Andrew B. Singleton

Dr. Andrew B. Singleton is a distinguished British neurogeneticist currently serving as Director of the Center for Alzheimer's and Related Dementias (CARD) at the National Institute on Aging, part of the National Institutes of Health. He previously served as Chief of the Laboratory of Neurogenetics from 2006 to 2020 and was named an NIH Distinguished Investigator in 2017. Dr. Singleton has built a distinguished career studying the genetic basis of neurodegenerative disorders, with particular focus on Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease.

Dr. Singleton earned his first-class degree in Applied Physiology from Sunderland University and completed his PhD in neuroscience from the University of Newcastle upon Tyne, where he studied the genetics of Alzheimer's disease and other dementias. He began his research career in the United States at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida in 1999, focusing on the genetic basis of Parkinson's disease, ataxia, and dystonia. He joined the National Institutes of Health in 2001 to head the newly formed Molecular Genetics unit within the Laboratory of Neurogenetics.

Dr. Singleton's research primarily focuses on the genetic architecture of neurodegenerative diseases. His work has been instrumental in identifying numerous genetic risk factors for Parkinson's disease through large-scale genome-wide association studies. He has made significant contributions to understanding how genetic variations influence disease susceptibility, progression, and clinical manifestations. His research spans from basic genetic discovery to translational applications, with the ultimate goal of developing targeted therapies based on genetic profiles. Recent work has expanded into machine learning applications for disease prediction and understanding microglial involvement in disease mechanisms.

Dr. Singleton's publication record demonstrates consistent productivity and impact in the field, with numerous high-citation papers that have shaped current understanding of neurodegenerative disease genetics. His research has shown that Parkinson's disease is not a single disorder but a collection of conditions with different genetic underpinnings, shifting the field toward more personalized approaches to diagnosis and treatment.

• NIH Distinguished Investigator (2017)

As Director of CARD, Dr. Singleton oversees a comprehensive research program investigating the genetic, molecular, and cellular mechanisms underlying Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. His leadership has fostered interdisciplinary collaboration and accelerated the translation of basic research findings into potential therapeutic approaches. Dr. Singleton actively mentors junior researchers and maintains strong collaborations with research institutions worldwide, contributing to the global effort to understand and treat neurodegenerative conditions.

Dr. Singleton leads the Center for Alzheimer's and Related Dementias, which brings together researchers from diverse disciplines to tackle the complex challenges of neurodegenerative diseases. The center focuses on integrating genetic, molecular, and clinical data to develop a more comprehensive understanding of disease mechanisms and to identify novel therapeutic targets. His work continues to provide critical insights into disease mechanisms, potentially leading to new therapeutic approaches for treating neurodegenerative conditions.