David L Nelson

David L Nelson, Ph.D., is a Professor and holds the Cullen Foundation Professorship in Molecular Genetics at Baylor College of Medicine (BCM). He serves as Director of the Graduate Program in Cancer & Cell Biology and the Graduate Program in Integrative Molecular and Biomedical Sciences. He also directs the BCM Michigan Emory Fragile X Research Center, focused on understanding mechanisms of neurodegenerative and ovarian disorders linked to FMR1 CGG repeats. His academic roles include leadership in the Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Dr. Nelson earned a BA in Biology/Chemistry from the University of Virginia (1978) and a PhD in Biology from MIT (1984). He completed postdoctoral training at NIH (1985) and BCM (1986). His research focuses on human genetics, particularly fragile X syndrome, trinucleotide repeat disorders, and the role of FMR1 in neurodegeneration and ovarian insufficiency. His work includes studies on RNA toxicity, metabolic pathways, and genetic modifiers in FXTAS and FXPOI.

Key articles highlight his contributions to understanding FXR1’s role in spermiogenesis, FMRP’s impact on atherosclerosis, and the identification of PSMB5 as a genetic modifier in FXTAS. His research also extends to circadian rhythms in β-cells and muscular disorders linked to FXR1 mutations.

• Awards: Barbara Bowman Award (2010), Cullen Chair (2003), AAAS Fellow (2015), William Rosen Award (2000).
• Advising/Grants: Leadership in NIH-funded fragile X research; mentorship in graduate programs.
• Labs/Teams: Directs the Fragile X Research Center and collaborates on cancer and molecular genetics initiatives.