Rakez Kayed

Dr. Rakez Kayed is a Professor in the Department of Neurology at the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) and holds the John Sealy Chair for Parkinson's Research. He leads research at the Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Disorders, focusing on molecular mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and tauopathies. His work investigates protein misfolding, tau oligomer toxicity, and immunotherapeutic approaches.

Education:

• B.S. Chemistry, University of Jordan
• Ph.D. in Organic/Medicinal Chemistry, University of Tübingen
• Postdoctoral training in Alzheimer's and Protein Misfolding Diseases, University of California, Irvine

Dr. Kayed's research explores neurodegenerative pathology, protein aggregation dynamics, and therapeutic targeting of amyloid and tau oligomers. His lab develops diagnostic biomarkers using biological samples and studies amyloid involvement in cancer, diabetes, and traumatic brain injury. Recent work emphasizes immunotherapeutic strategies to halt disease progression.

His publications frequently address tau pathology propagation, oligomer toxicity, and neuroinflammation mechanisms. Articles show consistent focus on bridging basic protein biochemistry with clinical applications in neurodegeneration.

Awards:

• Warmoth Professorship in Neurology
• International Society for Neurochemistry Fellowship
• Society for Neuroscience Award
• DFG Fellowship

Dr. Kayed collaborates internationally and contributes to editorial boards of major neurology journals. His lab employs molecular biology, animal models, and translational approaches to advance neurodegenerative disease therapeutics.