Welcome to Kwon Laboratory (Integrative Physiology) in the Department of Kinesiology

The Kwon Laboratory of Integrative Physiology in the Department of Kinesiology at the University of Connecticut investigates the physiological and molecular mechanisms underlying vascular and skeletal muscle dysfunction during aging and age-related disease. Our overarching goal is to identify mechanisms and interventions that preserve cardiovascular health, physical function, and healthy aging.

Our research particularly focuses on the roles of mitochondrial dysfunction, mitochondrial-derived oxidative stress, cellular senescence, and impaired mitochondrial quality control in age-related declines in vascular and skeletal muscle function. Using an integrative translational approach, we combine human clinical studies, animal models, vascular physiology, mitochondrial bioenergetics, and molecular and cellular techniques to investigate these mechanisms across multiple levels of physiology.

A major area of our research examines vascular aging and frailty in older adults, including the relationships among endothelial dysfunction, mitochondrial health, physical function, and cognitive performance. We are also investigating mitochondria-targeted and nutritional interventions, including MitoQ and black elderberry, as potential strategies to improve vascular and skeletal muscle health. Complementary mechanistic studies investigate cellular senescence, mitochondrial quality control, physical inactivity, metabolic stress, and biological heterogeneity in aging.

Our laboratory works closely with investigators at the UConn Center on Aging, as well as collaborators across UConn and other institutions, integrating expertise in aging, geriatrics, nutrition, molecular biology, cardiovascular physiology, and exercise science. Through these multidisciplinary collaborations, we aim to translate mechanistic discoveries into strategies that promote cardiovascular health, mobility, resilience, and healthy longevity.


Department of Kinesiology in the News

National Academy of Kinesiology logoReview and Evaluation of Doctoral Programs in Kinesiology

We are proud to announce that our doctoral program was ranked the #3 program in Kinesiology in the country!!!!!