Tania Gendron

Tania Gendron, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor of Neuroscience at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida, where she leads the Translational Neurobiology of ALS and FTD Laboratory. She holds an administrative appointment as Associate Consultant II-Research in the Department of Neuroscience and is actively engaged in cutting-edge research on neurodegenerative disorders.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa
• B.S. in Biochemistry, University of Ottawa

Dr. Gendron's research focuses on the molecular underpinnings of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD), particularly those linked to the C9orf72 gene mutation. Her laboratory investigates the role of protein aggregates such as TDP-43 and tau, and pioneered the discovery of dipeptide repeat (DPR) proteins as a key pathological feature. A major thrust of her work is biomarker discovery, with significant contributions in establishing poly(GP) DPR proteins and neurofilament light as promising biomarkers for diagnosis, prognosis, and therapeutic monitoring in ALS, FTD, and related disorders.

Analysis of her recent publications reveals a consistent focus on neurodegenerative disease mechanisms, with a strong emphasis on C9orf72 pathology, TDP-43 dysfunction, DPR protein toxicity, and the development and validation of fluid-based biomarkers. Her work spans basic molecular mechanisms to translational applications, often utilizing patient-derived tissues and preclinical models.

Scientific Awards and Grants:

• National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) grant as Principal Investigator (PI) for 'c9RAN proteins as a biomarker for C9ORF72-associated ALS and FTD'
• NINDS grant as PI for 'Core C' project
• NINDS grant as Co-PI for 'Frontotemporal dementia and related disorders: transcriptomic profiling, biomarker discovery, and mechanistic insight'
• NINDS grant as Co-PI for 'Pathobiology of Neurodegeneration in C9ORF72 repeat expansion'
• NINDS grant as Co-PI for 'Poly(ADP-ribose) promotes the condensation and toxicity of C9orf72 arginine-rich dipeptide repeat proteins'

Dr. Gendron has secured significant grant funding, indicating national recognition of her research. She actively collaborates with prominent researchers at Mayo Clinic, including Dr. Leonard Petrucelli and Dr. Mariet van Blitterswijk. Her laboratory is a key component of the Neuroscience Research, Discovery, and Translation Labs at Mayo Clinic, contributing to the institution's mission of advancing patient care through innovative research. She has published over 130 peer-reviewed articles and her work has been supported by multiple NIH grants, reflecting a sustained and impactful research program.