About Me
I am a mitochondrial biologist focused on understanding how bioenergetic capacity and redox balance regulate muscle function, adaptation, and physiological reserve in aging and chronic diseases. My research integrates mechanistic animal models with translational human studies to define how mitochondrial dysfunction contributes to sarcopenia and mobility loss in older adults and patients with chronic diseases.
Loss of strength and endurance is a defining feature of aging and many chronic illnesses. Accumulating evidence suggests that impaired mitochondrial energetics and altered redox signaling play central roles in limiting muscle performance and stress tolerance. Our laboratory investigates how impaired mitochondrial respiration and redox imbalance influence muscle mass, contractile function, and adaptive responses to exercise and chemotherapy.
A major focus of our work is the development of mechanism-based interventions to preserve muscle health. Current projects examine the therapeutic potential of unacylated ghrelin and exercise-based strategies to enhance mitochondrial function, improve muscle performance, and mitigate sarcopenia and cancer cachexia. Through clinical studies and translational collaborations, we aim to convert mechanistic insight into therapeutic strategies that extend functional lifespan and improve quality of life.
The Ahn Laboratory is committed to training the next generation of scientists and clinician-investigators. We welcome trainees at all levels — including postdoctoral fellows, graduate students, medical students, and undergraduate students — who are interested in mitochondrial biology, aging physiology, and translational muscle research. Trainees receive rigorous mentorship in experimental design, bioenergetic and functional assessment, data analysis, and scientific communication within a collaborative and interdisciplinary research environment.
Education Program Involvement
Molecular Medicine and Translational Science PhD
Program Research Interest: Analytical approaches to molecular and cellular synthesis, structure and function, Genetics and gene regulation, Cell communications, Organ systems, Pathophysiology
Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology PhD
Program Research Interest: Drug and Alcohol Abuse, Cardiovascular Physiology and Hypertension, Regenerative Medicine, Neuro- and Behavioral Pharmacology, Cancer Therapeutics Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism Lifespan Physiology.