Marc Ekker

Marc Ekker is a Full Professor in the Department of Biology at the University of Ottawa’s Faculty of Science. His laboratory focuses on genetic mechanisms controlling development and regeneration, particularly dopaminergic and GABAergic neurons in the brain, using zebrafish as a model system. Research includes neurogenesis in normal and Parkinson’s disease contexts, transgenic zebrafish line creation, and CRISPR-Cas genome editing for studying neuronal regeneration.

Key research interests include developmental neurobiology, neuroregeneration, zebrafish models, genetic mechanisms, and applications to Parkinson’s disease and autism. His work bridges basic science with translational research, leveraging zebrafish as a powerful vertebrate model.

Recent publications highlight studies on NR4A2 paralog roles, parla gene dysfunction effects on dopamine neurons, dlx gene expression in brain regeneration, and Wnt signaling in craniofacial development. These studies collectively emphasize molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying neural development and disease.

No scientific awards are explicitly listed in the provided text. His laboratory’s activities involve generating transgenic tools and mutant lines for neurobiological research. No specific grants or student advisees are documented here, though his lab likely supports graduate students involved in these projects.

Research extends to evolutionary aspects of developmental pathways, integrating regenerative biology with neurodegenerative disease modeling.