Michele Jacob

Michele Jacob is a Professor of Neuroscience at the Tufts University School of Medicine, specializing in neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and intellectual disabilities (ID). Her research focuses on the molecular mechanisms underlying these conditions, particularly the role of the APC protein and β-catenin signaling pathways in synaptic maturation and plasticity.

Dr. Jacob holds a PhD from Yale University (1978) and a BS from the City University of New York (1972). Her work has led to the development of novel mouse models with mutations in the APC/β-catenin pathway, which exhibit ASD-like behaviors, cognitive impairments, and chronic seizures. These models are critical for identifying therapeutic targets and testing potential treatments.

Her research integrates behavioral analysis, molecular biology, and pharmacological approaches to study synaptic dysfunction. Key contributions include identifying APC as a key regulator of excitatory synapses and demonstrating how its deletion disrupts hearing, learning, and neural circuitry. Recent studies explore pharmacological interventions targeting GSK3 and cGMP pathways to ameliorate symptoms.

Dr. Jacob has secured significant funding from the NIH, CURE Epilepsy, and private foundations, supporting her work on CTNNB1 syndrome and infantile spasms. She has also contributed to educational initiatives, including a remote undergraduate research program in neuroscience.

Her professional activities include serving on NIH review panels, organizing epilepsy-focused conferences, and editorial roles at Frontiers in Synaptic Neuroscience. Her interdisciplinary approach bridges basic science and translational medicine, advancing therapies for neurodevelopmental disorders.