Justin Ichida

Justin Ichida is the John Douglas French Alzheimer’s Foundation Associate Professor of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine at the Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California. He directs the Ichida Lab, which specializes in creating in vitro models of neurodegenerative diseases using patient-derived stem cells to screen potential therapeutics.

His research focuses on:

• Mechanisms of neurodegeneration in ALS and Alzheimer's
• Stem cell-based drug discovery platforms
• Genetic and molecular pathways in protein-misfolding disorders
• Development of antisense oligonucleotide therapies
• Organoid models of neural injury and degeneration

Publications demonstrate strong emphasis on:

• CRISPR-based screening platforms for ALS targets
• G-quadruplex DNA structures in neurodegeneration
• PIKFYVE kinase as therapeutic target
• Stem cell-derived motor neuron models
• Organoid-based trauma and disease modeling

Major honors include:

• John Douglas French Alzheimer’s Endowed Professorship
• New York Stem Cell Foundation-Robertson Investigator
• Election as National Academy of Inventors Senior Member

The Ichida Lab collaborates extensively with industry partners including AcuraStem and Takeda Pharmaceuticals to translate basic research into clinical applications for neurodegenerative disorders.