About
Susan Duckett is currently a Professor in the Department of Animal and Veterinary Sciences at Clemson University where she holds The Ernest L. Corley, Jr. Trustees Endowed Chair position. She received her B.S. degree in Animal Science from Iowa State University, and M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Animal Science from Oklahoma State University. Susan’s research explores how specific fatty acids alter lipogenesis and insulin resistance and how environmental toxins impact fetal growth and muscle development.
Visit Dr. Duckett's Department Profile.
How their research is transforming health care
As an Animal Scientist, Susan can provide expertise on the use of farm-animal models for human health research. Her current research efforts are examining: 1) how microRNA alter skeletal muscle hypertrophy and regeneration, 2) the impact of dopamine agonists (ergovaline or ergot alkaloids) on fetal growth and muscle development, and 3) the role of dietary fatty acids on obesity and regional fat deposition. Our research has documented changes in miRNA and mRNA in skeletal muscle during development that has led to testing of miRNA therapies to enhance satellite cell proliferation for hypertrophy and repair. We have a USDA-NIFA grant to develop mitigation strategies for ergot alkaloid-induced vasoconstriction and intrauterine growth restricted muscle development. In addition, we are exploring altering dietary fatty acid in take in early life on subsequent adiposity and regional fat deposition.
Health Research Expertise Keywords
Faculty Scholar, Obesity, type-2 diabetes, mycotoxins, fetal development, dopamine receptor agonists, myomiRNAs
