ACU Chemistry professor receives substantial grant from NIH For Immediate Release August 27, 1999 A possible cure for Alzheimer's disease or diabetes could possibly be in the works. Dr. Charles W. Garner, professor of chemisty and biochemist at Abilene Christian University, has been awarded a grant from the National Institutes of Health to investigate the insulin regulation of Calpain Action. This award infuses nearly $110,000 over a three-year period into the university for Garner's investigation of how insulin action is regulated. This research project will train two or three undergraduate biochemistry students each semester in research principles and techniques. "NIH is interested in our work because of its potential for uncovering certain aspects of insulin action and especially for the potential for influencing young scholars to pursue biomedical research careers," Dr. Garner said. This research will contribute to our understanding of several disease processes including diabetes mellitus, Alzheimer's disease and muscular dystrophy. ACU chemists have long maintained an aggressive research program, currently supported by the Robert A. Welch Foundation. In fact, all six members of the chemistry faculty participated in undergraduate research while students at ACU. Dr. Garner has been at ACU for two years having come from Texas Tech University Medical School. -30- Archived News Releases - Current ACU News and Events If you are a member of the media who would like more information about this release, please contact Tom Craig, director of media and community relations, at craigt@nicanor.acu.edu or call 915-674-2692 (cell phone: 665-5469). Last update: August 27, 1999 This page is maintained by Tom Craig, craigt@nicanor.acu.edu. http://www.acu.edu/people/news/990827-alzheimers.html