Timothy Koh

Associate Professor

College of Applied Health Sciences
Kinesiology and Nutrition

Research Interests

My research focus is tissue inflammation and repair. His research group investigates the mechanisms underlying impaired tissue repair and regeneration, such as that associated with diabetes and aging. My research approach integrates in vivo and in vitro models as well as techniques from physiology, engineering, and cell and molecular biology. This approach is vital to understanding the roles of specific cells and proteins in tissue healing. The long-term goal of this research is to elucidate new strategies for improving tissue repair after injury induced by exercise, trauma or surgery.
The most common treatments for soft-tissue injuries involve anti-inflammatory drugs and modalities. However, recent studies have demonstrated that components of the inflammatory response are required for efficient tissue healing and remodeling. My research is focused on the role of the inflammatory process in injury and repair of skeletal muscle and skin. There are currently two main projects being performed in my laboratory. First, we are performing experiments to understand the critical role of an extracellular protease called the urokinase-type plasminogen activator in the regulation of muscle inflammation and repair. Second, we are studying the role of macrophage plasticity in skin and muscle repair.

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