Heather Ferris, MD, PhD

PRIMARY APPOINTMENT:

Associate Professor of Medicine, Endocrinology and Metabolism

CONTACT:

Email: hf4f@uvahealth.org

RESEARCH AREAS:

Brain cholesterol metabolism, Brain insulin signaling, Alzheimer’s disease, Brain inflammation, Geriatric diabetes management

• 1998 BA, Chemistry, B.S., Biochemistry, College of Charleston
• 2005 PhD, Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, University of Virginia
• 2006 MD, University of Virginia
• 2009 Residency, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center
• 2012 Endocrinology Fellowship, Beth Israel Deaconess/Joslin Diabetes Center
• 2012-2017 Instructor, Harvard Medical School, Research Associate, Joslin Diabetes Center

• Co-I, R01: Fluorescent Redox Indicators to Image Oxidative Stress in Alzheimer’s Disease
• PI, R01: Mevalonate Pathway Regulation of Astrocyte ApoE

Obesity, hyperlipidemia, and type 2 diabetes are all metabolic disorders associated with cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease. Our lab is interested in understanding how changes in metabolism, either in the brain or in the periphery affecting the brain, influence the risk for dementia.

1. Brain cholesterol- Cholesterol is an important structural molecule, but it also serves as a regulatory molecule in the brain. It is transported between cells by ApoE particles. Mutations in ApoE are one of the main risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease. We have demonstrated that cholesterol can regulate cellular behavior by changing the ability of cell surface enzymes to interact with their ligands. For example, increased cholesterol can increase amyloid plaque formation and inflammation. In our current studies, we seek to understand how various cholesterol species can differentially affect neuro-inflammation and the possibility of pharmacologically targeting ApoE cholesterol loading and secretion to reduce the adverse effects of excess cholesterol.

2. Brain insulin signaling- Insulin resistance has been associated with the development of several neurological diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease and depression. The brain is much less dependent on insulin signaling for energy metabolism than the periphery. Insulin does, however, play a role in several essential brain functions, including memory, appetite, and reproduction. The type of insulin receptor in the brain and the relative ratio compared to the highly homologous IGF1 receptor and their respective ligands differ substantially from the periphery. We have begun studying a newly identified regulator of insulin and IGF1 receptor signaling, Inceptor.

3. Clinical research- Peripheral metabolic function significantly impacts cognitive decline with aging. Caregivers of persons with dementia are at increased risk for cognitive decline. One possible cause is poor metabolic health due to the stress and burden of caregiving. We are interested in developing interventions targeting this vulnerable population to improve their metabolic and cognitive health.

August 8, 2023, Medical News Today, “Light sensitivity in Alzheimer’s may cause worse symptoms later in the day”

July 31, 2023, Diatribe, “How to Have a Healthy Retirement with Diabetes”

June 7^th, 2023, Being Patient, “Weight Loss Drug Wegovy’s Next Act: Treating Alzheimer’s? “

February 1st, 2023, LiveScience, “Similar brain thinning seen in older adults with obesity and people with Alzheimer’s”

November 3^rd, 2022, Being Patient, “Myth-Busting: Do Statins Cause Dementia?”

September 2021, US News and World Report, “Could Cholesterol Help Drive Alzheimer’s Disease?”

September 2021, NBC12 News, “UVA Research Shows Cholesterol Key Driver of Development of Alzheimer’s Disease”

January 2020, The Washington Post, “Five Myths About Diabetes” 

January 2019, BBC, “Is Juicing Actually Good For You?”

June 2018, Virginia Center on Aging, “Dr. Ferris is a Sullivan Alzheimer’s and Related Diseases Research Award Fund Recipient”

May 2017, “Audio: Dr. Heather Ferris About Why You Should Step Away From the Juice Bar”