Chris M. Adams, M.D., Ph.D.

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SUMMARY

The research interests of Christopher M. Adams, M.D., Ph.D., focus on molecular mechanisms of skeletal muscle atrophy, diabetes and obesity.

Focus areas

• Identification and characterization of novel molecular mechanisms of skeletal muscle atrophy and weakness. Dr. Adams' mechanistic studies combine unbiased, discovery-oriented molecular and biochemical approaches in human and mouse skeletal muscle with targeted molecular genetic interventions in mouse skeletal muscle. This work is elucidating essential components of a previously unrecognized and evolutionarily conserved molecular pathway that promotes skeletal muscle atrophy and weakness during starvation, muscle disuse, and aging.
• Discovery and development of novel approaches for the maintenance of skeletal muscle health and the treatment of skeletal muscle atrophy, diabetes, and obesity. Dr. Adams is the lead inventor on over 30 patents concerning small molecules that help maintain the structure and function of skeletal muscle. He leads a biotechnology company that is translating this research in collaboration with global companies and his laboratory at Mayo Clinic.

Significance to patient care

The overall goal of this research is to help generate new medicines, nutritional approaches and diagnostic tools for skeletal muscle atrophy, diabetes, and obesity.

Professional highlights

• Research chair, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, Metabolism, Nutrition, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, 2021-present
• Elected member, American Society for Clinical Investigation, 2013-present
• Founder, president and CEO, Emmyon, Inc., 2012-present
• Research chair, Fraternal Order of Eagles Diabetes Research Center, University of Iowa, 2017-2021
• Professor of Medicine with tenure, University of Iowa, 2015-2021
• Senior Clinical Scientist Award, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, 2019
• Chair, Skeletal Muscle Biology and Exercise Physiology Study Section, National Institutes of Health, 2018-2019
• Standing member, Skeletal Muscle Biology and Exercise Physiology Study Section, National Institutes of Health, 2014-2018
• Inaugural Faculty Scholar, Fraternal Order of Eagles Diabetes Research Center, University of Iowa, 2011-2016
• Associate Professor of Medicine with tenure, University of Iowa, 2011-2015
• Assistant Professor of Medicine, University of Iowa, 2006-2011
• Clinical Scientist Development Award, Doris Duke Charitable Foundation, 2009
• Assistant Professor of Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 2005-2006