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Timothy Robert Koves

Associate Professor in Medicine
Medicine, Geriatrics and Palliative Care
Duke Box 104775, Durham, NC 27704
300 North Duke Street, 50-202 / Carmichael Bldg, Durham, NC 27701

Overview


My research is focused on 1) understanding metabolic perturbations that occur in subpopulations of skeletal muscle mitochondria in response to a chronic high lipid environment, 2) identifying specific metabolites of lipid-induced mitochondrial stress that contribute to skeletal muscle insulin resistance and type II diabetes, and 3) understanding how mitochondrial adaptations in response to exercise confer protection against lipid-induced mitochondrial dysfunction.

Current Appointments & Affiliations


Associate Professor in Medicine · 2021 - Present Medicine, Geriatrics and Palliative Care, Medicine
Member of Sarah W. Stedman Nutrition & Metabolism Center · 2002 - Present Sarah Stedman Nutrition & Metabolism Center, Duke Molecular Physiology Institute
Senior Fellow of the Center for the Study of Aging and Human Development · 2020 - Present Center for the Study of Aging and Human Development, Institutes and Centers

Recent Publications


Formation of I2+III2 supercomplex rescues respiratory chain defects.

Journal Article Cell Metab · February 4, 2025 Mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC) complexes partition between free complexes and quaternary assemblies known as supercomplexes (SCs). However, the physiological requirement for SCs and the mechanisms regulating their formation remain controversi ... Full text Link to item Cite

Bioengineered Model of Human LGMD2B Skeletal Muscle Reveals Roles of Intracellular Calcium Overload in Contractile and Metabolic Dysfunction in Dysferlinopathy.

Journal Article Adv Sci (Weinh) · August 2024 Dysferlin is a multi-functional protein that regulates membrane resealing, calcium homeostasis, and lipid metabolism in skeletal muscle. Genetic loss of dysferlin results in limb girdle muscular dystrophy 2B/2R (LGMD2B/2R) and other dysferlinopathies - rar ... Full text Link to item Cite

Ketone flux through BDH1 supports metabolic remodeling of skeletal and cardiac muscles in response to intermittent time-restricted feeding.

Journal Article Cell Metab · February 6, 2024 Time-restricted feeding (TRF) has gained attention as a dietary regimen that promotes metabolic health. This study questioned if the health benefits of an intermittent TRF (iTRF) schedule require ketone flux specifically in skeletal and cardiac muscles. No ... Full text Link to item Cite
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Recent Grants


Mechanisms of lipid-induced bioenergetic stress in muscle

ResearchCo Investigator · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2010 - 2028

Novel roles of PDK4 in regulating mitochondrial protein phosphorylation, carbon flux and metabolic resilience

ResearchInvestigator · Awarded by National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases · 2022 - 2027

Microbial regulation of intestinal lipid metabolism and its physiological consequences

ResearchAssociate Research Professor · Awarded by National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases · 2021 - 2025

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Education, Training & Certifications


East Carolina University · 2006 M.B.A.
East Carolina University · 2002 Ph.D.