University of California-Los Angeles · PhysiologyMitochondrial Health and Aging Lab
David W Walker · Los Angeles, California
Research Focus
Dr. David W. Walker's lab at UCLA focuses on understanding how changes in mitochondria contribute to the aging process and Alzheimer's disease. By studying how mitochondrial DNA is released into cells and triggers inflammation, the lab aims to uncover potential therapeutic strategies to combat age-related diseases. Utilizing Drosophila models, the research explores the links between mitochondrial function, immune responses, and longevity.
mitochondriaAlzheimer's diseaseaginginflammationcytosolic DNADrosophilahealthspantherapeutic targetsautophagy
Research Aims
3AIM 01Investigate the relationships between mitochondrial homeostasis and aging.
AIM 02Examine if cytosolic mtDNA drives aging-related health decline.
AIM 03Explore whether targeting cytosolic mtDNA can influence Alzheimer's disease progression.
Skills the Lab Values
genetic manipulationDrosophila handlingmitochondrial assaysinflammatory signaling analysiscell culture techniquesmolecular cloninglifespan assaysRNA isolationWestern blot
Output against the department
Publications346top 11% of dept.32nd of 286
this lab
most publishedleast published
Citations9.9ktop 33% of dept.94th of 286
this lab
most citedleast cited
Career totals from OpenAlex, compared against labs that share a department. A department spans everything from one paper to tens of thousands, so bar heights are on a log scale — otherwise the largest lab would flatten every other bar to a line.