Eugenia Wang

Dr. Wang's research has involved investigating molecular mechanisms controlling the process of aging, at both cellular and organismic levels. Her recent work involves investigating gene-directed programs regulating the ontogeny of age-dependent diseases, and how genetic action, specifically that of noncoding microRNA, controls longevity and age-dependent diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease. Her recent work has focused on establishing currently non-existent blood-based tests for Alzheimer’s disease (AD), for not only those with full-blown dementia but also the prodromal stage, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), patients with full functional capability of daily functions but suffering semantic memory loss. Most recently, Dr. Wang has initiated a new study to establish At-Risk for Alzheimer’s disease (ARAD) blood tests for cognitively normal middle-aged individuals but at high risk of developing dementia later in life. Thus, Dr. Wang has been able to translate her bench discoveries into applications for clinical research, by identifying unique circulating plasma microRNAs as the biomarkers for cognitive decline to combat Alzheimer’s disease for diagnosis, prognosis and preventive medicine.