The research focuses on mitochondrial dysfunction, innate immunity, and macrophages, with an emphasis on host-directed therapies that boost mitochondrial function by activating PGC-1 alpha.

The work analyzes how resistant pathogens interact with host macrophage mitochondrial function in diseases like cystic fibrosis, ventilator-associated infections, and HIV, aiming to develop immunomodulatory strategies to strengthen host defense.

She joined UNMC in June 2021 and comes from Chicago, Illinois.

Her best advice: “Your network is your net worth.”

Personal interests include traveling, watching tennis, and trail walking.

She holds the Margaret R. Larson Chair and is Professor of Pulmonary Medicine, serves as chief of the UNMC Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, and is part of the UNMC College of Medicine.

Ruxana Sadikot, MD, will receive a Distinguished Scientist Award at UNMC’s 2026 ceremony honoring top researchers.

A key potential target is activating PGC-1α to improve mitochondrial bioenergetics, with proposed pharmacological approaches including metformin and PPAR gamma agonists to induce PGC-1α expression.

The overarching goal is to create novel immunomodulatory therapies that enhance host defense and clear resistant infections.