Alex Parker

Alex Parker is a Full Professor in the Department of Neuroscience at the University of Montreal's Faculty of Medicine. His research focuses on genetic mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases, particularly using C. elegans models to identify therapeutic targets for ALS, ataxias, and related disorders. He holds a PhD in Neuroscience from the University of British Columbia (2001) and has led over 50 research projects funded by organizations like the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) and Muscular Dystrophy Association.

Key research areas include drug repurposing for neuromuscular diseases, microbiota-gut-brain axis interactions, and stress response pathways in neurons. His lab has pioneered the use of C. elegans to study age-dependent neurodegeneration and has identified novel roles for probiotics like Lactocaseibacillus rhamnosus HA-114 in neuroprotection. Major funding includes a CIHR Project Grant (2023–2030) investigating neuroprotective strategies in genetic models.

Dr. Parker has supervised over 15 graduate students and co-authored >60 peer-reviewed articles. His work bridges basic science and translational research, with recent efforts focusing on genetic and pharmacological interventions targeting ALS and FTD pathways. He is affiliated with the Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM) and collaborates with institutions worldwide to advance neurodegenerative disease therapies.