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Abdul Qaadir (Sheps) King-Mcalpin

Address: 3310C PBDBPhoto of Sheps King
Phone: (319) 335-7660
Email: abdulqaadir-king-mcalpin@uiowa.edu

Mentor: Matthew J. Potthoff, PhD

Undergraduate Institution: Morehouse College

Graduate Program: Molecular Medicine | Medical Scientist Training Program

Year Entered Into Program: 2017


Research Description

Exploring The Mechanism of FGF21’s Acute Insulin Sensitization

The Potthoff lab studies fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21), an endocrine hormone that regulates energy homeostasis and insulin sensitivity. FGF21 has been shown to reduce adiposity and serum triglyceride levels, decrease blood glucose, and increase weight loss without decreasing food intake in obese rodent and primate models. Similar effects were observed in humans after administration of FGF21 analogue, LY2405319. The Potthoff lab published a paper showing that FGF21 signals to brown adipose tissue (BAT) and that BAT is required for FGF21 to mediate acute insulin sensitization. My goal is to determine FGF21’s mechanism of acute insulin sensitization. Identifying this mechanism of bypassing insulin resistance can uncover novel therapeutic strategies for combating metabolic disease.

Awards

  • Underrepresentaed Minority Pre-Comprehensive Mentored Summer Research Fellowship, 2018