Dr. Denner's work encompasses a broad approach to improving human health. This includes identification of novel therapeutic targets for small molecule drug discovery, development of new stem cell-based therapies, assessment of the mechanism of action of existing therapies in order to improve efficacy and side-effects, and the discovery, testing, and implementation of new biomarkers for diagnosis and management of human diseases. These diseases currently include Alzheimer's disease, traumatic brain injury, substance abuse, infertility in women, diabetes, obesity, metabolic syndrome, and ovarian, prostate, and hepatocellular carcinoma. His research uses cell-free systems, cell models, animal models, and patients. He focuses on signaling pathways, phosphorylation in particular, and biomarker assessment in patient biofluids using state-of-the-art mass spectrometry.
In addition, his work includes community prevention and control programs in chronic diseases including diabetes, obesity, and end stage renal disease with an emphasis on survey instruments to evaluate strategies to assist in the definition of best practices in communities at high risk for these diseases. These populations will ultimately provide the diverse phenotypes of disease susceptibility and sequelae for the development of individualized biomarkers for a personalized medicine approach to disease predisposition and management. Finally, public policy, public education, and legislative affairs are important areas of his efforts to build understanding of, and appreciation for, the need for public support of the diverse strategies to improve human health.