Pamela Maher

Pamela Maher, PhD, is a Research Professor at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies, leading the Cellular Neurobiology Laboratory following the passing of her late husband, David Schubert. Her work focuses on Alzheimer's disease and neurodegenerative disorders, with an emphasis on natural product-derived therapies such as CMS121 and J147, now in clinical trials. Dr. Maher's research integrates drug discovery, aging mechanisms, and cellular stress pathways like oxytosis/ferroptosis.

Education:

• BSc in Biochemistry, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
• PhD in Biochemistry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
• Postdoctoral Training in Cell Biology at University of California, San Diego

Research Interests: Dr. Maher pioneers approaches to slow neurodegeneration by targeting aging mechanisms. Her lab screens natural compounds (e.g., from strawberries, turmeric) for neuroprotective effects, discovering geroneuroprotectors that delay aging and dementia. Key innovations include identifying oxytosis/ferroptosis as a disease pathway and advancing drug candidates through clinical trials.

Publications: Recent work highlights oxytosis signatures in Alzheimer's, cannabinol's neuroprotective mechanisms, and CMS121's metabolic benefits. These studies reflect a focus on translating basic science discoveries into clinical applications.

Awards:

• Edward N. & Della L. Thome Award (2015)
• Michael J. Fox Foundation Award (2007)
• NIH Postdoctoral Fellowship (1982)

Grants & Advising: Dr. Maher oversees grants targeting neurodegeneration and aging. While no formal student list exists, her lab trains postdocs and researchers in drug discovery and neurobiology. Collaborations span institutions and disciplines.

Labs & Teams: Her lab at Salk employs multiomics and phenotypic screening, emphasizing natural products' untapped potential. Future work includes expanding geroneuroprotective drug pipelines and exploring Alzheimer's heterogeneity.