Research accomplishments of CPB’s Uma Aryal featured in ASBMB Today Article

Department of Comparative Pathobiology Research Associate Professor Uma Aryal, PhD
Department of Comparative Pathobiology Research Associate Professor Uma Aryal, PhD

A recently published article in ASBMB Today, the member magazine of the American Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, details groundbreaking research led by Uma K. Aryal, research associate professor in the Department of Comparative Pathobiology.

Brain image depicting mass spectrometry-based identification of molecular signatures.
Brain image depicting mass spectrometry-based identification of molecular signatures.

Aryal and his colleagues conducted a multi-enzyme digestion approach that revealed age-related phosphoproteome changes in the brains of young-adult, middle-aged, and old mice. Their work, published in the Journal Molecular & Cellular Proteomics, represents a tremendous step forward in understanding the association between aging and the dysregulation of proteins.

Aryal’s research is crucial for therapeutic strategy development that assists in preventing or reversing neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

The ASBMB Today article by author Hallie Blevins, published in the Jan. 21, 2025 issue, highlights how Aryal’s interest in proteomics began while he was completing his PhD in Japan. There, he used proteomic techniques to examine enzymes from a white-rot fungus that degrades persistent aromatic compounds. After coming to Purdue, Aryal went on to start his own proteomics program that focuses on the connection between neurodegenerative diseases and senescence, which refers to the process of aging.

As quoted in the article, Aryal said, “That’s where I switched. There is a lot of interest in neurodegenerative diseases, and there is a lot I can contribute to that area.”

The research revealed that aging is directly associated with increased phosphorylation and accumulation of neurodegenerative proteins. With the incidence of neurodegenerative diseases expected to double by 2050, Aryal and his team’s research is vital in understanding the mechanisms that lead to these illnesses.

Aryal said the article was a welcome surprise since this kind of attention in such a high-profile publication for this field will significantly add meaningful new exposure to his team’s research program.

Writer(s): Caroline Keim | pvmnews@purdue.edu

Recent Stories

“Paws Up” brought to you by the PVM Wellness Committee

This week, when we set aside time to celebrate Administrative Professionals Day (April 23), we want to take a moment to recognize someone who embodies the spirit of service and care that defines our community—Angela Pickett, executive assistant to the dean.

PVM Wellness Week Promotes Strong Finish to Spring Semester

With finals week looming on the horizon as the end of the spring semester draws nigh, Purdue Veterinary Medicine fostered positive energy and productive mindsets with its Wellness Week. A schedule of daily encouraging and stress-relieving functions during the week of April 21 to 25 helped students, faculty, and staff keep a focus on the importance of wellness.

Purdue Day of Giving April 30 is Day for Sharing Purdue and Pet Pride

Next week brings a unique opportunity to combine Purdue Pride with your pride you in your pet to help advance the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine. During the annual Purdue Day of Giving Wednesday, April 30, there will be opportunities to help promote and support the college through participation in social media challenges in addition to giving.

PVM Faculty Member Sarah Waxman, leader of Purdue’s Equestrian Team, honored as Outstanding Advisor of the Year

People in the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine know Dr. Sarah Waxman as a clinical assistant professor in the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, boarded large animal surgeon and clinician with the Veterinary Hospital’s Equine Field Service. They may not realize she also has played a key role in the success of the Purdue Equestrian Team, for which she serves as advisor.

Comfort for Koda

Today we continue a series of stories about animals and their owners who’ve found help and healing at the Purdue University Veterinary Hospital as we share the tale of a dog named Koda, a young poodle mix that had experienced ongoing bladder issues early in life, and whose family was referred to the Purdue University Small Animal Hospital for answers.