Dr. Jeffrey Johnson

Biography

Jeffrey Johnson is a Professor and Vilas Distinguished Achievement Professor at the University of Wisconsin School of Pharmacy. He also serves as the Director of the Bachelor of Science in Pharmacology and Toxicology Program. His research focuses on Alzheimer's Disease (AD), a common neurodegenerative disorder that currently affects approximately 6.7 million Americans, with projections indicating a rise to 13.8 million by 2060. Dr. Johnson's work investigates the role of oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and inflammation in AD. His laboratory studies the Keap1/Nrf2 pathway, which offers potential therapeutic strategies to mitigate AD-associated mechanisms. By disrupting the protein-protein interaction between Keap1 and Nrf2, his research aims to enhance the expression of detoxifying antioxidant genes, thereby providing increased resistance to oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction. His collaborative efforts with the University of Edinburgh explore Nrf2 activation in mouse models of AD, demonstrating significant reductions in cognitive decline and amyloid-beta plaque load. Dr. Johnson has received a BS in Biology and an MS in Pharmacology from the University of Minnesota-Duluth, as well as a PhD in Environmental Toxicology from the University of Wisconsin, in addition to postdoctoral training in Neuroscience.

Research Interests

Experience