Associate Professor

Kyle Bohnert, PhD

Kyle Bohnert, PhD is a professor of Kinesiology in the College of Health and Human Services. Bohnert is the author of IRE1/XBP1 signaling promotes skeletal muscle regeneration through a cell non-autonomous mechanism (2021).. With a PhD in Anatomical Sciences and Neurobiology from University of Louisville, Bohnert has research interests in how skeletal muscle adapts at a molecular level to induce either hypertrophy or atrophy, and determining what molecules are responsible for inducing atrophy in tumor models of cancer. Teaches kinesiology courses related to skeletal muscle anatomy, function, and the molecules that regulate muscle health.

His research is focused towards understanding the molecular and signaling mechanisms that regulate skeletal muscle mass.

Contact Us

Hayes Hall 239

563-333-5743

BohnertKyleR@sau.edu

Education and Training

PhD, MS, University of Louisville, Anatomical Sciences and Neurobiology
MS, University of Kentucky, Kinesiology and Health Promotion (Biomechanics)
BA, Hanover College, Hanover, Indiana, Exercise Science and Psychology

Areas of Professional Interest

Dr. Bohnert's lab is interested in investigating the molecular mechanisms that regulate skeletal muscle atrophy during disease.
Specifically, Dr. Bohnert is interested in the role of a specific cell pathway called the Unfolded Protein Response (UPR) that's involved in maintaining skeletal muscle after sciatic nerve denervation.
Through collaborations with the SAU Biology Department and Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, Dr. Bohnert's lab uses histology and immunohistochemistry to determine the expression level of various UPR components as well as the effect on neuromuscular junctions. These investigations will have broad impact on understanding of muscle atrophy experience during such pathologies as Parkinson's, Muscular Dystrophy, and ALS.

Recent Publications

Gallot, Y. S., & Bohnert, K. R. (2021). Confounding roles of ER stress and the unfolded protein response in skeletal muscle atrophy. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 22(5), 2567.
Parveen, A., Bohnert, K. R., Tomaz da Silva, M., Wen, Y., Bhat, R., Roy, A., & Kumar, A. (2021). MyD88-mediated signaling intercedes in neurogenic muscle atrophy through multiple mechanisms. FASEB Journal: Official Publication of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology, 35(8), e21821.
Gallot, Y. S., Bohnert, K. R., Straughn, A. R., Xiong, G., Hindi, S. M., & Kumar, A. (2019). PERK regulates skeletal muscle mass and contractile function in adult mice. FASEB Journal: Official Publication of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology, 33(2), 1946-1962.
Bohnert, K. R., McMillan, J. D., & Kumar, A. (2018). Emerging roles of ER stress and unfolded protein response pathways in skeletal muscle health and disease. Journal of Cellular Physiology, 233(1), 67-78.
Gallot, Y. S., Straughn, A. R., Bohnert, K. R., Xiong, G., Hindi, S. M., & Kumar, A. (2018). MyD88 is required for satellite cell-mediated myofiber regeneration in dystrophin-deficient mdx mice. Human Molecular Genetics, 27(19), 3449-3463.
Hindi, S. M., Sato, S., Xiong, G., Bohnert, K. R., Gibb, A. A., Gallot, Y. S., McMillan, J. D., Hill, B. G., Uchida, S., & Kumar, A. (2018). TAK1 regulates skeletal muscle mass and mitochondrial function. JCI Insight, 3(3), e98441.
Gallot, Y. S., McMillan, J. D., Xiong, G., Bohnert, K. R., Straughn, A. R., Hill, B. G., & Kumar, A. (2017). Distinct roles of TRAF6 and TAK1 in the regulation of adipocyte survival, thermogenesis program, and high-fat diet-induced obesity. Oncotarget, 8(68), 112565-112583.
Xiong, G., Hindi, S. M., Mann, A. K., Gallot, Y. S., Bohnert, K. R., Cavener, D. R., Whittemore, S. R., & Kumar, A. (2017). The PERK arm of the unfolded protein response regulates satellite cell-mediated skeletal muscle regeneration. eLife, 6, e22871.
Bohnert, K. R., Gallot, Y. S., Sato, S., Xiong, G., Hindi, S. M., & Kumar, A. (2016). Inhibition of ER stress and unfolding protein response pathways causes skeletal muscle wasting during cancer cachexia. FASEB Journal: Official Publication of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology, 30(9), 3053-3068.

Courses Taught

Kinesiology

Using anatomical and mechanical principles to study and understand the causes and effects of motion produced by biological systems. Emphasis is on voluntary, functional human movement activities during physical activity, human performance, and physical rehabilitation.

Exercise and Sport Psychology

This course will focus on the fundamental concepts of sport and exercise psychology. Emphasis will be placed on how these concepts impact physical performance and enhance wellbeing. Students will be exposed to discipline related assessments and research within the field. The course will be geared toward practical application for movement practitioners.

Nutrition

Study of the relationship between food and the human body and its impact on growth and development, performance, and general well-being.

Exercise Biochemistry (Graduate Course)

This course will provide students with the skills to understand basic biochemistry and how it relates to metabolism and exercise. Students will learn how biochemistry is involved in neural and muscular processes of movement. Additionally, assessment of biochemical measurement in exercise will be discussed.

Gross Anatomy for PA

This intense, eight-week advanced course in the study of the human body involving cadaver dissection. A regional-based approach emphasizing the relationships of anatomical structures will be used. Students will apply knowledge of anatomy to clinical practice. Some discussion of embryonic development and how it relates to adult anatomy will occur. Also, students will be introduced to cross-sectional anatomy and radiology as it pertains to medical imaging. Lecture and laboratory. Prerequisites: Admission to Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) program or permission of instructor.

Honors and Awards

Ruth L. Kirschstein NRSA Individual Predoctoral Fellowship (F31)

Graduate Dean’s Citation (University of Louisville)

College of Health and Human Services Faculty Scholarship Grant

American Cancer Society Discovery Boost Award: DBG-24-1321692-01-ET

Recently, he received a grant from the American Cancer Society to investigate "Pharmacological inhibition of the IRE1a/XBP1s Signaling Axis to Alleviate Skeletal Muscle Wasting during Cancer Cachexia".