This study shows that AMPK2 T172 activation is necessary for mitochondrial and angiogenic adaptations in skeletal muscle from exercise training, but not for improved exercise capacity.

bioRxiv · Jun 23, 2026 · PreprintPhysiology

Elevating levels of neuronal MCU in the hippocampus enhances mitochondrial calcium uptake and respiratory efficiency proportional to demand

Mikel L. Cawley, Ryan N. Montalvo, Mason Wheeler, Lucy L. Turner, Jessica M. Pfleger, Zhen Yan, Shannon Farris

This study shows that increasing neuronal MCU in the hippocampus improves mitochondrial calcium uptake and respiratory efficiency in response to energy demand.

bioRxiv · Apr 16, 2026 · PreprintNeuroscience

Ampk alpha2 T172 Activation Dictates Exercise Performance and Energy Transduction in Skeletal Muscle

Ryan N. Montalvo, Xiaolu Li, Gina M. Many, Tyler J. Sagendorf, Qing Yu, Wenqing Shen, Nishikant V Wase, A. Robert Burgardt, Tong Zhang, Marina Gritsenko, Matthew J. Gaffrey, Hemangi S. Bhonsle, Yuntian Guan, Xuansong Mao, Mei Zhang, , Zhen Yan

This study shows that activating AMPK alpha2 T172 in skeletal muscle improves exercise performance and energy transduction, and its disruption mimics type 2 diabetes features.

Science Advances · Feb 25, 2026Peer-reviewedMolecular Biology

PERM1 Gene Delivery via AAV Prevents Heart Failure in a Mouse Model of Pressure Overload

Karthi Sreedevi, Ryan N. Montalvo, Abigail Oforiwaa Doku, Audrey Korte, Rebekah Thomas, Sarah Salama, Steven Burrows, Zhen Yan, Alexey V. Zaitsev, Junco S. Warren

AAV9-PERM1 gene therapy preserves cardiac function in a mouse model of pressure overload-induced heart failure by maintaining mitochondrial biogenesis, respiration, and contractility.

bioRxiv · Sep 29, 2025 · PreprintPhysiology