Edward Fon

Edward Fon is a Professor at McGill University and a leading researcher in the Brain Repair and Integrative Neuroscience (BRaIN) Program at the Montreal Neurological Institute (MNI). His work focuses on unraveling the molecular mechanisms underlying Parkinson’s disease (PD), particularly the roles of PD-related genes like PARKIN, PINK1, and LRRK2 in mitochondrial quality control and neurodegeneration.

Key areas of investigation include

• Ubiquitin signaling in mitophagy
• Alpha-synuclein propagation
• Genetic modifiers of PD
• Stem cell-derived models of neurodegeneration

His recent publications highlight cutting-edge approaches such as

• Single-cell RNA sequencing (Ensemblex, ScRNAbox)
• CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing in stem cells
• Immunofluorescence and live-imaging assays
• Neuromelanin and neurophysiological biomarkers
• Machine learning for genetic risk analysis
• Alpha-synuclein propagation dynamics

These studies often employ iPSC-derived dopaminergic neurons, midbrain organoids, and mouse models to explore disease mechanisms and therapeutic targets.

His research is supported by prestigious organizations including the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), Parkinson Society Canada, and the Michael J. Fox Foundation. Collaborative initiatives like the Canadian Open Parkinson Network (C-OPN), Quebec Parkinson Network, and EUbOPEN further expand his impact.