reductase-1 disruption elicits pulmonary protection using murine models. Our studies have established effectiveness of Trx reductase-1 (TrxR1) inhibition to prevent lung injury in adult and neonatal pre- clinical models. As a result of my interactions within the Diabetes Research Center, I have become interest in oxidative stress and macrophage biology in insulin secretion and diabetes as described below.

Funding: Current PI: R01HL119280. Targeting Thioredoxin Reductase-1 to Prevent Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia Co-I: R01 HL1322343112763 “MicroRNA-29b in Neonatal Lung Disease” Pending

Cp-I- Project 2: UES 028181A “Novel Therapies of Bromine Induced Ocular and Pulmonary Injuries in Adult and Newborn Animals” Co-I: 1R01HL135112-01A1 (PI: Vitiello) Hyperoxic Modulation of Thioredoxin Signaling .

Research and Relationship to DRC Effort: My early work focused on elucidation of the effects of hyperoxia on the thioredoxin (Trx) system in adult and newborn lungs. The Trx redox couple is exquisitely sensitive to changes in oxygen tension in non-pulmonary diseases and Trx is a redox regulator of hypoxia-sensitive pathways that regulate normal lung development and are altered in bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). We identified persistent alterations in the Trx system, including Trx interacting protein (Txnip) in settings of altered oxygen tension in the lung in vivo and in lung epithelial cells in vitro. The selected publications characterize these changes, the potential for these changes to promote aberrant lung development, and identify the Trx system as a potential therapeutic target in diseases of oxygen-induced aberrant alveolar development. This body of work served as the basis for ongoing studies by myself and others focused on the specific mechanisms by which the Trx system regulates lung development. I have become interested in extending this work to diabetes, and the relevance is two-fold. First, Dr Shalev has demonstrated a role for TXBNIP in the impaired insulin secretion arising from ‘glucose toxicity’ in both T1DM and T2DM. I have entered a collaboration to study this further, and to use Trx reductase-1 (TrxR1) inhibitors as a novel approach for beta cell preservation and enhancing insulin secretion in diabetes. Second, we have shown that TrxR1 inhibitors affect pro-inflammatory NFkB signaling processes and Nrf2 activation in macrophages. This in turn impacts the inflammatory posture of macrophages and the M1 vs M2 phenotype. This has relevance to oxidative stress and inflammation in diabetes, at the level of the beta cell, vasculature, and in adipose tissue. I am collaborating with Dr. Tse to study TrxR1 inhibitors on Nrf2 activation on macrophages in this context.

All Publications(2012 to present): 17 publications (including in Acta Paediatr, J Nutr, Cell Physiol Biochem. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol).

Core Usage: We actively utilize and contribute to the Redox Biology Core. Our laboratory operates the Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) facility for the Redox Biology Core.

DRC Collaborations: I relocated to UAB in September 2014. I am currently performing collaborative exploratory studies with Dr. Hubert Tse and Dr. Anath Shalev to understand the effect(s) of TrxR1 inhibitors on pro-inflammatory NFkB signaling processes. I am also collaborating with Dr. A. Brent Carter to define the effects of TrxR1 inhibitors on Nrf2 activation in macrophages, including but not limited to: Th1 vs Th2 phenotype, pro-inflammatory vs. anti-inflammatory cytokine secretion, and phagocytic capacity. I have grant and publication collaborations with Dr. Agarwal. Name/Degree/Title: Hemant K. Tiwari, PhD; Professor, Biostatistics

Role in DRC: Senior Scientist in Epidemiology/Genetics

Background and Interests: Dr. Tiwari earned his PhD in pure mathematics and after teaching mathematics few years in several universities, he changed his career in statistical genetics in 1993. His research interests are in Genetic Linkage Analysis, Disequilibrium Mapping, Genome-Wide Association Studies, Structural variations, Epigenetics, pharmacogenetics/Pharmacogenomics, Gene expression, Exome sequencing, Pathway and network analysis, Bioinformatics, Metabolomics, and Population Genetics. Since moving to UAB in 2002, he has been collaborating in diabetes/ cardiometabolic disease investigations. Recently, he has received a multi-PI R01 to study “Epigenome modification by dietary pattern rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids”. The overall goal of the proposed research is to identify epigenetic factors underlying the relationship between metabolic health and the traditional Yup’ik Alaska Native diet, rich in n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) from marine mammals, fish, and other wild country (subsistence) foods.

Research and Relationship to DRC Effort: The role and importance of diet in preventing type 2 diabetes (T2D) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) has been important area of research for public health relevance. The overall goal of the currently funded R01 (PI: Tiwari, Absher, Boyer; Title: Epigenome modification by dietary pattern rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids) research is to identify possible genetic pathways associated with protection from T2D in Yup’ik (Alaska Native) people consuming a traditional diet that is rich in fish and marine mammals. The project is based on more than a decade of studies aimed at identifying dietary and behavioral factors that protect Yup’ik people from developing T2D and CVD in which we have reported that obese individuals consuming a Yup’ik diet exhibit cardioprotective lipid profiles and reduced inflammatory markers that may contribute to their low T2D prevalence (3%)

All Publications Published or In Press from Jan 2012 to present: 64 publications, including in J Diabetes, Diabetes, Circulation, Stroke, PLoS One, Pharmacogenet Genomics., Genet Epidemiol, Front Genet, Obesity, Nutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis, Int J Obes, Am J Hum Biol, Metabolism.

Core Usage: N/A

DRC Collaborations: Drs. H. Tiwari and Allison are collaborating on recently funded R01 (Epigenome modification by a dietary pattern rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids) to identify epigenomic biomarkers and biological mechanisms underlying the protective role of the Yup’ik (Alaska Native) traditional diet, rich in n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids from marine mammals and fish and is associated with protection from type 2 diabetes (T2D). Recently, Dr. Ballinger and Dr. Tiwari have submitted a proposal to NIH on cross- talk between mitochondria and nuclear genome to study metabolic changes due to specific mitochondrial background. Dr. Tiwari has grant and publication collaborations with Drs. Affuso, Allison, Aslibekyan, Barnes, Brott, Casazza, Cui, Darley-Usmar, Fernandez, Garber, Harper, Hidalgo, G Howard, VJ Howard, Irvin, Kabarowski, Kennedy, Kim, Prasain, Q Yang, and Yi, and has 22 diabetes-related publications in the past five years. Name/Degree/Title: Trygve Tollefsbol, PhD,DO; Professor, Department of Biology Role in DRC: Senior Scientist in Molecular Signaling Background and Interests: Dr. Tollefsbol trained as a Postdoctoral Fellow and Assistant Research Professor with National Academy of Science members at Duke U and the U of North Carolina. Prior to that, he earned combined doctoral degrees (PhD/DO) from the U of North Texas Health Sciences Center. He joined the UAB faculty as an Assistant Professor in 1998, and was promoted to Professor in 2008. Dr. Tollefsbol is internationally recognized for his pioneering research on epigenetic regulation of metabolism, cancer, and aging. He has edited and co-authored 14 books on topics related to methods for biological aging research, cancer epigenetics, epigenetics of aging, telomerase inhibition in cancer therapy, and epigenetic protocols. His research interests include cancer and aging epigenetics, cancer prevention, caloric restriction mechanisms, development of novel models for tumorigenesis and aging investigations, metabolic syndrome and studies of the telomerase gene. Furthermore, Dr. Tollefsbol’s research has implicated a decreased ability to activate glycolysis with aging as a contributor to cellular senescence. HIs primary focus is defining epigenetic mechanisms contributing to abnormal metabolism such as metabolic syndrome, aging, and cancer prevention. Funding: Current PI: 1R01CA204346-01 (Tollefsbol), “Early life prevention of breast cancer with combined epigenetic botanicals” PI: 1R01CA178441 (Tollefsbol) “Combinatorial epigenetic-based prevention of breast cancer” PI: American Institute for Cancer Research, “Epigenetics of early life exposure to cancer preventive cruciferous vegetables” Co-I: R01AG050567 (Sanders), “Histone H4 Lysine16 Acetylation in Aging and Lung Fibrosis” Co-I (Primary Mentor): 1K01 TW010271-01A1 (Akinyemiju), “Metabolic Syndrome and Epigenetic Markers of Breast Cancer in Nigerian Women” Co-I (Primary Mentor): 1K01AT009373 (Li), Epigenetic Mechanisms of Maternal Diets in Human Health and Disease Prevention 1R01CA129415 Tollefsbol (PI) NIH/NCI - Epigenetics of tea polyphenols in cancer prevention Research and Relationship to DRC Effort: While Dr. Tollesfbol’s grant funding has been mostly in the area of cancer, his work on the epigenetic regulation of the aging process is directly relevant to the insulin resistance and glucose intolerance that occurs with aging. The major focus of Dr. Tollefsbol’s research is dietary approaches using bioactive components to correct epigenetic aberrations, particularly pertaining to green tea polyphenols. Thus, his work is relevant to the genetic and environmental (epigenetic) influences at the interface of the risk for both metabolic diseases and cancer as a function of aging, and potential strategies to reverse these risks. Thus, Dr. Tollefsbol is exploring dietary interve, ntion into transgenerational epigenetics or early administration of bioactive dietary components to reduce health problems such as diabetes and cancer later in life. In addition, caloric restriction increases lifespan in many animal models, but the underlying mechanisms remain undefined. Dr. Tollefsbol is designing novel in vitro approaches to mimic caloric restriction in human cells in order to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms and assess the effectiveness of caloric restriction on human cells as related to diabetes. His lab is further exploring transgenerational effects of caloric restriction, especially as it pertains to epigenetics. This research will provide new insights into the epigenetic and genetic interactions that contribute to age-related disease, including diabetes, and will reveal potential dietary approaches for prevention. Publications (2012-present): 36 publications in journals such as Frontiers in Genetics, Epigenomics, F1000 Research, Gene and Methods Mol Biol. DRC Core Dr. Tollefsbol plans to use the Animal Physiology Core for metabolic and bioenergetic studies in rodent models and the REDOX Biology Core for studies of mitochondrial function and mtDNA damage.

DRC Collaborations: Dr. Tollefsbol has grant and publication collaborations with Drs. Akinyemiju, Allison, Austad, Bamman, Barnes, Cui, Darley-Usmar, De Luca, Halade, Hartman, G Hunter, Katiyar, Messina, Nagy, Smith, Sun, and Wyss, and has 9 diabetes-related publications in the past five years.

Name/Degree/Title: Hubert M. Tse, PhD; Associate Professor, Department of Microbiology Role in DRC: Scientist in Islet Cell Biology/Autoimmunity; Co-I in the DRC Enrichment Program; Pilot and Feasibility Recipient Background and Interests: Dr. Tse obtained his PhD in Microbiology and Immunology at the U of Colorado Health Sciences Center in 1999. He then received training in diabetes research as a postdoc and Research Assistant Professor at the Diabetes Center of the U of Pittsburgh and Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh under the leadership of Dr. Massimo Trucco. He was recruited to UAB as an Assistant Professor in 2009, and has since established a very productive research program. Dr. Tse is interested in the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) as signaling and effector molecules in the context of autoimmune responses in Type 1 Diabetes (T1D). His novel studies in NOD.Ncf1m1Jmice established the importance of redox-dependent signaling in T1D. Dr. Tse is now expanding on these studies, and has developed a unique T cell receptor transgenic mouse in order to explore the exact contribution of superoxide on innate and adaptive immune function in T1D. These transgenic mice will provide novel tools for examining differences in T cell receptor signaling in mice prone to developing autoimmune disease, and facilitate evaluation of antioxidant therapies for T1D. Funding: Current PI: ADA Career Development Award 7-12-CD-11, “The Synergism of Innate Immune-derived Reactive Oxygen Species and T cell Effector Responses in T1D” PI: NIH/NIDDK R01 DK099550, “Redox Regulation of Anti-Viral Responses in Type 1 Diabetes” PI: JDRF 1-SRA-2015-42-A-N, “Islet Encapsulation with Immunomodulatory Nanothin Coatings” Co-PI: JDRF 2-PNF-2016-322-S-B (Co-PIs: Korbutt, Kharlampieva), “Encapsulation of Neonatal Porcine Islets with Novel Nanothin Immunomodulatory Coating of Polyphenolic Antioxidant” Co-PI: NSF DMR 1306110 (Co-PI: Kharlampieva), “Dampening Autoimmunity with Encapsulated Autoantigens in Polyphenolic Capsules” Co-PI: JDRF (Co-PIs: Grey, Korbutt, Kharlampieva), “Encapsulation of Neonatal Porcine Islets with Novel Nanothin Immunomodulatory Coating of Polyphenolic Antioxidant” PI: ADA Junior Faculty Award 7-12-CD-11, “The Synergism of Innate Immune-derived Reactive Oxygen Species and T cell Effector Responses in T1D” Research and Relationship to DRC Effort: Dr. Tse investigates the role of ROS on immune responses responsible for β-cell destruction in T1D. Dr. Tse’s recent research demonstrated that NOD.Ncf1m1J mice are resistant to spontaneous and adoptive transfer of T1D due to their inability to synthesize superoxide. His novel line of research has demonstrated the importance of ROS as a pro-inflammatory “third signal” for T cell adaptive immune maturation and effector function in pro-inflammatory autoimmune-mediated diseases. Dr. Tse’s lab is now mechanistically determining the role of ROS in mediating T cell differentiation/plasticity and the activation of the Toll-like receptor innate immune signaling pathways in macrophages and dendritic cells. In addition Dr. Tse has initiated translational studies with superoxide dismutase mimetics (MnTE-2-PyP). These compounds ablate ROS and suppress aberrant T cell effector responses associated with inflammatory- mediated diseases such as T1D. New research in Dr. Tse’s lab will discern the importance of superoxide synthesis on anti-viral responses in T1D. This research will provide information regarding the potential value of immunotherapies targeting ROS generation and redox-sensitive signaling pathways for the treatment of T1D. Finally, Dr. Tse is involved in islet encapsulation of neonatal porcine and mouse islets with a novel biomaterial containing tannic acid, a unique antioxidant, to preserve pancreatic β-cell function in transplantation models. Publications (2012-present): 13 publications (including Free Radic Biol Med, Diabetes, J Immunol, JBC). DRC Core Use: Dr. Tse has utilized the Animal Physiology Core to generate preliminary data that resulted in a UAB DRTC P&F Award in 2011, and the REDOX Biology Core for measures of oxidative stress. He will be a heavy user of the Islet Biology Core for islet isolations and functional studies. DRC Collaborations: Dr. Tse collaborates with Drs. Ramanadham and Hunter to define how free radicals contribute to autoimmune and pancreatic β-cell responses in T1D. He is also collaborating with Drs. Wende and Habegger to determine the interplay of HIV anti-retroviral therapy, immunity, and metabolic perturbations due to a high fat diet. Dr. Tse has grant and publication collaborations with Drs. Casazza, Garvey, Habegger, C Hunter, G Hunter, Kearney, McCormick, Oster, Ponnazhagon, Ramanadham, Sorge, Wende, and Yother, and has 11 diabetes-related publications in the past five years.

Name/Degree/Title: T. Brooks Vaughan, MD; Associate Professor, Dept. of Medicine and Neurosurgery, Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism Role in DRC: Scientist in Interventions/Trials/Community Research Background and Interests: Dr. Vaughan received his MD from UAB in 2000. He then completed his residency in Internal Medicine and Pediatrics at the U of Minnesota, and a fellowship in Endocrinology at UAB. He transitioned to Assistant Professor in 2006. He has published papers on TZD effects on ovarian follicles and diabetic polyneuropathy. His is currently the primary attending physician in the Transition Clinic within the Multi-Disciplinary Diabetes Clinic, through for which he has designed and implemented a model treatment program to address the unique needs of adolescent patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes as they leave the pediatric setting and enter into the adult medical system. This clinical model is a collaborative effort between the pediatric and medicine Divisions of Endocrinology, and makes full use of diabetes educators, nutritionists, beahviorists, and other care providers. Dr. Vaughan has also served as the PI for several clinical trials investigating the safety and efficacy of pharmaceutical therapeutics for diabetes, as well as growth hormone deficiencies. Dr. Vaughan served as President of the Alabama Chapter of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (2008-2010). Funding: Current An Open Label-expanded Access Study of Pasireotide S.C. in Patients with Cushing’s Disease. Novartis Protocol SOM230B2406

A Blinded Placebo Controlled Single Ascending Dose Phase 1 for Safety, Tolerability, Pharmacokinetics, and Pharmacodynamics After Subcutaneous Administration of VRS-317 in Adults with Growth Hormone Deficiency. Versartis Protocol 11VR

An Open Label Study of the Efficacy and Safety of COR LUX (mifepristone) in the Treatment of the Signs and Symptoms of Endogenous Cushing’s Syndrome. Corcept Protocol C1073-400.

Research and Relationship to DRC Effort: Dr. Vaughan is a clinical investigator in the DRC as well as director of the Neurosurgical pituitary disorders clinic. Dr. Vaughan’s pituitary research has implications for diabetes and glucose metabolism as several studies have examined the effect of growth hormone and cortisol on insulin resistance and glycemic control. Publications (2008-present): 4 publications (including in BMC Endocrine Disorder, Endocr Pract, JClin Endo Metab). DRC Core Use: Dr. Vaughan will use the Interventions & Translation Core for queries of the system wide medical electronic record data. DRC Collaborations: Dr. Vaughan has worked closely with Dr. Ovalle, who directs the Diabetes and Endocrine Clinical Research Unit, and other colleagues in pediatric and adult diabetology (Ashraf, Mick, McCormick, Warriner, Clines, Frank). Dr. Vaughan has published with Dr. Ovalle. Dr. Vaughan has grant and publication collaborations with Dr. Irvin, and has 1 diabetes-related publication in the past five years.

Name/Degrees/Title: Praveen K. Vayalil, PhD; Researcher V, BARB Core facility, Department of Nutrition. Role in DRC: Mentored Scientist in Molecular Signaling Background and Interests: Dr. Vayalil received his PhD from University of Calicut, India for his research on the role of plant derived compounds and prevention of chemotherapy and radiation induced damages in cancer patients. During his career, he focused his research on the role of dietary and endogenous antioxidant/redox system on the etiology and prevention of chronic diseases. He has received numerous awards and honors and most recently, the department of defense awarded an Exploration-Hypothesis Development Award and Breakthrough Award (formerly Idea Award). Funding: Current • DOD-BCRP (02/30/2017-5-31-2020); Oncobioenergetics of breast carcinogenesis, (PI) • DOD – PCRP (9/2014–09/2016), Bioenergetics of stromal cells as a predictor of aggressive prostate cancer; (PI) • DOD – LCRP (2017-2018) Influence of Mitochondria on Lung Carcinogenesis. (PI). • DOD – LCRP (07/01/2017 - 06/30/2018) Bioenergetic Cooperation between Lung Cancer Cells and Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts. (PI). • DOD – BCRP (09/30/2017 – 09/29/2020) Reciprocal Bioenergetic Interactions between Breast Cancer Cells and Cancer-Associated Adipocytes. (PI). Research and Relationship to DRC Effort: Dr. Vayalil’ s major research interest is on recently introduced concept in oncology, the mitochondrial oncobioenergetics, through his pioneering research efforts. His hypothesis is that the flow of energy through the tissue fields of cancerization, which involves different cell types, governs the fate of carcinogenic processes. Each cell type achieves characteristic bioenergetic features as well as mutually interact bioenergetically that promotes/supports/predisposes to the onset, growth and development of multiple and recurrent cancers. His pioneering research has also introduced mitochondrial oncobioenergetic index, a mathematical representation of the mitochondrial function of cancer cells, as a potential biomarker to predict the progression of cancer to aggressive phenotype. One of the major implications of this concept is that those factors that generate mitochondrial oncobioenergetics in tissue fields, such as hormones, carcinogens or promoters, or influence it, such as metabolic syndrome and associated diseases, could alter the fate of the disease. Understating such relationships would lay foundations for the mechanism of carcinogenesis as well as development of approaches for prevention and treatment of cancer. The introduction of this concept has resulted in two federal grants supported by Department of Defense and a publication in high impact peer reviewed journal. All Publications 2012 to present: 16 publications (including in PLoS One, Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol, Oncotarget); 7 diabetes related. Core Usage: Dr. Vayalil’s active, and pending grants were submitted/awarded based on the availability of techniques in the BARB core facility that we have recently optimized, such as bioenergetic measurements of tissue slices using XF analyzer and precision-cut slices. DRC Collaborations: Dr. Vayalil’s studies were supported by collaborations with Dr. Moellering (bioenergetics); Dr. Darley-Usmar (bioenergetics/mitochondrial function); Dr. Grubbs (breast cancer and its prevention); Dr. Hardy (adipocytes, dietary fat, Breast cancer). Name/Degrees/Title: Eric Wallace, MD; Assistant Professor, Nephrology, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine; Director of Home Dialysis, Medical Director of Telemedicine; Co-Director of Fabry and Other Rare Genetic Kidney Disease Clinic

Role in DRC: Scientist in Diabetes Complications

Background and Interests: I received my medical degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and then subsequently completed my specialty training at Vanderbilt University. After coming on faculty at UAB, I became the director of the home dialysis unit. Here we have managed to increase the utilization of home dialysis significantly becoming one of the largest home dialysis units in the country. Because of this I began basic science and clinical research in home dialysis. The basic research was mentored by Dr. Timothy Garvey, and led to extramural awards to study the role of the sodium-glucose co-transporter 1 on peritoneal mesothelial cells and its role in peritoneal membrane failure in peritoneal dialysis. I have continued this research but also have created a telemedicine program geared at home dialysis patients and the delivery of subspecialized care to underserved areas. Because of this work, I was recently named the Medical Director of all Telemedicine at UAB. As diabetes is one of the largest healthcare problems in Alabama, telemedicine efforts will be focused on designing intervention that can be implemented remotely and more efficiently than current approaches to diabetes management.

Funding: Current PI: Protalix PB-102-F20 “A Randomized, Double blind, Active Control Study of the Safety and Efficacy of PRX-102 compared to Agalsidase Beta on Renal Function in Patients with Fabry Disease PreviouslyTreated With Agalsidase Beta.” PI: Baxter Clinical Evidence Council for Peritoneal Dialysis. "Interactive Videoconferencing in the Provision ofRemote Peritoneal Dialysis" Site Co-I: Sanofi/Genzyme "Fabry Registry" PI: Baxter Clinical Evidence Council for Peritoneal Dialysis "Icodextrin Effects on Glucose Transporter Activation and Mediators of Fibrosis" PI: Baxter Clinical Evidence Council for Peritoneal Dialysis "Rural Utilization of Peritoneal Dialysis and It’sAssociated Barriers" Pending PI: Genzyme "Comparative Proteomics and Lipidomics of Exosomes Isolated from Serum and Urine in FabryDisease"

Research and Relationship to DRC Effort: As director of the Home Dialysis Program, I have been focused on research regarding the exposure of peritoneal mesothelial cells to glucose as it is the primary osmotic agent in peritoneal dialysis. Specifically, I have ben researching the role of glucose transport in peritoneal mesothelial cells as it relates to the production of vascular endothelial growth factor. VEGF has been implicated in the changes that occur in peritoneal dialysis which ultimately leads to peritoneal membrane failure. Diabetes is the cause of end stage renal disease (ESRD) in over half of all patients with ESRD in the United States. Furthermore, my research has led me down the path of the use of telemedicine in the provision of home dialysis for patients with ESRD. Future directions will be to utilize a growing statewide telemedicine network to provide diabetes education and care to underserved areas of Alabama.

All Publications 2012 to present: 17 publications (including Am J Cardiol, Am J Med, J Interv Cardiol, Pharmaceuticals, J Am Coll Cardiol, Perit Dial Int); 4 publications are diabetes related.

DRC Core Use: I plan to use the Human Core for analytic services.

DRC Collaborations: I have had collaborations with Dr. Tim Garvey as he was my mentor on a K23 application as it relates to glucose uptake in peritoneal mesothelial cells in patients on peritoneal dialysis.

Name/Degrees/Title:Stephenie B. Wallace, MD/MSPH; Associate Professor, Department of Pediatrics Role in DRC: Mentored Scientist in Interventions/Trials/Community Research Background and Interests: Dr. Wallace received her MD from Yale School of Medicine in 2001, and completed subspecialty training in Adolescent medicine. She obtained her MSPH at UAB in 2007 before joining the UAB faculty as an Assistant Professor. She was appointed as the Medical Director of the SHINE Clinic for pediatric weight management at Children’s of Alabama, (an affiliate hospital of UAB Health System) in 2008. Dr. Wallace is investigating the environmental and biological factors that place children at risk for obesity and related outcomes, including diabetes. Her research focuses on the clinical care of obese children and adolescents and has collaborated on projects evaluating the associations between insulin resistance, puberty, and vitamin D metabolism. Funding: Recently Completed Study Physician: DRTC P&F Award (PI: Casazza) ““Diseasome” of Physical Inactivity” Study Physician: MHRC Charles Barkley Health Disparities Fund (PI: Casazza) “Bad genes or genes behaving badly: Are Hispanic-American children predisposed to “thriftiness” resulting in increased fat accumulation at the expense of bone mass?” Study Physician: 4R00 DK083333-03NIH (PI: Casazza) “Puberty Related Intervention to Improve Metabolic Outcomes: The PRIMO Study.” Research and Relationship to DRC Effort: Dr. Wallace directs the obesity management clinic for children and adolescents, and has research interests in weight management, insulin resistance, and diabetes prevention. She is an active collaborator in the DRC serving as the study physician for several PhD scientists. She is actively collaborating with Dr. K Casazza to investigate the modification of a diet specifically targeted to the unique metabolic characteristics of African American peripubertal girls in order to improve metabolic outcomes. Drs. Wallace and Casazza recently published initial results from this study showing that a reduced carbohydrate diet improves metabolic parameters in obese, peripubertal African American girls, but did not lead to greater weight loss compared to a standard diet. Dr. Wallace has also contributed to studies investigating the contribution of genetic admixture to the development of insulin resistance syndrome. Results from these studies will provide valuable information of immediate relevance to weight loss in adolescents. Publications (2008-present): 6 publications (including 1 book, as well as publications in J Pediatr, Pediatr Nursing, Cancer Microenviron, Clin Endo); 5 publications are diabetes related. DRC Collaborations: Dr. Wallace works closely with Dr. K Casazza as the study physician on many of Dr. Casazza’s grants examining the relationship between puberty and insulin resistance. Dr. Wallace also worked with Dr A Ashraf on her work in children and adolescents with diabetes and in studies assessing the metabolic effects of Vit D. Dr. Wallace also contributed to a study by Dr J. Hernández’s group, investigating genetic admixtures in insulin resistance syndrome. Dr. Wallace also has grant and publication collaborations with Drs. Gower, and Gutiérrez.

Name/Degrees/Title: Qin Wang, PhD; Professor, Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology

Role in the DRC: Senior Scientist in Molecular Biology

Background and Interests: I obtained a Medical degree from Beijing Medical University (now Peking University Health Science Center) and a PhD degree in Molecular Biology from University of Iowa. I had my postdoctoral training at Vanderbilt University on Molecular Pharmacology. Since then, I have been working in the GPCR field for over 17 years and have built strong expertise in receptor pharmacology, signaling and function. I have been elected as American Heart Association Fellow and Secretary/Treasurer of Molecular Pharmacology Division, American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics. I have also been serving as regular members on study section panels for NIH and American Heart Association.

Funding: Current PI: R01MH81917 "Regulation of alpha2A-adrenergic receptor signaling and trafficking by spinophilin."

Completed PI: Brain and Behavior Research Foundation Independent Investigator Grant "Investigation of the link between α2 adrenergic receptor activity and depression using a novel transgenic model” PI: NIH/NIAE R21 AG042716 "Preclinical test for the efficacy of adrenergic agents in treatment of AD.

Research and Relationship to DRC Effort: My research focuses on understanding functions and regulations of G protein coupled receptors, which are involved regulation of a wide range of physiological processes relevant to diabetes. In one project, we study regulation of the adrenergic receptors in sympathetic neurons by non-G protein interacting partners and its relevance to blood pressure control. In another project, we investigate the role of adrenergic receptors in regulating the molecular and behavior responses to stress and development of depression, which is a known factor in exacerbating diabetes.

Publications (2012 to present): 26 publications (including PLoS ONE, Neuropharmacology, J Neuroscience, Biochem Biophys Res Commun, Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A); 5 publications are diabetes related.

Core Usage: Dr. Wang uses the Animal Core for Transgenic services.

DRC Collaborations: Dr. Q. Wang has grant and publication collaborations with Drs. Durant N, Dwivedi, Kesterson, and Lewis.

Name/Degrees/Title: Shu-Zhen Wang, PhD; Associate Professor, Departments of Ophthalmology, Cell Biology, and Physiological Optics

Role in DRC: Senior Scientist, Diabetes Complications

Background and Interests: My background includes training in plant genetics, molecular genetics and microbiology. Several of my early investigations in animal models have elucidated molecular mechanisms of neuronal development and photoreceptor cells. Later investigations employed genetic manipulations to elucidate protein expression patterns in key pathways in neuronal and retinal tissues. This work has led me to being able to address the possibility of therapies for diabetic retinopathy.

Funding: Current Co-I: Unrestricted Grant, “Research to Prevent Blindness” PI: R01EY011640, “Engaging the RPE for Photoreceptor Regeneration”

Recently Completed PI: FY2011-12-276, Eyesight Foundation of Alabama, “Photoreceptor Regeneration from the RPE in Mice”. PI: 5R01EY011640-12, “Generating Photoreceptors by Reprogramming RPE Cells”

Research and Relationship to DRC Effort: My laboratory studies photoreceptors, which are a group of specialized sensory cells in the vertebrate neural retina. Diabetes is a common cause of their degeneration leading to human visual impairments which usually cause irreversible severe vision loss. The low quality of life of individuals with severe vision loss has stimulated investigations ranging from photoreceptor rescue to photoreceptor replacement. The unfortunate, non-renewable nature of photoreceptor cells has limited experimentation of photoreceptor cell replacement to the use of embryonic retinal cells or an electronic device. However, replacement with a pure population of regenerated photoreceptor cells is likely to be superior to that with a mixture of many cell types or with a physical device. Recent studies from this laboratory have shown that forced expression of NeuroD can induce retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells derived from day 6 chick embryos (E6) to transdifferentiate into photoreceptor cells selectively. This raises an exciting possibility of exploring RPE plasticity and NeuroD, as a molecular trigger, to regenerate photoreceptor cells. My laboratory seeks to further these investigations in developing a cure for diabetic retinopathy.

Publications (2012-present): Dr. S-Z Wang has 7 articles published on the last five years in such journals as Methods in Molecular Biology, Molecular Vision, and Journal of Ophthalmic and Vision Research.

DRC Core Use: Dr. Wang uses the Animal Core for Transgenic services.

DRC Collaborations: Dr. S-Z Wang has grant and publication collaborations with Drs. Y Chen, Fu Y, Hidalgo, Li, Morrison, J Pollock, and Yoder, and has 3 diabetes-related publications in the past five years. Name/Degree/Title: Amy Warriner, MD; Associate Professor, Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism

Role in DRC: Mentored Scientist, Integrative Metabolism; Pilot and Feasibility Recipient

Background and Interests: Amy Warriner is board certified in Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism and Obesity Medicine. She is currently an Associate Professor in the Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism and is the Director of the UAB Weight Loss Medicine Clinic. Her research has focused on metabolic bone changes, including the effects of diabetes medications and HIV on bone, with current efforts transitioning to clinical outcomes in obesity, particularly related to prevention and reversal of diabetes mellitus with obesity management.

Funding: Recently Completed Co-I: 1U19HS021110-01 (Saag, PI)” AHRQ UAB Deep South Arthritis and Musculoskeletal CERTs Project 3: Informed Consent Tools for Pragmatic Clinical Trials in Musculoskeletal Diseases” Co-I: 1R01AR060240-01A1 (Saag, PI) “NIH Activating Patients to Reduce Osteoporosis (APROPOS)” Co-I: U34 AR062891 (Saag, PI) “NIAMS. Effectiveness of DiscontinuinG bisphosphonatEs Study (EDGE)” PI of pilot study: P60 DK079626 (Garvey, PI ) UAB Diabetes Research and Training Center Pilot Grant. “Changes in Bone Turnover with Increased Incretin Hormone Exposure. Co-I: P60 AR48095 (Saag Project PI) National Institutes of Health/NIAMS, Multidisciplinary Clinical Research Center “Project 4: Improving Care of Osteoporosis: Multi-Modal Intervention to Increase Testing and Treatment (ICOMMITT)” PI of pilot study: UL1RR025777 (Guay-Woodford (PI)) “CCTS Translational Research Intramural Grant Program Bone Mineral Density in HIV+ Patients Recently Started on Antiretroviral Therapy (ART)”

Research and Relationship to DRC Effort: We are currently developing a thorough database of all persons who enter the UAB Weight Loss Clinic. This will allow us to monitor outcomes, identify effective treatments for specific subpopulations, and identify gaps in treatment. At this point, we have completed an evaluation of hemoglobin A1c values in all patients on initial presentation. We are also evaluating outcomes from the initiation of Shared Medical Appointments for diabetes and for obesity. Additionally, we continue to evaluate metabolic changes in people living with HIV with current analysis of SGLT-2 inhibitor use among an HIV cohort with diabetes.

All Publications (2012 to present): 22 publications (including in Curr Opin Endocrinol Diabetes Obes., PLoS One)

Core Usage: Dr. Warriner plans to use the ITC Core services for intervention studies.

DRC Collaborations: Dr. Warriner collaborates with Tim Garvey and Taraneh Soleymani in evaluating outcomes in obesity. She also collaborates with Sushant Bhatnagar and Kirk Habegger, serving as clinical collaborator for investigations related to neurohormonal changes in the foregut and metabolic changes with antiretroviral medications, respectively. Dr. Warriner has grant and publication collaborations with Dr. Redden, and has 4 diabetes-related publications in the past five years. Name/Degrees/Title: Robert Weech-Maldonado, MBA, PhD; Professor and Chair, Health Services Administration Role in the DRC: Senior Scientist in Interventions/Trials/Community Research Background and Interests: Dr. Weech-Maldonado is an organizational theorist and health services researcher with a focus on the examination of racial/ethnic disparities in health care and cultural competency as a strategy to address those disparities. In addition, his research explores organizational strategies to improve nursing home performance. He has an MBA from the University of Puerto Rico and a PhD in Health Care Management from Temple University. Prior to UAB, he held faculty appointments at Penn State University and University of Florida. He is currently the Co-Director of the NSF Center for Health Organization Transformation, Analysis Core Director of the UAB Resource Center on Minority Aging Research (RCMAR) funded by NIA, and Co-Director of the Research Program for the Minority Health Research Center (MHRC) funded by NIMHD. He is also Senior Scientist of UAB’s Center for Outcomes and Effectiveness Research and Education, Senior Scientist of UAB’s Center for Comprehensive Healthy Aging, and Deputy Editor for Medical Care. Funding: Current PI: R01 HS 23345 Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, “Performance of High Medicaid Nursing Homes-Contextual and Management Factors” (9/30/14- 9/29/19) PI: NSF1624690 National Science Foundation Center Grant, “I /UCRC for Center for Health Organization Transformation” (07/15/16- 6/30/19) PI: 1R15AG049344-01 National Institute of Aging, “Disparities in Avoidable Hospitalizations of Aging Adults- Health System Factors” (09/01/14- 8/31/16) Sub-PI: HHSM-500-2005-00281 (PI: Elliott and Brown) Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, “National Implementation of Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug Plan CAHPS Survey” (10/1/14 -9/29/17) Analysis Core Director: P30AG031054 (PI: Burgio) NIH/National Institute on Aging, “Deep South Resource Center for Minority Aging Research” (07/01/2012-06/30/2018) Co-I: 5P60MD000502-10 (PI: Fouad), National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities, “Comprehensive Minority and Health Disparities Research Center-Phase III” (4/1/15- 3/31/17) Pending PI: R01HL138491 National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities/DHHS, “Health System Factors and Racial-Ethnic Disparities in Hospital Readmissions” (7/01/17- 12/31/20) PI: R21MD011687 National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities/DHHS, “Hospital Health Promotion Activities and Racial-Ethnic Disparities in Avoidable Hospitalizations” (7/01/17- 12/31/20) Research and Relationship to DRC Effort: Dr. Weech-Maldonado’s research has been exploring the intersection between cultural competency and patient experiences with care. He has looked at many factors for reporting poor cultural competency among patients with diabetes in safety net clinics. He developed and tested the Cultural Competency Assessment Tool for Hospitals (CCATH), which was subsequently used to assess the relationship between hospital cultural competency and HCAHPS scores. This work served as the foundation for a National Quality Forum’s (NQF) commissioned paper “Cultural Competency Framework for Quality Measurement and Reporting.” Dr. Weech-Maldonado’s is currently PI in an AHRQ-funded mixed methods study to examine the structural, market, and management factors in explaining quality and financial performance variations among nursing homes that are under-resourced (high Medicaid census). He can contribute his knowledge in health disparities, measurement, cultural competency, and systems research to the exploration of strategies to address disparities in diabetes care.

All Publications (2012 to present): 47 publications (including J Healthcare Mgt, Women's Health, J Hospital Admin, Medical Care). Core Usage: Dr. Weech-Maldonado plans to use the Interventions and Translation Core services.

DRC Collaborations: Dr. Weech-Maldonado has grant and publication collaborations with Drs. Cherrington, Davies, Fouad, Hidalgo, Howard V, Kilgore, McGwin, Pisu, Scarinci, and Sen, and has 3 diabetes-related publications in the past five years. Name/Degrees/Title: Adam R. Wende, PhD; Assistant Professor, Pathology Role in DRC: Senior Scientist in Molecular Signaling Background and Interests: Following the completion of his PhD training in the Cardiology Department at Washington University in St. Louis with Dr. Daniel P. Kelly, Dr. Wende joined the University of Utah to pursue his postdoctoral studies with Dr. E. Dale Abel examining upstream regulation by cellular signaling and the resulting changes in mitochondrial physiology in diabetes. As of August 2013, he has developed his independent laboratory by expanding upon these past experiences into the new area of epigenetic regulation of gene expression and post-translational (O-GlcNAcylation) regulation of protein function in the hearts of diabetic rodents, and now humans. Funding: Current PI: NIH R56 HL133011, Glucose-mediated remodeling of cardiac DNA methylation 09/01/16 – 08/31/17 PI: NIH UL1 TR001417, Human blood DNA methylation and RNA transcript signatures to define diabetic cardiac subtypes 04/01/16 – 03/31/17 PI: NIH U54 MD008620, Regulation of cardiac gene expression in African American men in heart failure Co-I: NIH R01 HL123574, Circadian Regulation of Myocardial Insulin Signaling Co-I: NIH P30 DK079626, Interplay between diabetes and other chronic diseases Pending PI: NIH R01 HL133011, Glucose-mediated remodeling of cardiac DNA methylation - 9th percentile Co-PI: DoD Focused Program, Circadian disruption accelerates cardiovascular dysfunction during diabetes via aberrant O-GlcNAc signaling Completed PI: JDRF Transition Award, In vivo identification of mechanisms mediating cardiac glucose toxicity PI: NIH U24 DK076169-09, Human DNA methylation signatures to define diabetic cardiac subtypes; PI: NIH R00 HL111322, Mechanisms of glucose mediated cardiac mitochondrial dysfunction

Research and Relationship to DRC Effort: Dr. Wende’s current research uses transgenic and diabetes mouse models to identify molecular and genetic mechanisms of glucose-mediated control of cardiac function. Recent funding from the NIH and UAB has allowed exploration in human cardiac tissue for similar molecular mechanisms of epigenetic regulation. Together these studies contribute to our understanding of molecular mechanisms underlying diabetic cardiomyopathy. All Publications (2012 to present): 17 publications (including Diabetes & Metabolism, J Physiol, J Mol Cell Cardiol, Heart and Circulatory Physiology, J Biol Rhythms, J Amer Coll Cardiol); 7 publications are diabetes related. Core Usage: Dr. Wende has benefited from the DRC Pilot & Feasibility Grant Program (see collaborations below). Dr. Wende uses the Animal Core for Cardiovascular Assessment services, as well as the BARB core for enzyme activity assays and bioenergetic flux analysis services. DRC Collaborations: Dr. Wende has grant and publication collaborations with Drs. Bamman, Barnes, Chatham, Y Chen, Darley-Usmar, Gamble, Habegger, Halade, Namakkal, Paterson, Pogwizd, Prabhu, Tse Yang, and Young. Name/Degrees/Title: C. Roger White, PhD; Professor, Cardiovascular Disease

Role in the DRC: Senior Scientist in Vascular Disease

Background and Interests: Dr. White received his doctoral training in the Department of Physiology and Biophysics at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He went on to pursue postdoctoral studies in the Vascular Biology and Hypertension training program situated in UAB’s Cardiology Division and joined the faculty in the Division of Cardiovascular Disease in 1993. Dr. White is a Fellow of the American Heart Association Council for High Blood Pressure Research and the American Physiological Society Cardiovascular Section.

Funding: Current: Co-I: 1R01 GM115367 “Cellular Lipids and Leukocyte Function” Co-I: 1R01DK108836 “HDL and Cellular Repair Mechanisms” Co-I: 3R01GM115367-02S1 “Administrative Supplement to “Cellular Lipids and Leukocyte Function”

Research and Relationship to DRC Effort: Research in Dr. White’s laboratory focuses on studying mechanisms of cardiovascular injury under conditions of acute and chronic inflammation. As a postdoctoral fellow and junior faculty member at UAB, Dr. White carried out extensive studies that focused on identifying pro-oxidant mechanisms that contribute to the development of endothelial dysfunction under different pathological conditions. More recently, Dr. White has studied how oxidation influences HDL function and has applied apolipoprotein mimetic peptides, molecules that are known to improve HDL quality/function, to study how improved HDL function prevents inflammation-induced injury in animal models of diabetes, ischemic injury, sepsis and atherosclerosis. Recent studies show that HDL and apolipoprotein mimetics induce changes in cellular bioenergetics that contribute to the differentiation of macrophages to an anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype. Mechanisms underlying this change in cellular metabolism/phenotype are currently under investigation.

All Publications (2012 to present): 13 publications (including J Lipid Res, PLoS ONE, Eur J Pharm, Inflammation, J Radiat Res, Acta Astronautica, Amer J Physiol).

DRC Core Usage: Dr. White uses the BARB Core for measurement of mitochondrial DNA damage and mitochondrial oxygen consumption/acidification.

DRC Collaborations: Dr. White has grant and publication collaborations with Drs. Ballinger, Barnes, Darley- Usmar, Kabarowski, Oparil, Wyss, and Xing, and has 1 diabetes-related publication in the past five years. Name/Degrees/Title: Amanda L. Willig, RD, PhD; Assistant Professor of Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine; Nutritional Sciences Unit Director, UAB Gorgas Center for Geographic Medicine Role in DRC: Mentored, Integrative Metabolism Background and Interests: My research related to diabetes focuses on the interplay of chronic HIV infection and excess adiposity in aging adults, particularly minority populations. In particular, the increasing prevalence of type 2 diabetes among people living with HIV and poor glycemic control are considered a high-priority research issue to improve health outcomes in this high-risk group. As 40% of people being treated for HIV are aged 50 and older, more individuals have well controlled HIV infection but poorly controlled type 2 diabetes.

Funding: Current PI: Population Council/SP1502 SP1502 “Enhanced Evaluation of an Educational Nutrition Curriculum among Adolescent Girls in Zambia”. PI: Center for Outcomes and Effectiveness Research and Education, UAB; “Adaptation of a lifestyle intervention for HIV care settings”. PI: Interdisciplinary Center Research Award, UAB; “Physical activity patterns, physical function, and metabolic disease outcomes in people living with HIV”. Co_PI: 1U01AI103401-02 (PI: Saag), “A novel metabolomics approach to explore adipose tissue metabolites in women living with HIV in Brooklyn”. Co-I: UAB CCTS, Morrison (PI), “Ketogenic diet and cognitive function in HIV”. Co-I: U34AR067427, “Planning a Pragmatic Internet Effectiveness Gout Study of Diet and Cherry Extract”.

Recently Completed Co-PI: Center for AIDS Research, “Validation of dietary intake and physical activity questionnaires among patients living with HIV/AIDS”. PI: Mid-South Transdisciplinary Collaborative Center for Health Disparities Research, “Behavioral and social factors impact mitochondrial dysfunction and obesity in HIV-infected women”. PI: NIH-NIAID CFAR Supplement Award, “The microbiome, diet, and incomplete CD4 recovery on antiretroviral therapy”.

Research and Relationship to DRC Effort: I am well-suited to play an integral role in the development of a successful research program in this area. I serve as an investigator and metabolic working group contributor for two multisite cohort studies: the Center for AIDS Research Network of Integrated Clinical Systems and the Women’s Interagency HIV Study. Within these cohorts, I contribute to the scientific agendas to address metabolic complications of HIV, including obesity and diabetes. My previous work in body composition research and observational database studies have allowed me to collaborate with a translational research team to address metabolic complications in HIV focusing on the interplay of inflammation, metabolism, and social determinants of health. I also mentor medical students and predoctoral students with an interest in metabolic complications in HIV. Additionally, as a registered dietitian I provide medical nutrition therapy to patients at the UAB 1917 HIV Endocrinology Clinic. This intersection of clinical work and research forms the basis for development of a longer-term collaboration to actively identify effective pharmaceutical and lifestyle approaches to diabetes management in older adults with chronic inflammation.

Publications (2012-present): Dr. Amanda Willig has 19 articles published on the last five years in such journals as Appetite, Obesity, The Diabetes Educator, Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, HIV Medicine and Current HIV/AIDS reports.

DRC Core Use: Dr. Willig uses the Human Core for Body Composition services, the ITC Core for Intervention; Development and Implementation; Recruitment and Retention; and Measurement services.

DRC Collaborations: Dr. Willig has grant and publication collaborations with Drs. Affuso, Allison, Barnes, Casazza, Cherrington, Darley-Usmar, Dutton, Fernandez, Locher, Morrison, Saag, Scarinci, and Sweatt, and has 11 diabetes-related publications in the past five years. Brooks C. Wingo, PhD; Assistant Professor, Occupational Therapy

Role in the DRC: Mentored Scientist in Integrative Metabolism

Background and Interests: Dr. Wingo received her PhD in Health Education and Promotion from the UAB School of Public Health in 2010 and completed a postdoctoral fellowship in Comparative Effectiveness in the UAB Center for Outcomes and Effectiveness Research and Education (COERE) and the Department of Nutrition Science. Her research focuses on understanding the role of dietary and exercise patterns on the cardiometabolic health of individuals with mobility limitations, and developing novel methods for delivering lifestyle interventions to this group. Much of her research focuses on developing telehealth interventions for delivering weight management programs to children and adults with spinal cord injury, cerebral palsy and spina bifida. She is also conducting research on the validity of measures of body composition and cardiometabolic risk in adults with mobility disabilities.

Funding Source: Current PI: Paralyzed Veterans of America "Validation of segmental body composition assessment for SCI/D" PI: NIH/NICHHD/K01HD079582 "Diet composition and cardiometabolic risk reduction in adults with SCI"

Pending PI: Diet composition and dietary adherence in multiple sclerosis (National MS Society)

Completed Co-I: Calorie Restriction & Changes in Body Composition, Disease, Function, & Quality of Life in Older Adults (NIH/NIA; 09/01/2009 – 08/31/2014)

Research and Relationship to DRC Effort: My research interests are in the areas of assessment and intervention of cardiometabolic risk factors in people with physical disabilities. My most recent research efforts have focused on understanding the role of dietary and exercise patterns on the cardiometabolic health of adults with spinal cord injury (SCI), as well as developing novel methods for delivering health promotion interventions to adults with SCI via telehealth. Obesity is estimated to be 58% more prevalent in adults with disability compared to non-disabled adults, and diabetes prevalence is tripled among individuals with SCI compared to non-injured adults. Over the last 3 years, I have developed a web-based telecoaching platform to implement lifestyle interventions to various populations with disabilities, including, but not limited to SCI. I am currently PI of an NIH K01 award that is using this platform to test the effectiveness of various diet compositions on the health and function of adults with SCI. My second line of research focuses on the measurement of obesity among individuals with SCI and other forms of paralysis. Individuals with paralysis or paresis have significant alterations in body composition that lead traditional clinical measures of obesity, including BMI and waist circumference, to underestimate cardiometabolic risk. I am currently PI of a grant from Paralyzed Veterans of America focused on validating bioelectrical impedance analysis for use as a clinical measure of obesity in adults with SCI. In addition to validating measures of total body composition, we are also attempting to validate measures of segmental composition (i.e. leg, arm, trunk), which will be valuable in allowing healthcare providers to accurately detect changes in body composition and cardiometabolic risk over time.

All Publications (2012 to present): 13 publications (including Women's Health, Appetite, Clin Obesity, J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci.); 8 publications are diabetes related.

Core Usage: Dr. Wingo’s work has benefitted from the Human Physiology core. She received training in body composition measurement under the mentorship of Dr. Gower and staff of the Core as part of her NIH K01 award. This training directly impacted her ability to secure additional funding from Paralyzed Veterans of America.

DRC Collaborations: Dr. Wingo has grant and publication collaborations with Drs. Baskin, Boggiano, Brown, Y Chen, YY Chen, Fontaine, Garvey, Goss, Gower, G Hunter, Locher, and Mehta. Name/Degrees/Title: J. Michael Wyss, PhD; Professor, Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology

Role in DRC: Senior Scientist in Molecular Signaling

Background and Interests: Dr. Michael Wyss received a PhD form Washington U, Saint Louis, in 1976, and completed a HHMI Postdoc at Washington U Med School under Dr. Max Cowen with fellow trainees Larry Swanson and Clif Saper. He joined UAB in 1979 as an Assistant Professor, and has since risen to national prominence for his research as well as his outreach work providing improved science and math education for K-12 students as Director of the Center for Community OutReach Development. His biomedical research focuses on two major areas. The first research focus is on neuronal plasticity and grows out of his studies demonstrating that a specific group of pyramidal neurons in the rat retrosplenial cortex display a dramatic alteration in their structure as the animal ages. Concurrent with these changes in structure, Dr. Wyss has demonstrated that cellular, molecular and behavioral changes occur, which appear linked to lipid dysfunction in the brain. The second research focus is on the mechanisms by which the hypothalamus regulates blood pressure in salt-sensitive individuals and how this contributes to (is driven by) metabolic disease. This work has recently focused on the ability of polyphenols to blunt hypertension and metabolic syndrome disease traits (especially obesity and insulin resistance). Also, his recent work perinatal exposure to dietary taurine and sugar has demonstrated a link to metabolic disease, via changes in cardiovascular regulation in adults that were perinatally exposed to both.

Funding: Current Core Director: P30 NS047466 (PI: J Hablitz), “Neuroscience Behavioral Assessment Core for Rodents” PI: NIH R25RR022745, “Birmingham Science Education Partnership” PI: Alabama ACHE # 1UAB, “The University-school Partnership for Science Education” PI: R25 OD016490, “Science Education Enabling Career (SEEC).” PI: NIH R25 GM111369, “Bridges to Biomedical Careers (BBC).” Pending PI: NSF, “STEM+C Pathway for Alabama and the Nation (SPAN)” Recently Completed Co-PI: P01 AG010836 (PI: P Landfield), “Calcium Regulation in Brain Aging and Alzheimer's Disease” Core Director: P30 NS057098 (PI: K Roth), “Neuroscience Blueprint Core Facility for In Vivo Phenotyping” PI: R25RR022745, “Birmingham Science Education Partnership: Middle School Inquiry-Based Learning.” PI: DRL-0737703, “UAB-Birmingham Consortium for Advanced Education in Computer Science.” PI: CNS0940564, “BPC-DP: A Multi-tiered Mentoring Model (M3).”

Research and Relationship to DRC Effort: A substantial component of the Wyss laboratory is dedicated to studies examining the relationship between insulin resistance and hypertension, both central features of cardiometabolic disease. Insulin resistance and hypertension arise via parallel mechanisms. His recent studies have demonstrated that dietary plant estrogens and polyphenolic compounds protect against metabolic dysregulation including both hypertension and insulin resistance. This protection appears to be derived from effects on the CNS, gut transport, fatty acid processing, and increases in insulin sensitivity. A recent study from Dr. Wyss’ lab showed that isoflavones from kudzu root extract can improve glucose, lipid and blood pressure control in spontaneously hypertensive rats. In addition to his research, Dr. Wyss’ directs educational outreach, a large part of which includes teaching minority children in Alabama the science behind healthy eating and exercise habits. As nearly 40% of minority middle school girls in Birmingham are obese and becoming insulin resistant, this community outreach effort is aimed at preventing the onset of diabetes.

Publications (2008-present): 7 publications (including Hypertension, Phytomedicine and Nature Med) 3 publications are diabetes-related.

DRC Core Use: Dr. Wyss uses the Animal Physiology Core for hypertensive animal studies. He collaborates with leadership in the DRC Community Engagement Core in the educational outreach in secondary schools.

DRC Collaborations: Dr. Wyss has grant and publication collaborations with Drs. Allison, Barnes, Brown, Calhoun, Y-F Chen, Fobian, Garvey, Katiyar, Michael, Nagy, Oparil, Patel, Prasain, Smith, Tollefsbol, White, and Yang, and has 3 diabetes-related publications in the past five years.

Name/Degrees/Title: Dongqi Xing MD, PhD; Assistant Professor, Cardiovascular Disease Role in DRC: Scientist, Vascular Disease; Pilot and Feasibility Recipient Background and Interests: Dr. Xing received her Ph.D. degree in Pathology and Pathophysiology from Beijing University in 2001, and completed a T32-funded postdoctoral fellowship with Dr. S Oparil at UAB. She has recently joined the faculty as an Assistant Professor in the Cardiology Division, and her work was supported by a DRTC pilot award. Her research interests are focused on 1) testing the novel hypothesis that the anti-inflammatory/vasoprotective effects of estrogen are mediated by estrogen receptor β-dependent inhibition of NFκB in the setting of acute vascular injury; 2) testing the hypothesis that sustained O-GlcNAc protein modification enhances the inflammatory/remodeling response to endolumnal vascular injury. Sustained increases of O-GlcNAc have been implicated as a pathogenic contributor to glucose toxicity and insulin resistance, major hallmarks of diabetes-related cardiovascular complications. Funding: Current PI: R56 HL128285-01A1 “Targeted Cell Therapy for Acute Lung Injury” Co-I: RO1 HL109664-02 (PI: Y Chen): "Targeted Delivery of Endothelial Cells for the Repair of Cardiovascular Injury” Recently Completed Co-I:12IRG160008 (PI: J Murphy-Ullrich) “Calreticulin in diabetic vascular disease”

Research and Relationship to DRC Effort: Dr. Xing is interested in vascular wall inflammation in the setting of insulin resistance, diabetes, and cardiometabolic disease. She has received funding from DRTC in support her research on protein O-GlcNAcylation in diabetic-related vascular dysfunction. She is establishing a transgenic animal model to study the regulation of protein O-GlcNAcylation specifically in vascular smooth muscle cells, and to investigate the role of chronic O-GlcNAcylation in inflammation and the pathogenesis of vascular dysfunction related to diabetes. These studies link hyperglycemia, increased flux through the hexosamine biosynthetic pathway, and vascular disease in diabetes. Dr. Xing is also collaborating with Dr. S Oparil to investigate the potential anti-inflammatory effects of estrogen-stimulated O-GlcNAc modification in arteries, and to identify specific protein targets of O-GlcNAc modification. Determining the mechanisms underlying the vasoprotective effects of estrogen and the effects of O-GlcNAc modification will identify novel therapeutic interventions of relevance for cardiovascular dysfunction related to diabetes. Publications (2012-present): 13 publications (including Circulation, Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol, Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol and Hypertension). DRC Core Use: Dr. Xing’s collaborative studies with Dr. S Oparil utilize the cardiovascular assessment subcore of the DRC Human Physiology Core. She plans to use the REDOX Biology Core for measurements of oxidative stress and the Animal Physiology Core for metabolic phenotyping of transgenic mice. DRC Collaborations: Dr. Xing collaborates extensively with a core group of DRC researchers examining the vasoprotective effects of O-GlcNAc protein modification, including Drs. S Oparil, Y Chen, J Chatham, and F Hage. She also works with Dr. A Szalai to investigate C-reactive protein in vascular injury. Dr. Xing also has grant and publication collaborations with Drs. Affuso, Calhoun, J Chen, Y-F Chen, Feng, Kabarowski, Murphy- Ullrich, and White, and has 7 diabetes-related publications in the past five years.

Name/Degrees/Title: Guanlan Xu, Ph.D; Instructor, Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism

Role in DRC: Mentored Scientist in Islet Biology/Autoimmunity; Pilot and Feasibility Recipient

Background and Interests: After obtaining his Ph.D in China in 2008, Dr. Xu moved to the US and started his postdoctoral training in the University of Wisconsin-Madison. In 2010, Dr. Xu joined the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) to continue his postdoctoral training. In 2014, Dr. Xu was appointed as an Instructor at UAB. Dr. Xu’s research focuses on beta cell biology in the context of diabetes. He is particularly interested in the role of microRNAs in beta cells in the context of diabetes. He found several dysregulated microRNAs in diabetic beta cells, which affect beta cells through either impairing beta cell function or causing beta cell apoptosis. In addition, Dr. Xu also works on developing strategies to halt beta cell death in diabetes. He found that verapamil, which is a common anti-hypertension drug, can prevent and even rescue beta cell death in mouse models of Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.

Funding: Current PI: UAB Diabetes Research Center Pilot & Feasibility Award

Research and Relationship to DRC Effort: Dr. Xu’s research focuses on beta cell biology in the context of diabetes. Loss of functional beta cell mass is a hallmark of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes; however, the mechanism that mediates this process has not been elucidated, and corresponding therapies have not been developed. MicroRNAs are ~ 22-nt small RNAs that mediate post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression. Dr. Xu found that diabetes induces the beta cell miR-204, which in turn represses insulin transcription by targeting and inhibiting the insulin transcription factor MAFA. His work also showed that miR-204 exacerbates ER stress-induced beta cell death by targeting the UPR protein PERK. His current work aims at inhibiting miR- 204 to improve beta cell function and survival in the context of diabetes. In addition, Dr. Xu also works on developing strategies to halt beta cell loss in diabetes. He found that the anti-hypertension drug verapamil can prevent and even rescue beta cell apoptosis by targeting thioredoxin interacting protein (TXNIP) in the context of type 1 and type 2 diabetes. This study is currently in a phase II clinical trial.

All Publications (2012 to present): 14 publications (including in Diabetes, Nat Med, Mol Metab, Mol Endocrinol, J Biol Chem); 10 publications are diabetes related.

Core Usage: Dr. Xu plans to use the BARB core for analytic services.

DRC Collaborations: Dr. Xu has grant and publication collaborations with Drs. Chen J, Jing G, and Shalev. Name/Degrees/Title: Qinglin Yang, MD, PhD; Professor, Nutrition Sciences

Role in DRC: Senior Scientist, Molecular Signaling; Pilot and Feasibility Recipient

Background and Interests: My research has focuses on exploring fundamental biological questions related to heart disease related to metabolic disorders, such as those with diabetes and obesity, using approaches from in vitro molecular and cell biology to in vivo molecular genetics. My PhD training was in the area of cardiac physiology and my post-doctoral training focused on molecular cardiovascular biology. By creating and characterizing preclinical transgenic and gene targeting mouse models, we currently focus on elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying the regulation of myocardial lipid and energy homeostasis in pathophysiological states. We extensively use preclinical genetic murine models to correlate molecular insights with whole organ pathophysiology.

Funding: Current Associate Director of the Small Animal Physiology Core: UAB Diabetes Research Center (DRC) 2P30DK079626 (PI: Garvey) PI: AHA Grant-in-Aid (#14GRNT20490216) "The crucial role of energy metabolism in cardiac pathophysiology” PI: UAB UCDC Seed Funding “Interplay between type 1 diabetes and cardiac hypertrophic cues PI: ADA (#1-17-IBS-184) “Targeting the mitochondria to protect the ischemic diabetic heart” PI: 1 R01 HL135336-01 “Improving mitochondrial function to protect against myocardial ischemia/reperfusion” Pending PI: R03AG055899 “Restore energy capacity in the aging heart” PI: R01 HL131607 “The role of ATPIF1 in cardiac metabolism and development of heart failure” Co-PI: R01HL133011A1 “Glucose-mediated remodeling of cardiac DNA methylation” Recently Completed PI: ADA (#7-12-BS-208) “The role of PPARδ signaling in diabetic cardiomyopathy” PI: 1R01 HL084456-01A1 “Regulation of myocardial lipid and energy homeostasis” PI: 1R01HL085499-01 “PPARγ signaling pathway in cardiac hypertrophy and failure” Co-PI: R21 HL107709 (PI: Martin E. Young) “Cardiomyocyte circadian clock modulating hypertrophic responses” Co-PI: 1R21HL110366-01A1 (PI: John C. Chatham) “STIM1 and its O-GlcNAcylation in cardiac hypertrophy”

Description of Research Projects and Relevance to DRC: My research focuses on exploring fundamental biological questions related to heart disease and diabetes using approaches from in vitro molecular and cell biology to in vivo molecular genetics. We have extensive expertise in the area of myocardial energy metabolism. Our past and current projects funded by NIH mainly focus on defining the PPAR signaling pathway in the normal and disease heart using molecular genetic approaches. We discovered for the first time the essential role of PPARδ and PPARγ in regulating myocardial lipid and energy metabolism. We were the first to discover that adiponectin is expressed in the adult heart and it is regulated by PPARγ signaling. We have also funded by American Diabetes Association to explore the protective role of PPARδ in the heart in animal models of diabetes.

Publications (2012 to present): 29 publications (including in Diabetes, Circulation, J Biol Chem, Nature Commun, J Diabetes Metab, Inflammation).

Core Usage: Dr. Yang uses the Human Core for Analytical services; also uses the Animal Core for Glucose/Energy Metabolism, Body Composition, Cardiovascular Assessment and Consulting services; and uses the BARB core for O2 consumption, enzyme activity assays, bioenergetic flux analysis, tissue/mitochondrial isolation and consultation services.

DRC Collaborations: Dr. Yang has grant and publication collaborations with Drs. Allison, Bailey, Ballinger, Barnes, Bray, Chatham, Chen J, Y Chen, YY Chen, Fernandez, Frank, Fu Y, Gamble, Garvey, Gower, Halade, Kesterson, Kim, Moellering, Nagy, Oparil, Peng, Pogwizd, Prabhu, Prasain, Shalev, Tiwari, Wende, Wyss, Young, and Zhou , and has 29 diabetes-related publications in the past five years.

Name/Degrees/Title: Ceren Yarar-Fisher PT, PhD; Assistant Professor, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Role in the DRC: Mentored Scientist in Integrative Metabolism

Background and Interests: I am a faculty member in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and highly motivated to pursue a research program to discover the mechanisms behind skeletal muscle’s influence on metabolic disease in individuals with SCI. The long-term goal of my work is to develop an optimal exercise prescription that can be accomplished in the clinic and home setting shortly after injury. The aim is to optimize the metabolic health and quality of life of people with spinal cord injury over their lifespan. I have received institutional, NIH, and NIDILRR funding to support investigations showing that many individuals with SCI, while relatively young, are develop insulin resistance and are at high risk for developing type 2 diabetes. This is likely attributed, in part, to the low muscle mass and impaired muscle metabolism that follows SCI.

Funding Source: Current PI: KL2TR001419-01 "UAB Center for Clinical and Translational Science: Utilizing Ketogenic Diet to Improve Neuro-recovery Following Spinal Cord Injury" Site PI: HHS-2016-ACL-NIDILRR-SI "The UAB Spinal Cord Injury Model Systems Proposal: 2016-2021

Pending PI: 1 K01 HD87463 – 01A1 " Targeting skeletal muscle to improve metabolic health in individuals with spinal cord injury" Recently Completed PI: ED-GRANTS-011713-002 "Novel Exercise and Diet Prescription to Improve Body Composition and Metabolic Health in Individuals with Long-Standing Spinal Cord Injury" Post-Doctoral Scholar: T32DK062710, NIH/NIDDK "Nutrition and Obesity Training Grant, University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), Birmingham, AL"

Research and Relationship to DRC Effort: The current interest in my research laboratory is to identify diet and exercise interventions that can reduce the risk of metabolic disorders that are commonly seen in the chronic stages of spinal cord injury, with a specific focus on understanding the role of skeletal muscle phenotype changes in the development of metabolic disorders. Our research showed that 8 weeks of a low- carbohydrate/high-protein (LC-HP) diet significantly improved whole body insulin sensitivity (WBIS) and glucose tolerance and decreased the amount of intra-abdominal fat in men with SCI and with either untreated type 2 diabetes or impaired glucose tolerance (pre-diabetes). The lack of adverse effects and the improvement in glucose control and insulin sensitivity in our study participants with SCI prompted us to propose our current ACL-NIDILRR funded study involving both men and women in order to determine the effects of the dietary protocol to treat type 2 diabetes or impaired glucose tolerance in persons with chronic SCI. In addition, our most recent research demonstrates that muscle phenotype changes following spinal cord injury may play a role in the pathogenesis of metabolic disorders among individuals with spinal cord injury. These results prompted us to propose our current NIH/NICHD funded study involving individuals with sub-acute spinal cord injury in order to determine the effects of a novel electrical stimulation induced exercise on skeletal muscle metabolism and overall metabolic profile.

All Publications Published or In Press from Jan 2012 to present: 11 publications (including Obesity, Journal of Applied Physiology, Disability and Rehabilitation, Journal of Therapeutic Massage Therapy and Body Work, Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation); 2 publications are diabetes related.

Core Usage: My research program has benefitted greatly from DRC Core Facilities over the past 4 years. Each of my funded studies has utilized the Human Physiology Core for measures of hormones, cytokines, and other endocrine measures related to metabolism and cardiovascular health. I have also used the body composition services of the Human Core.

DRC Collaborations: Dr. Yarar-Fisher has grant and publication collaborations with Drs. Bamman, Barnes, Y Chen, YY Chen, Fisher, Gower, G Hunter, and Smith.

Name/Degrees/Title: Nengjun Yi, PhD, Professor of Biostatistics Role in DRC: Senior Scientist in Epidemiology/Genetics Background & Interests: Dr. Yi obtained a PhD Degree from Nanjing Forest University in 1996 where he subsequently served as Associate Professor of Statistics and Genetics. He completed a postdoctoral fellowship in Statistical Genetics at the U of California Riverside and was recruited to UAB in 2001. His research areas and interests include: 1) Statistical Genetics: genetic association studies in human populations, animal and plant experimental crosses, and statistical analysis of genetic interactions (G x G and G x E); 2) Statistical Precision or Personalized Medicine: applying existing methods and developing new hierarchical generalized linear models (GLMs) and survival models for predicting disease risk or survival using large-scale clinical and molecular profiling data; 3) Microbiome/Metagenomics Data Analysis: applying existing methods and developing new hierarchical zero-inflated models and algorithms for microbiome association studies and for microbiome-based predictive modeling; 4) Bayesian Methods: Bayesian hierarchical modeling, deterministic and MCMC algorithms, and Bayesian software (RStan and WinBUGS); 5) Computer Software Development: developing R packages for implementing our own and existing statistical methods; 6) Genetics and Genomics of Human Diseases: Obesity, Cancers, etc. Dr. Yi has developed Bayesian models and Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) algorithms for detecting multiple quantitative trait loci (QTL) and genetic interactions (G x G and G x E) for continuous, binary and ordinal phenotypes in experimental crosses, and have also developed various Bayesian hierarchical models (including hierarchical generalized linear models (GLMs), Cox survival models, and zero-inflated models) and fast deterministic algorithms for jointly analyzing numerous clinical, environmental and genetic variables for identifying important predictors and predicting disease outcomes. Our Bayesian multiple QTL mapping methods and hierarchical methods have been implemented in R packages, qtlbim (www.qtlbim.org) and BhGLM (http://www.ssg.uab.edu/bhglm), respectively. He has published over 110 papers in peer-reviewed journals, and have completed two NIH R01 grants as PI and multiple NIH grants as Co-Investigator. Dr. Yi has served as Associate Editor for Genetics and several other journals. Funding: Current Co-PI: 1U01CA158428-01A1 (PI: Buckhaults), “A Genetic Model for Early-Onset Breast and Colon Cancer in African Americans”. Co-PI: 1R03DE024198-01A1 (PI: Liu), “Secondary analysis and risk prediction of dental caries and oral clefts”. Recently Completed PI: RO1 GM69430-07. “Bayesian Methods for Genome-Wide Interacting QTL Mapping” Co-PI: 1R01 DK067487-01A1 (Allison, PI). “Effects of intentional weight loss on mortality rate” Research and Relationship to DRC Effort: Dr. Yi is a member of the DRC group involved in novel applications for statistical genetics analyses when applied to complex diseases, namely, diabetes and obesity. He has developed Bayesian hierarchical models and model selection methods and computer software for mapping interacting QTL. He assesses Bayesian model selection for genome-wide epistatic analyses. He applies his methods chiefly to diabetes and obesity datasets and has found that these phenotypes, as well as various Metabolic Syndrome traits, are influenced by multiple genetic variants and environmental factors and their interactions. Publications (2012-present): 30 publications (including Genetics, BMC Bioinformatics, Human Heredity, etc.) DRC Core Use: As a statistical geneticist, Dr. Yi does not use the DRC Cores per se, however, his collaboration with Drs. De Luca and Moellering make use of the REDOX Biology Core for studies in Drosophila mitochondria, and the Animal Physiology Core for energetic studies in various Drosophila strains. DRC Collaborations: Dr. Yi has grant and publication collaborations with Drs. Akinyemiju, Allison, CY Chen, YF Chen, YY Chen, Cui, De Luca, and Tiwari, and has 2 diabetes-related publications in the past five years.

Name/Degrees/Title: Bradley K. Yoder PhD; Professor and Interim Chair, Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology (primary); UAHSF Endowed Chair in Biomedical Research, Director, Hepatorenal Fibrocystic Disease Core Center; Director, T32 Training Program in Cell and Molecular Biology

Role in DRC: Senior Scientist in Molecular Signaling

Background and Interests: My group utilizes complementary approaches in mice, C. elegans, and cell culture to address important clinical, developmental, and basic science questions regarding ciliary function and the consequence of their dysfunction in disease pathogenesis and birth defects. Utilizing genetic screens in C. elegans, we identified multiple proteins required for ciliogenesis, cilia transition zone assembly, and cilia mediated signaling activities and have extended these studies into mammalian systems. I have analyzed how the cilium regulates developmental signaling pathways such as hedgehog and how loss of cilia alters left-right body axis specification, causes hydrocephalus, disrupts bone formation, limb patterning, and skin and hair follicle morphogenesis. In summary, the research conducted by my group is providing important and innovative insights into how cilia are constructed and how they are established as a unique signaling and sensory structure with a distinct protein composition from the rest of the cell membrane. We have a well- documented record of accomplishments and we have consistently been at the forefront of cilia research, particularly using in vivo model systems.

Funding: Current PI: Polycystic Kidney Disease Research Foundation. “Injury response mediated pathogenesis in ciliopathies”. PI: RO1 DK065655. “Cilia and Cystic Kidney Disease” PI: P30 DK074038. “UAB Hepatorenal Fibrocystic Kidney Disease Core Center” PI: T32GM008111. “T32 Predoctoral Training in Cell and Molecular Biology” Co-PI: 1R01HD089918. “Understanding Ciliary Functions in Mammalian Development”

Research and Relationship to DRC Effort: Work from my group has provided fundamental insights into the connection between ciliary dysfunction and cystic kidney disorders, and uncovered a novel role of neuronal cilia in behavior/memory and in regulating satiation responses that when disrupted leads to glucose intolerance and obesity. We have contributed to the identification of several new loci involved in human ciliopathies and have provided a better understanding of the diverse roles that the cilium plays in normal tissue function and during development.

All Publications (2012 to present): 23 publications (including in Cell, AMJPCP, Am Soc Nephrol, Nat Med, PLoS Genet).

Core Usage: Dr. Yoder uses the Animal Core for Transgenic, Body Composition and Consulting services.

DRC Collaborations: Dr. Yoder has grant and publication collaborations with Drs. Arend, Bevensee, Kesterson, Lorenz, Murphy-Ullrich, Nagy, Patel, D Pollock, and Wang SZ, and has 3 diabetes-related publications in the past five years. Name/Degrees/Title: Janet Yother, PhD; Professor, Department of Microbiology

Role in DRC: Senior Scientist in Diabetes Complications; Pilot and Feasibility Recipient

Background and Interests: Dr. Yother’s doctoral training involved bacterial genetics and physiology, and was followed by postdoctoral work incorporating bacterial pathogenesis. She was appointed as an Assistant Professor in Microbiology at UAB in 1991. Her research has focused on Streptococcus pneumoniae, a bacterial pathogen that is the cause of a high prevalence of infections in diabetic patients. Her lab has been responsible for many of the fundamental findings regarding the genetics and syntheses of polysaccharide capsules, which are major virulence factors in S. pneumoniae and other bacteria. These studies led to the recognition of glucose as a major regulatory factor in virulence, providing the impetus for analyzing the role of glucose in enhancing S. pneumoniae infections in diabetics.

Funding: Current PI: UAB Diabetes Research Center Pilot Award (NIH P60 DK079626; Garvey, PI) Glucose-mediated regulation of bacterial virulence in mouse models of diabetes Completed PI: NIH R21 AI103769 Glucose regulation of bacterial virulence in diabetes and hyperglycemia PI: NIH R01 AI28457 Genetics and virulence of pneumococcal capsular types

Research and Relevance to Diabetes: Dr. Yother’s research focuses on the pathogenic mechanisms of S. pneumoniae, with special reference to the effects of glucose. The presence of glucose enhances the expression of virulence factors that are important in infections. In the absence of glucose, expression of these factors is repressed, but expression of factors important in colonization of the nasopharyngeal cavity is increased. These responses are consistent with the environments encountered in the host, i.e., glucose is present in systemic sites but absent in the nasopharyngeal cavity. In diabetics, however, glucose levels are elevated in the nasopharyngeal cavity in proportion to those of the bloodstream. We proposed that the presence of glucose in the nasopharyngeal cavity might increase expression of S. pneumoniae virulence factors, allowing for enhanced transition of S. pneumoniae from this site to systemic sites, thus increasing the potential for infection. Funding from the UAB DRC and the NIH allowed us to address this hypothesis using animal models of diabetes. In collaboration with Dr. Hubert Tse (UAB), we are analyzing the effects of colonization in NOD mice versus their non-diabetic controls. We are determining the direct effects of glucose on this outcome, as well as the responses of different bacterial strains that show differing sensitivities to glucose concentrations. The results of these studies will provide new information as to why diabetics have an increased frequency of infections with S. pneumoniae, and potentially other bacteria.

All Publications (2012 to present): 6 publications (including J Bacteriol, J Biol Chem, Mol Microbiol, Microb Pathog)

Core Usage: Dr. Yother plans to use the Animal Core services for mouse body composition measurement.

DRC Collaborations: Dr. Yother collaborates with Dr. Hubert Tse, with whom she has/had one current and one past grant award. Name/Degrees/Title: Martin Young, DPhil; Professor, Division of Cardiovascular Disease

Role in DRC: Senior Scientist in Integrative Metabolism

Background and Interests: My doctoral thesis focused on identification of unique mechanisms influencing skeletal muscle metabolism and insulin sensitivity. My postdoctoral studies focused towards understanding how energy substrates impact cardiac metabolism through transcriptional processes. My laboratory primarily focuses on understanding the mechanisms by which cell autonomous circadian clocks influence skeletal muscle and cardiac processes (particularly metabolism).

Funding: Current PI: R01HL123574. “Circadian Regulation of Myocardial Insulin Signaling” Co-PI: I01 BX001422 (Co-PI: Frank): “Growth Hormone Receptor Proteolysis and Shedding” Co-PI: R01AG043972 (Co-PI: Allison): “Energetics, Disparities, & Lifespan: A unified hypothesis” Co-PI: R01NS082413 (Co-PI: Gamble): “Circadian dysfunction and GSK3 in neurodegenerative disease” Co-PI: R21AA024543 (Co-PI: Bailey): “Alcohol-induced mitochondrial dysfunction and the hepatocyte clock” Co-PI: R01HL122975 (Co-PI: Chatham): Disruption of the Clock O-GlcNAc axis in diabetic cardiomyopathy”

Recently Completed PI: 1R21AA020199-01. “Influence of the Cardiomyocyte Circadian Clock on Cardiac Hypertrophy” Co-PI: R01HL101192. (Co-PI: Chatham). “Protein O-GlcNAcylation and the Regulation of Cardiac Function”

Research and Relationship to DRC Effort: Research in my laboratory is focused on understanding how environmental factors and behaviors, such as time-of-day, nutrition, and physical activity influence cardiometabolic health and disease. Regarding time-of-day, the laboratory is actively identifying the impact that circadian clocks have on metabolic homeostasis and cardiovascular function. Underscoring the importance of circadian clocks is the observation that genetic ablation of this transcriptionally-based molecular timekeeper results in obesity, diabetes mellitus, and cardiac disease. A broad objective of my laboratory has been to test the hypothesis that circadian clocks synchronize responsiveness of metabolically active tissues (e.g., skeletal and cardiac muscle, as well as liver and adipose tissue) to diurnal variations in the environment. Impairment of this molecular mechanism would therefore result in an inability of these tissues to respond appropriately to the onset of environmental/behavioral influences associated with light/dark, sleep/wake and fasting/feeding cycles.

All Publications (2012 to present): 41 publications (including Biochem J, Am J Physiol Endo Metab, Circulation, FASEB J, Nat Rev Endocrin).

Core Usage: Dr. Young uses the Human Core for Analytical services and the Animal Core for Cardiovascular Assessment services.

DRC Collaborations: Dr. Young has grant and publication collaborations with Drs. Allison, Bailey, Bamman, Calhoun, Chatham, Chen J, Y Chen, Darley-Usmar, Dell'Italia, Frank, Gamble, Garvey, Gutierrez, Habegger, Halade, Kim, Nagy, Oparil, Paterson, D Pollock, J Pollock, Prabhu, Rowe, Shalev, Smith, Wende, Yang, and Zhou, and has 19 diabetes-related publications in the past five years. Name/Degrees/Title: Jianyi (Jay) Zhang, M.D., Ph.D., F.A.H.A., Chair, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Professor of Medicine and Professor of Engineering, School of Medicine and School of Engineering Role in DRC: Senior Scientist, Diabetes Complications Background and Interests: Since my postdoctoral years in the late 1980s, my research has been focused on the in vivo heart’s myocardial bioenergetic regulation using techniques such as magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and spectroscopy. I have worked on elucidating the mechanisms of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation regulation (mtOXPHOS) in hearts with left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) secondary to pressure overload, volume overload and postinfarction LV remodeling. Using a canine model of severe LVH secondary to pressure overload, my early study was the first to demonstrate that in vivo, LVH hearts are associated with myocardial bioenergetic inefficiency; the severity of this bioenergetic abnormality is linearly related to the severity of hypertrophy, but is independent from a persistent myocardial ischemia. Between approximately 1988 to the late nineteen nineties, I worked primarily on myocardial bioenergetics of normal heart or hearts with severe LV dysfunction at basal and very high cardiac works states to examine in vivo myocardial OXPHOS.

Funding: Current (select – see biosketch for complete listing) NHLBI/R01 HL131017 (PI: Zhang) 07/01/2016 - 04/30/20 Stem cell therapy for myocardial repair

NHLBI/U01HL134764 (PI: Zhang) 09/15/2016 - 05/31/2023 Integrated Cellular and Tissue Engineering for Ischemic Heart Disease

NHLBI/ R01HL095077 (PI: Zhang) 12/01/2015 - 11/30/2017 Myocardial Repair Using Human iPSC Derived Cardiac Muscle Patch

Recently Completed (select) R01 HL67828 (PI: Zhang) 04/1/2007 - 09/30/2015 Stem Cell Therapy & Postinfarction LV Remodeling

R01 HL95077 (PI: Zhang) 12/1/2009 – 11/30/2013 Stem Cells for Myocardial Repair: A High Field Large Bore Magnet Study

Research and Relationship to DRC Effort: I am approaching challenges of diabetes and cardiometabolic dysfunction from a biomedical engineering perspective. My areas of current research activity include: integrated cellular and tissue engineering therapies for ischemic heart disease; stem cell therapy for myocardial repair; bioenergetics of in vivo of dysfunctional hearts including diabetic cardiomyopathy using MR imaging, spectroscopy, and work in large animal models for future translational work.

Publications (2012-present): I have 44 publications in the last five years, in journals such as Science Translational Medicine, NATURE Scientific Reports, Circulation Research, Circulation, JoVE, Tissue Engineering, Biomaterials, Stem Cell Reports, Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol, JBC, and Methods in Molecular Biology.

DRC Core Use: I plan to use the BARB core for bioenergetic flux analysis.

DRC Collaborations: I currently collaborate with DRC member Wuqiang Zhu on an R01 project entitled: “Myocardial Repair Using Human iPSC Derived Cardiac Muscle Patch”. Name/Degrees/Title: Lufang Zhou, PhD; Associate Professor, Division of Cardiovascular Disease

Role in DRC: Scientist in Diabetes Complications

Background and Interests: Dr. Zhou received his PhD in Biomedical Engineering from Case Western Reserve University, followed by postdoctoral training in the School of Medicine, The Johns Hopkins University. He joined UAB as an Assistant Professor in 2011 and was prompt to Associate Professor in 2016 (tenure earning). He was nominated as one of the five Pittman Scholars in UAB’s SOM, and named Fellow of American Heart Association (FHA) in 2016. His research focuses on mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress in cardiovascular disease including heart failure and metabolic disease.

Funding: Current PI: R01HL121206A1 “Mitochondria-SR Redox Signaling and Ca2+ Handling in Healthy and Failing Hearts” PI: R21HL127599A1 “A Novel Optogenetic Tool for Precise Mitochondrial Control” Recently Completed PI: R00 HL095648 “Investigate the Effect of Mitochondrial Energy State on Ca2+ Sparks” Co-PI: R01 HL097176 “Xanthine Oxidase and Bioenergetic Function in Volume Overload”

Research and Relationship to DRC Effort: My laboratory studies the fundamental mechanisms linking mitochondrial dysfunction to cardiac dysfunction (e.g., arrhythmogenesis, contractile impairment, and energetic abnormalities) during the progression of heart failure and sudden cardiac death. I am particularly interested in the interplay among ion homeostasis, redox/ROS balance, and energy supply, which, when disrupted, can trigger nonlinear mitochondrial responses that scale to cause cellular and cardiac dysfunction. As the complex, dynamic and nonlinear interactions constituted by cardiac metabolic and electrophysiological subsystems are difficult to fully comprehend with experimental measurements, a multidisciplinary approach integrating experiments and computer simulations is used. The state-of-the-art experimental techniques include super high-resolution imaging (STED), conventional and confocal fluorescence imaging, optical mapping, multi- omics, and cell/molecular biology. The computational models developed in my laboratory span from subcellular organelles (e.g., mitochondrial network) to cardiac tissues, which are used to complement experimental measurements to systematically understand the proarrhythmic effect of mitochondrial dysfunction under various pathological conditions such as heart failure and metabolic disease. The overarching goal is to translate the findings discovered in the laboratory (e.g., the proarrhythmic effect of mitochondrial-derived oxidative stress) into the design and development of novel strategies (e.g., by improving the bioenergetics and redox function of mitochondria) for treatment of cardiovascular disease. This type of research fit the mission of UAB DRC perfectly.

Publications (2012 to present): 12 publications (including Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol, PLoS One).

Core Usage: Dr. Zhou plans to use the BARB core for mitochondrial isolation and energetics assays.

DRC Collaborations: Dr. Zhou has grant and publication collaborations with Drs. Chatham, Chen J, Darley- Usmar, Dell'Italia, Grams, Kesterson, Nagy, Prabhu, Q Yang, and Young, and has 4 diabetes-related publications in the past five years. Name/Degrees/Title: Wuqiang Zhu, MD,PhD; Assistant Professor, Biomedical Engineering

Role in DRC: Scientist in Interventions/Trials

Background and Interests: Dr. Zhu received five years of general cardiology and interventional cardiology training in China, followed by 12 years of cardiovascular research training in the United States. Dr. Zhu is currently an assistant professor in the University of Alabama at Birmingham. His research mainly focused on molecular basis of heart injury and myocardial repair. He completed my Ph.D. thesis in the laboratory of Dr. Loren Field (Indiana University), a world-well-known scientist in the field of cardiomyocyte cell cycle and stem cells. He studied the regulation of cardiomyocyte cell cycle and therapeutic potential of activation of cardiomyocyte proliferation in the injured heart. In addition, he generated a novel juvenile mouse model to mimic doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity in childhood patients. He received my postdoc training in the laboratories of Dr. Gangjian Qin (Northwestern University) and Dr. Jop van Berlo (University of Minnesota). He dissected the molecular pathways that regulate the differentiation of c-kit+ cardiac progenitor cells, and developed a novel method to enhance the homing of c-kit+ progenitor cells to the injured myocardium for repair. His current research is to study cardiomyocyte survival and cell cycle and cardiac stem/progenitor cells for myocardial repair.

Funding: Current PI: 16SDG30410018 “Enhancing post-infarction myogenesis via transplantation of cyclin D2 expressing iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes.”. Pending PI: RO1 “Anthracycline-induced late-onset cardiotoxicity” PI: RO1 “Enhancing postinfarction myogenesis via transplantation of cyclin D2 expressing iPS-derived cardiomycoytes.” Recently Completed PI: American Cancer Society (121101) “Molecular dissection of acute vs. chronic DOX-induced cardiotoxicity”.

Research and Relationship to DRC Effort: Dr. Zhu is interested in studying myocardial repair utilizing cell- based therapy for variable types of heart injury. His lab has previously reported that intra-myocardial injection of hiPSC-derived tri-lineage cells (cardiomyocytes, endothelial cells, and smooth muscle cells) improved cardiac bioenergetic metabolism in a pig model with myocardial infarction. As an extension of this study, Dr. Zhu’s group generated a bioengineered heart tissue with hiPSC-derived tri-lineage cells seeded in a 3D fibrin patch. Their goal is to study if transplantation of the bioengineered heart tissue leads to an improved myocardial bioenergetic metabolism via providing mechanical support and replacing scar tissue. In the projected funded by UAB CCTS, they aimed to establish the technology to measure the myocardial ATP turnover rate in vivo in collaboration with Auburn University MRI Research Center (AUMRIRC). They will utilize the Siemens state-of-the-art 7T whole-body scanner located in AUMRIRC which allows us to determine the myocardial ATP turnover rate in pigs noninvasively.

All Publications (2012 to present): 8 publications (including Circulation, PLoS One).

Core Usage: Dr. Zhu plans to use the BARB core for tissue isolation and energetics assays.

DRC Collaborations: Dr. Zhu has grant and publication collaborations with Drs. Chatham and VJ Howard, and has 3 diabetes-related publications in the past five years. CLINICAL MEMBERS of the UAB DRC

(Non-Research Base DRC Members; collaborators in translational research)

Clinical Members

DRTC DRC Area of Department Division Clinical Member Interests Personnel Excellence Abdullatif, Interventions/ Pediatrics Endocrinology Peds Endo Fellow program Hussein, MD Trials; Patient director, Endo module for med Care students; pediatric clinical trials in diabetes and growth hormone Ahmed, Ali, MD Interventions/ Medicine Gastroenterology Endoscopic treatment obesity Trials; Patient Care Andrews, William Interventions/ OB/GYN Maternal-Fetal Infectious diseases; maternal and W., MD Trials; Patient Medicine fetal medicine; OB complications; Care and prematurity Arguello, Carlos Interventions/ Medicine Endocrinology Patient care, diabetes, insulin R, MD Trials; Patient pumps Care Atchison, Interventions/ Pediatrics Endocrinology Diagnosis and treatment of all Joycelyn A, MD Trials; Patient endocrine disorders, including Care diabetes mellitus and its complications and disorders affecting metabolism. Bates, G. Wright, Interventions/ OB/GYN Reproductive Patient care, diabetes & MD Trials; Patient Endocrinology pregnancy, infertility & PCOS, Care recurrent pregnancy loss Bourge, Robert Interventions/ Medicine Cardiovascular Cardiac transplantation, C., MD Trials; Patient Diseases congestive heart failure, Care pulmonary vascular disease, nuclear cardiology, coronary intensive care, coronary thrombosis, general clinical cardiology Brumfield, Interventions/ OB/GYN Maternal-Fetal Management of diabetic Cynthia, MD Trials; Patient Medicine ketoacidosis in pregnancy Care Colvin, Caroline, Interventions/ Pediatrics Endocrinology Pediatric obesity and diabetes MD Trials; Patient Care Dashiff, Carol J, Interventions/ Nursing Nursing Family influence on self-care of PhD, MN, BSN Trials; Patient Academic individuals with chronic conditions Care Support and the promotion of health. Parent and child relationships. Davis, Richard Interventions/ OB/GYN Maternal-Fetal High risk OB, Gestational O, MD Trials; Patient Medicine Diabetes Care Fineberg, S. Patient Care; Medicine Endocrinology Effects of nutrition on glucose Edwin, MD DRC Scientific metabolism, effects of animal and Review vegetable based diets, drug trials Committee on glipizide, troglitazone, recombinant human ngf, acarbose, and pioglitazone Frazier, Marcela, Interventions/ Ophthalmology Diabetic retinopathy OD, MPH Trials; Patient Care Gaston, Robert Interventions/ Medicine Nephrology Kidney transplantation, minority S., MD Trials; Patient issues, living donor issues, Care access to transplantation/waiting list, immunosuppression and clinical trials Hess, Mary Patient Care; Nursing Acute, Chronic & Obesity and Diabetes NP care Annette, PhD, Education Continuing Care CRNP, CNS Iskandrian, Ami Interventions/ Medicine Cardiovascular Heart disease and diabetes; E, MD Trials; Patient Diseases autonomic dysfunction and poor Care cardiovascular outcomes in asymptomatic individuals with type 2 diabetes Kimberlin, Interventions/ OB/GYN Maternal-Fetal Providing care to women with Debora F, MD Trials; Patient Medicine high-risk pregnancies. Prenatal Care diagnosis, OB infectious diseases, obstetrical ultrasonography and prematurity. Mason III, John Interventions/ Ophthalmology Diabetic retinopathy, macular O, MD Trials; Patient degeneration Care McGuire, Interventions/ Medicine Gastroenterology Liver failure due to Hep C and Brendan Martin, Trials; Patient NASH MD Care Owen, John, MD Interventions/ OB/GYN Maternal-Fetal Prenatal diagnosis and therapy; Trials; Patient Medicine preterm birth prevention; in utero Care therapy Passman, Marc Interventions/ Surgery Vascular Surgery Patient care; treatment of renal A., MD Trials; Patient and peripheral vascular disease Care Patterson, Mark Interventions/ Surgery Vascular Surgery AAA repair, iron and A, MD Trials; Patient atherosclerosis Care

Perry, Gilbert J., Interventions/ Medicine Cardiovascular Coronary artery disease; MD Trials; Patient Diseases cardiomyopathy; Care electrocardiography

Rogers, William Interventions/ Medicine Cardiovascular Diabetes and CAD trials; BARI II, J., MD Trials; Patient Diseases TZDs, and CVD Care

Rosenthal, Interventions/ Medicine Endocrinology Pharma; autoimmune diabetes of Richard S, MD Trials; Patient adulthood, pituitary diseases Care

Stalvey, Michael Interventions/ Pediatrics Endocrinology Versartis GH trial; CTRF and S., MD Trials; Patient insulin secretion Care Tita, Alan Interventions/ OB/GYN Maternal-Fetal Patient care, diabetes & Thevenet N, MD Trials; Patient Medicine pregnancy clinical trials Care Turnipseed, Patient Care; Medicine General Internal Diabetes health care delivery Elizabeth, MD Education Medicine Rogers, William Interventions/ Medicine Cardiovascular CVD and CVD risk J, MD Trials; Patient Diseases Care Vaphiades, Interventions/ Ophthalmology Patient care, neuro- Michael S., DO Trials; Patient ophthalmology, diabetic Care retinopathy

AFFILIATE MEMBERS of the UAB DRC (Non-Research Base DRC Members; collaborators, investigators in other areas who can bring new ideas to diabetes research) Affiliate Members

DRC DRC Area of School Department Affiliate Member Interests Member Excellence Benveniste, Molecular Signaling Medicine Cell Biology Cyhtokine and hormone Etty, PhD signaling through Jak-Stat signaling pathways in cancer

Berecek, Vascular Biology Medicine Cell Biology Renin-angiotensin II system Kathleen H., in hypertension and target PhD organ damage

Brown, Molecular Signaling Central VP for Research at UAB; Christopher S., Research Plant and microbial biology PhD Office

Bullard, Daniel Vascular Biology Medicine Genetics leukocyte/endothelial cell C, PhD adhesion molecules in inflammation

Chaudry, Molecular Signaling Medicine Surgery Cellular alterations following Irshad, PhD soft tissue trauma, bone fracture, hemorrhage and sepsis

Chung, B. Vascular Biology Health Prof Nutrition Sciences Dietary lipids and Hong, PhD chylomicron function; lipoprotein subclasses

Davis, Randall Islet Biology/ Medicine Hematology/ FCRL members in humans S., MD Autoimmunity Oncology and mice to define their functional roles in normal and aberrant immune conditions; CLL

Demark- Interventions/Trials Health Prof Nutrition Sciences Lifestyle interventions for Wahnefried, cancer prevention and Wendy, PhD, survival RD

Eckhoff, Devin Islet Biology/ Surgery Transplant Liver transplant research; E, MD Autoimmunity islet transplant, kidney and pancreas transplant

Franklin, Frank Interventions/Trials Public Health Behavior Pediatric obesity; school A., MD, MPH, Health nutrition programs; nutrition PhD problems and policies

Goepfert, Alice, Interventions/Trials Medicine OB/GYN Maternal-Fetal Medicine, MD mucosal immunology, OB complications, prematurity.

Halanych, Interventions/Trials Montgomery Preventive Medicine Racial bias in health care Jewell H, MD, Internal MSc Medicine

Justement, Molecular Signaling Medicine Microbiology miRNA and immune Louis B., PhD response

Katiyar, Vascular Biology Medicine Dermatology Chemical and solar Santosh K., ultraviolet effects on growth PhD factors

Mick, Gail, MD Integrative Metabolism Pediatrics Endocrinology Molecular signaling

Padmalayam, Islet Biology/ Medicine Dean's Office Indira, PhD Autoimmunity

Parks, Dale A., Vascular Biology Medicine Anesthesiology Reactive oxygen and PhD nitrogen species in CVD

Peng, Ji-Bin, Molecular Signaling Medicine Nephrology Mechanism and regulation PhD of calcium transport pathways

Piyathilake, Epidemiology/Genetics Health Nutrition Sciences Folate metabolism in CA Chandrika, Professions PhD, MPH

Ritchie, Interventions/Trials Medicine Geriatrics Nutrition, frailty, palliative Christine S., care, health care delivery MD systems, transitions in care and health care quality improvement, and oral health

Rogers, Laura Interventions/Trials Health Prof Nutrition Sciences Lifestyle interventions and Q., MD exercise protocols for cancer prevention and survival

Schwiebert, Integrative Metabolism Graduate Exercise and respiratory Lisa M., PhD Studies function; Associate Dean for the Graduate School

Serra, Rosa A., Molecular Signaling Medicine Cell Biology Growth factor anc cytokine PhD signaling

Singh, Karan Interventions/Trials Medicine Preventive Medicine Minority health, cancer P., BSc, MSc, PhD

Singh, Keshav Epidemiology/Genetics Medicine Genetics Cancer genetics; K., PhD mitochondrial genetics, genomic instability, and human disease Stover, Interventions/Trials Medicine Neurology Neurocognitive disease, Natividad P. Parkinson’s Disease

Townes, Tim M, Molecular Signaling Medicine Biochemistry Stem cells, Sickle Cell PhD Disease

Turan, Bulant, Interventions/Trials Medicine Psychology Depression and stress PhD effects on metabolism

Weaver, Casey Islet Biology/ Medicine Pathology B and T cell immune T., MD Autoimmunity mechanisms and cell subclasses; control of adaptive immunity by CD4 T cells

Willig, James Integrative Metabolism Medicine Infectious Dis HIV and anti-retrovirals H., MD effects on body composition; technology driven patient education

Zayzafoon, Molecular Signaling Medicine Pathology Prostate CA and bone mets, Majd, MD, PhD molecular signaling and CA and bone biology

Zhang, Kui, Epidemiology/Genetics Public Biostatistics Novel algorithms to locate PhD Health complex disease genes in linkage analysis using both population-based and family-based data; bioinformatics pertaining to microarray data and protein- protein interaction data

Zinn, Kurt R, Molecular Signaling Medicine Radiology Imaging GH, CA molecular DVM, PhD, MS imaging

EMERITUS MEMBERS of the DRC (Non-Research Base Members; contribute advice and mentorship)

Emeritus Members

DRC Member DRC Area of School Department Emeritus Member Interests Excellence Acton, Ronald T, Epidemiology/ Medicine Microbiology Immunogenetics, metabolism PhD Genetics genetics

Anantharamaiah, Lipids/Lipoproteins/ Medicine Geriatrics Peptide synthesis, protein Gattadahalli M., Atherosclerosis analysis. Biophysical, PhD biochemical studies. Transgenic mouse technology. Molecular biology in vivo models of atherosclerosis.

DeLucas, Diabetes Center for Structural biology of the lens Lawrence J., OD Complications Biophysical and cataract formation; Sciences former astronaut

Meezan, Elias, Molecular Signaling Medicine Pharmacology Alkylmaltosides in diabetes PhD mellitus and cystic fibrosis, herbal diabetes therapies

Garber, David Lipids/Lipoproteins/ Medicine Geriatrics Heart disease and stroke; W, PhD Atherosclerosis insulin resistance; HDL structure

Hauth, John C, Integrative Medicine Hospital Admin. NICHD Maternal-Fetal MD Metabolism Formerly OB/GYN Medicine Units (MFMU) Networks

Kohler, Connie Interventions/Trials Public Health Behavior Health communication, L, DrPH, MA Health smoking cessation, and diabetes prevention and control.

Pillion, Dennis J, Molecular Signaling Medicine Pharmacology Insulin resistance, diabetes PhD camps for children; DRC Scientific Review Committee

Warnock, David Interventions/Trials Medicine Nephrology Nephropathy pathophysiology G., MD and epidemiology; former division director

TRAINEE MEMBERS of the UAB DRC.

Current List Grouped According to DRC Member Laboratory.

Name DRC Mentor Position School Department/Division Health Kinsey, Amber Affuso, Olivia Postdoc Nutrition Sciences Professions Graduate Black, Laurence Medicine Nephrology Student Graduate Bowhay, Sarah Agarwal, Anupam Medicine Nephrology Student Lever, Jeremie MSTP Medicine Nephrology Boddu, Ravindra Postdoc Medicine Nephrology Health Murillo, Anarina Postdoc Nutrition Sciences Professions Health Goldsby, TaShauna Allison, David Postdoc Nutrition Sciences Professions Capers, Patrice Postdoc Public Health Energetics Kroeger, Cynthia Postdoc Public Health Energetics Graduate Valcin, Jennifer Medicine Pathology Student Graduate Sammy, Melissa Medicine Pathology Bailey, Shannon Student

Graduate Brown, Jamelle Medicine Pathology Student Bray, Alexander MSTP Medicine Pathology

Graduate Cell, Developmental Kelly, Neil Medicine Student & Integrative Biology Bamman, Marcus

Cell, Developmental Roberts, Brandon Postdoc Medicine & Integrative Biology Graduate Onuiri, Joshua Barnes, Stephen Medicine Pharmacology Student Siddiqui, Mohammed Calhoun, David Postdoc Medicine Cardiovascular Graduate Wright, JaLessa Medicine Pathology Chatham, John Student

Collins, Helen Postdoc Medicine Pathology Graduate Taylor, Crystal Chen, Yabing Medicine Pathology Student Cherrington, Health Andrae, Susan Postdoc Nutrition Sciences Andrea Professions McMeekin, Laura Cowell, Rita Postdoc Medicine Neurology Graduate Hematology & Becker, Eugene Davis, Randall Medicine Student Oncology Butts, Brittany Postdoc Medicine Cardiovascular Dell'Italia, Louis Rogowski, Michael Postdoc Medicine Cardiovascular Graduate Radka, Christopher Delucas, Lawrence Engineering Student Denmark- Health Fruge, Andrew Postdoc Nutrition Sciences Wahnefried, Wendy Professions Health Gowey, Melissa Dutton, Gareth Postdoc Nutrition Sciences Professions Wang, Qingzhong Dwividi, Yogesh Postdoc Medicine Psychiatry Dowla, Shima Fontaine, Kevin MSTP Public Health Heath Behavior Endocrinology, Graduate Buckles, Ashiya Medicine Diabetes, & Student Metabolism Endocrinology, Frank, Stuart Berry, Ryan MSTP Medicine Diabetes, &

Metabolism Endocrinology, Liu, Ying Postdoc Medicine Diabetes, & Metabolism Graduate Craine, Ellenore Medicine Psychiatry Student Gamble, Karen Graduate Davis, Jennifer Medicine Psychiatry Student Paul, Jodi Postdoc Medicine Psychiatry Graduate Health Ma, Elizabeth Nutrition Sciences Student, MSTP Professions Graduate Health Kang, Minsung Nutrition Sciences Garvey, W. Timothy Student Professions Graduate Health Liu, Xiaobing Nutrition Sciences Student Professions Health Wilkinson, Lua Postdoc Nutrition Sciences Professions Health Bush, Nikki Gower, Barbara Postdoc Nutrition Sciences Professions Kain, Vasundhara Halade, Ganesh Postdoc Medicine Cardiovascular Graduate Santos, Sean Medicine Genetics Student Hartman, John Graduate Albright, Haley Medicine Genetics Student Graduate Icyuz, Mert Medicine Genetics Student Lakkur, Sindhu Howard, Virginia Postdoc Public Health Epidemiology Endocrinology, Graduate Bethea, Maigen Hunter, Chad Medicine Diabetes, & Student Metabolism Rashid, Mohammed Javed, Ahmed? Postdoc Dentistry Oral & Maxillofacial Biomedical Bae, Chae Yun Jun, Ho-Wook Postdoc Engineering Engineering Graduate New, James Medicine Microbiology Student Kearny, John Graduate Patel, Preeyam Medicine Microbiology Student Yeramilli, Venkata Postdoc Medicine Microbiology Graduate Turner, Ashley Medicine Genetics Student Kesterson, Robert Graduate Lambert, Laura Medicine Genetics Student Chen, Mei-Jan Postdoc Medicine Genetics Campell, Anthony Locher, Julie Postdoc Medicine Gerontology Graduate Peel, Jessica Medicine Microbiology Student Graduate Schultz, Michael Medicine Microbiology Student Lund, Frances Graduate Risley, Christopher Medicine Microbiology Student Stone, Sara MSTP Medicine Microbiology Ballesteros Postdoc Medicine Microbiology Benevides, Natalia Graduate Spurlock, Brian Medicine Genetics Mitra, Kasturi Student Gupta, Priyanka Postdoc Medicine Genetics Health Dhyani, Ashish Nagareddy Postdoc Nutrition Sciences Professions Graduate Health Orlandella, Rachael Nutrition Sciences Student Professions Graduate Health Boi, Shannon Norian, Lyse Nutrition Sciences Student Professions Health Carter, Stephen Postdoc Nutrition Sciences Professions El Hachem, Marie Oparil, Suzanne Postdoc Medicine Cardiovascular Zarubina, Anna Owsley, Cynthia Postdoc Medicine Opthalmology Valentinovna Graduate Regal, Kellie Medicine Pathology Patel, Rakesh Student Ahmed, Khandaker Postdoc Medicine Pathology Graduate Zhang, Dingguo Medicine Nephrology Student Graduate Johnston, Jermaine Medicine Nephrology Student Fox, Brandon Pollock, David MSTP Medicine Nephrology Pati, Paramita Postdoc Medicine Nephrology Kasztan, Malgorzata Postdoc Medicine Nephrology Gohar, Eman Postdoc Medicine Nephrology Graduate Sedaka, Randee Medicine Nephrology Student Graduate Obi, Ijeoma Medicine Nephrology Pollock, Jennifer Student Adedoyin, Oreoluwa Postdoc Medicine Nephrology Becker, Bryan Postdoc Medicine Nephrology De Miguel, Carmen Postdoc Medicine Nephrology Khattar, Vinayak Postdoc Medicine Pathology Ponnazhagan Feduska, Joseph Postdoc Medicine Pathology Graduate Patel, Bindiya Medicine Cardiovascular Student Prabu, Sumanth Antipenko, Sergey MSTP Medicine Cardiovascular Bansal, Shyam Postdoc Medicine Cardiovascular Graduate Cell, Developmental Hancock, William Medicine Ramanadham, Student & Integrative Biology Sasanka Cell, Developmental Nelson, Alexander Undergraduate Medicine & Integrative Biology Endocrinology, Graduate Thielen, Lance Medicine Diabetes, & Student Metabolism Shalev, Anath Endocrinology, Jo, SeongHo Postdoc Medicine Diabetes, & Metabolism Graduate Motasm Mateus Medicine Pathology Shevde-Samant, Student Lalita Graduate Hanna, Anna Medicine Pathology Student Ramadan, Ossama Sisiopiku, Virginia Postdoc Engineering Graduate Quiles, Justin Medicine Cardiovascular Student Shelar, Sandeep Soorapan, Postdoc Medicine Cardiovascular Balu Rajesekaran Shanmugam, Postdoc Medicine Cardiovascular Boinath Graduate Immunology & Jimenez, Rachel Szalai, Alexander Medicine Student Rheumatology Cell, Developmental Pocognoni, Cristian Postdoc Medicine & Integrative Biology Sztul, Elizabeth Cell, Developmental Meissner, Justna Postdoc Medicine & Integrative Biology Graduate Pulmonary, Allergy & Dunigan, Katelyn Medicine Tipple, Trent Student Critical Care Wall, Staphanie Postdoc Medicine Pediatrics Arts and Dates, Centdrika Tollefsbol, Tryve Postdoc Biology Sciences Graduate Barra, Jessie Medicine Microbiology Student Tse, Hubert Graduate Burg, Ashley Medicine Microbiology Student McDowell, Ruth Postdoc Medicine Microbiology Graduate Cell, Developmental Gannon, Mary Medicine Student & Integrative Biology Cell, Developmental Wang, Hongxia Wang, Qin Postdoc Medicine & Integrative Biology Cell, Developmental Zhang, Fang Postdoc Medicine & Integrative Biology Zhan, Wenjie Wang, Shu-Zhen Postdoc Medicine Opthalmology Pepin, Mark Wende, Adam MSTP Medicine Pathology Cell, Developmental Akscyn, Robert Postdoc Medicine & Integrative Biology Wyss, J Michael Cell, Developmental Dizbay-Onat, Melike Postdoc Medicine & Integrative Biology Graduate Cell, Developmental Revell, Dustin Medicine Student & Integrative Biology Yoder, Bradley Graduate Cell, Developmental Song, Cheng Medicine Student & Integrative Biology Graduate Cell, Developmental Henke, Scott Medicine Student & Integrative Biology Cell, Developmental Zimmerman, Kurt Postdoc Medicine & Integrative Biology Graduate Larson, Thomas Yother, Janet Medicine Microbiology Student McGinnis, Graham Young, Martin Postdoc Medicine Cardiovascular Graduate Pulmonary, Allergy & Goh, Kah Yong Medicine Student Critical Care Zhou, Lufang Pulmonary, Allergy & Qu, Jing Postdoc Medicine Critical Care