Brian J Popko

Dr. Brian J Popko serves as Scientific Director of MS and Neuroimmunology and William Frederick Windle Professor of Neurology at Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine, where he is a Professor in the Department of Neurology. His research program focuses on myelin biology and disorders including multiple sclerosis, utilizing cellular and animal models to investigate demyelination and remyelination mechanisms.

Dr. Popko's educational background includes:

• BS from Pennsylvania State University (1980)
• PhD from the University of Miami (1984)
• Postdoctoral Fellowship at California Institute of Technology in Biology (1988)

His research centers on oligodendrocytes and Schwann cells responsible for myelin production and maintenance, with particular emphasis on demyelinating diseases. Current investigations explore cellular responses to inflammation, metabolic pathways in myelin-forming cells, and therapeutic strategies for myelin repair using sophisticated mouse models and molecular techniques.

Recent publications demonstrate a clear trajectory toward translational neuroscience, integrating advanced imaging techniques, metabolic analysis, and therapeutic compound testing. Key themes include neuroinflammation modulation in multiple sclerosis, oligodendrocyte protection strategies, and the emerging role of cellular metabolism in central nervous system resilience.

Major recognitions include:

• NIH Outstanding Investigator Award (R35), NINDS (2024)
• William Frederick Windle Professorship, Northwestern University (2020)

Dr. Popko actively mentors trainees through the Popko Laboratory and receives substantial research support including the prestigious NIH Outstanding Investigator Award. His work is enhanced by strategic collaborations across Northwestern's research ecosystem, particularly with the Center for Human Immunobiology and Simpson Querrey Center for Neurogenetics. Industry partnerships with Myrobalan Therapeutics and InFlectis Biosciences facilitate clinical translation of laboratory discoveries.

The Popko Laboratory maintains a multidisciplinary research environment focused on myelin disorders, with active projects spanning neuroimaging development, metabolic studies of oligodendrocytes, and therapeutic testing in preclinical models. The team collaborates extensively with clinical neurologists and basic scientists across Northwestern's neuroscience and immunology centers.