Davide Trotti

Davide Trotti serves as Professor of Neuroscience and Research Director of the Weinberg Unit for ALS Research at Thomas Jefferson University's Vickie and Jack Farber Institute for Neuroscience within the College of Life Sciences.

His research centers on molecular mechanisms of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), focusing on glutamate transporter EAAT2/GLT-1 dysfunction, mitochondrial impairment, and excitotoxicity leading to motor neuron degeneration. Using primary astrocyte/motor neuron cultures, stem cell-derived models, and transgenic rodents, his lab employs biochemical, electrophysiological (patch clamp, voltage clamp), and molecular techniques to investigate ion channels, apoptosis pathways, and therapeutic targets.

Recent publications emphasize C9orf72-related ALS/FTD mechanisms, including nuclear import receptor Kapβ2 interactions with dipeptide repeats, glucose hypometabolism effects on RAN translation, and mitochondrial physiology disruptions. One outlier publication on HR management likely stems from scraping artifacts rather than research focus.

As Research Director of the Weinberg Unit for ALS Research, Dr. Trotti leads collaborative efforts within the Farber Institute to translate molecular findings into potential ALS therapeutics through drug screening platforms.