David R. Corey

Dr. David R. Corey is a Professor in the Department of Pharmacology and Biochemistry at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. He holds a BA in Chemistry from Harvard University and a PhD in Chemistry from the University of California at Berkeley, with postdoctoral training in Pharmaceutical Chemistry at University of California at San Francisco (1990-1992).

• Education: BA in Chemistry from Harvard (1985), PhD in Chemistry from UC Berkeley (1990).
• Academic Appointments: Joined UT Southwestern as Assistant Professor (1992), promoted to Associate (2003) and Full Professor (2003) in Pharmacology; secondary appointment in Biochemistry since 1996.

Dr. Corey’s research focuses on RNA interference (RNAi), antisense oligonucleotides, and nucleic acid therapeutics. His work spans gene regulation, neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., spinal muscular atrophy, Friedreich’s ataxia, Fuchs’ dystrophy), and molecular mechanisms of miRNA and gene expression modulation. Recent studies highlight nuclear RNAi applications, chromatin-associated RNA targeting, and therapeutic strategies for repeat expansion disorders.

Analysis of his publications reveals trends in RNA-based therapies, including allele-selective inhibition, non-coding RNA targets, and delivery optimization to tissues like the cornea and nervous system. Key challenges addressed include miRNA-guided silencing, R-loop dynamics, and translating oligonucleotide activation from cell culture to animal models.