Jill Napierala

Jill Napierala is a Professor in the Department of Neurology at UT Southwestern Medical Center, where she leads the Napierala Lab focused on Friedreich’s ataxia (FRDA). She joined UT Southwestern in 2022 after holding a faculty position at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Her research centers on understanding FRDA’s molecular mechanisms, developing novel cellular and animal models, identifying biomarkers, and testing therapies. She earned her BS in Biology and Chemistry from the University of Indianapolis (2002), PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from Indiana University School of Medicine (2007), and completed postdoctoral training at MD Anderson Cancer Center (2012).

Her lab employs multidisciplinary approaches, including CRISPR-based genome editing, iPSC-derived neurons and cardiomyocytes, and mouse models to study FRDA. Key projects involve reactivating FXN gene expression through antisense oligonucleotides and gene therapy, assessing mitochondrial dysfunction, and defining disease biomarkers. Collaborative efforts aim to translate findings into clinical therapies, such as the FDA-approved Skyclarys (2023).

Research highlights include identifying GAA repeat expansion effects on transcription, lipid dysfunction as a severity predictor, and somatic instability mechanisms. The lab’s mission aligns with FARA initiatives to advance FRDA treatments and a cure.