Margot Mayer-Proschel

Margot Mayer-Proschel, Ph.D., is a Professor in the Department of Biomedical Genetics and holds the Martha M. Freeman, MD Professorship in Biomedical Genetics at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry (SMD). She also holds a joint appointment in the Department of Neuroscience (SMD). Her research focuses on understanding how developmental insults—including genetic mutations (e.g., Ataxia-Telangiectasia), nutritional deficiencies (e.g., iron deficiency), viral infections (e.g., HHV-6), and environmental toxicants (e.g., lead)—impact neural precursor cells and glial development in the CNS. Her work bridges basic science and translational medicine, particularly in cell-based therapies for spinal cord injury and neurodegenerative diseases.

Education:

• PhD in Virology/Microbiology from the University of Würzburg (1990)
• MS in Immunology from Julius Maximilian University (1986)

Research Interests:

Dr. Mayer-Proschel’s lab investigates:

• Lineage-restricted glial precursor cells for therapeutic cell replacement
• Effects of gestational iron deficiency on brain development and myelination
• Role of HHV-6 latency in neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., Alzheimer’s, MS)
• Neurotoxic effects of environmental pollutants (e.g., ultrafine particles, lead)
• Mechanisms of astrocyte dysfunction in Ataxia-Telangiectasia

Awards & Recognition:

• Graduate Student Society Faculty Award (2007)
• Excellence in Research Incentive Program Award (2006, 2004)
• Trainee Academic Mentoring Award (2004)

Lab Activities:

Her lab collaborates with researchers across disciplines to advance cell therapies and understand developmental neurobiology. Ongoing projects include:

• Developing astrocyte-based therapies for spinal cord injury
• Modeling genetic and environmental insults in mouse and cell culture systems
• Assessing therapeutic potential of glial-restricted precursor (GRP) cells