معرفی
Dr. Darren Moore is Chair and Professor in the Department of Neurodegenerative Science at Van Andel Institute (VAI), where he also directs the West Michigan Neurodegenerative Diseases (MiND) Program and holds the Jay Van Andel Endowed Chair in Parkinson’s Disease Research. His research focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying Parkinson’s disease, particularly the role of genetic mutations in proteins like LRRK2 and VPS35. Dr. Moore leads a laboratory using multidisciplinary approaches, including mouse models, yeast systems, and human tissue studies.
His education includes a Ph.D. in molecular neuroscience from the University of Cambridge and postdoctoral training at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Before joining VAI in 2014, he held academic positions at Johns Hopkins and the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL).
Research interests include:
- Molecular pathophysiology of inherited Parkinson’s disease
- Genetic mutations (e.g., LRRK2, VPS35, Parkin, ATP13A2)
- Development of translational therapies targeting neurodegeneration
Dr. Moore’s team has secured significant funding, including a 2025 $5.8M grant with the University of Minnesota to study cellular senescence in Parkinson’s. His lab collaborates with organizations like Cure Parkinson’s to advance clinical trials and drug prioritization initiatives.
Key lab members include senior scientists, postdoctoral fellows, and graduate students such as Maxwell Frye and Vanessa Howland. The Moore Laboratory emphasizes mentorship, with Dr. Moore serving as a primary advisor for multiple trainees.
