Juan Pablo Palavicini, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor/Researcher
Personal Statement:
Our laboratory seeks to better understand the molecular mechanisms that drive aging, particularly brain aging, and Alzheimer’s disease.
Our ultimate goal is to participate in the development of new therapies that will empower us to live a sharper, healthier, and longer life!
Education
2005-2011 Doctorate of Science (PhD), University of Puerto Rico
2004-2005 Master of Science (MS), University of Costa Rica
2000-2004 Bachelor of Science (BS), Costa Rican Institute of Technology
Research
The overarching goal of the Palavicini lab is to better understand at a molecular level how specific genes, particularly those related to lipid metabolism, and environmental factors influence aging and Alzheimer’s disease.
The lab performs mechanistic pre-clinical studies on animal models using multi-faceted approaches to generate multi-omics, histological, imaging, physiological, and behavioral outcomes in a rigorous manner, following robust, well-powered, reproducible, and unbiased experimental designs.
Validating the clinical relevance of basic discoveries in human samples is a critical component of the laboratory, as ultimately, we aim to develop translational strategies to combat age-related metabolic dysfunction and cognitive decline. To this end, we partner with ongoing clinical trials to assess the effects that specific treatments against aging and/or Alzheimer’s disease may have on lipid metabolism.
Affiliations
Dr. Palavicini is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Medicine, Division of Diabetes, and the Sam and Ann Barshop Institute for Longevity and Aging Studies at the University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio.