Daniel J Rader

Daniel J. Rader, MD, is the Seymour Gray Professor of Molecular Medicine at the Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania. He holds key leadership roles including Chief of the Division of Translational Medicine and Human Genetics, Chair of the Department of Genetics, and Director of the Penn Medicine BioBank. He is also Associate Director of the Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics and Scientific Director of Clinical and Translational Research at the Cardiovascular Institute.

• Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania
• Department of Medicine
• Department of Genetics
• Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics (ITMAT)
• Cardiovascular Institute
• Preventive Cardiovascular Medicine and Lipid Clinic

Daniel J. Rader’s research focuses on leveraging human gene discovery to understand lipoprotein metabolism, cardiometabolic traits, and cardiovascular diseases. His lab employs cutting-edge technologies such as CRISPR gene editing in iPSCs, single-cell RNA sequencing, and multi-omics to investigate disease mechanisms. Recently, his work has expanded into neurodegeneration using human genetics as a foundation. His team integrates computational genomics, mechanistic studies, and deep human phenotyping to accelerate translational insights.

His recent publications highlight major trends in genetic risk prediction, lipid metabolism (particularly ANGPTL3 and lipoprotein(a)), and the role of ancestry in polygenic risk scores. His work emphasizes precision medicine, biobanking, and the translation of genetic findings into clinical applications for cardiovascular and metabolic disorders.

Scientific recognition includes mentorship of awardees such as Dr. Eleonora Scorletti, who received a K99/R00 Pathway to Independence Award. His lab continues to train MD/PhD students and postdoctoral fellows, contributing significantly to academic medicine.

Daniel J. Rader leads major research initiatives including the Penn Medicine BioBank and participates in large consortia such as the Regeneron Genetics Center and the Undiagnosed Diseases Network. His lab is actively recruiting postdoctoral fellows and enrolling participants in clinical studies to advance discoveries in lipid and cardiovascular genetics.