About
Benoit Gentil is an Associate Professor in the Department of Kinesiology & Physical Education within McGill University's Faculty of Education. He directs the McGill Laboratory of Genetics and Epigenetics in Motor Development, focusing on biomechanics, neuroscience, and rare neurological disorders. His research bridges molecular mechanisms with motor function, particularly in neurodegenerative contexts.
His educational background includes a Ph.D. in Molecular and Cell Biology from Université Joseph Fourier (Grenoble), an M.Sc. in Human Nutrition from University Diderot (Paris VII), and postdoctoral training at McGill University in Biochemistry (with Walter Mushynski) and Neurology/Neurosurgery (with Jean-Pierre Julien).
Gentil's research centers on neurodegenerative mechanisms in disorders like ARSACS (Autosomal Recessive Spastic Ataxia of Charlevoix-Saguenay), with emphasis on intermediate filament dynamics, sacsin protein function, genetic mutations, and stress response pathways. His work explores how cytoskeletal defects contribute to motor neuron degeneration, leveraging models from zebrafish to mammalian systems. Recent publications highlight therapeutic approaches targeting protein aggregation and autophagy in ataxia.
Analysis of his 15 most recent articles reveals consistent focus on
- Neurofilament assembly defects in ARSACS
- HDAC inhibitors as neuroprotective agents
- Molecular interactions of sacsin's J-domain
- Metabolic aspects of neurodegeneration
Gentil actively supervises graduate students in Biomechanics and Neuroscience programs, accepting M.Sc. and Ph.D. candidates for the 2024-25 academic year. His laboratory investigates genetic and epigenetic regulation of motor development, with particular attention to rare neurological diseases and cytoskeletal pathology. Current projects integrate molecular biology, live-cell imaging, and disease modeling to identify therapeutic targets for neurodegenerative conditions.
