Dimitri Krainc

Dimitri Krainc, MD, PhD, is the Aaron Montgomery Ward Professor and Chair of the Department of Neurology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. He also serves as Director of both the Simpson Querrey Center for Neurogenetics and the Feinberg Neuroscience Institute. Dr. Krainc specializes in movement disorders and neurogenetics, with a focus on Parkinson’s and Huntington’s diseases.

• Education: MD from University of Zagreb (1992), Residency at Harvard Medical School (2000), Fellowship at Harvard Medical School (2002)

Dr. Krainc’s research centers on molecular mechanisms in neurodegenerative disorders, particularly lysosomal and mitochondrial dysfunction. His recent work explores DNA methylation patterns as biomarkers for Parkinson’s disease and genetic variant interactions influencing disease risk. His team has developed targeted therapies currently in clinical trials.

His 2025 publications highlight neurogenetic mechanisms in ataxia, Parkinson’s risk epistasis, and novel therapeutic strategies. Dr. Krainc has been recognized with numerous honors including National Academy of Medicine membership, NIH Research Program Award, and NAI Fellow status. He founded biotech company Vanqua Bio and holds over 30 patents for neurodegenerative therapies.

• Scientific Awards
  • National Academy of Medicine (2022)
  • National Academy of Inventors Fellow (2023)
  • NIH Outstanding Investigator Award
  • NINDS Javits Neuroscience Investigator Award
  • 8-year Research Program Award from NINDS

Dr. Krainc leads the Krainc Laboratory and directs Northwestern’s Simpson Querrey Center for Neurogenetics and Feinberg Neuroscience Institute. He is actively involved in advancing clinical translation through biotech partnerships and precision medicine initiatives.