Piera Pasinelli

Piera Pasinelli, PhD, is the Frances & Joseph Weinberg Professor in Neuroscience at Thomas Jefferson University, with primary appointments in the College of Life Sciences and Department of Neuroscience. She serves as Director of the Jefferson Weinberg ALS Center and is affiliated with the Vickie & Jack Farber Institute for Neuroscience. Her laboratory is located at the Jefferson campus in Philadelphia.

Research Focus: Dr. Pasinelli leads a translational research program centered on neurodegenerative diseases, particularly amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Her work investigates molecular mechanisms of motor neuron degeneration through two integrated approaches:

• Basic Research: Examines pathological transformations in mutant SOD1 protein, mitochondrial dysfunction, and activation of cell death pathways using transgenic mouse models and neuronal cultures
• Translational Platform: Develops cell-based assays for therapeutic screening to identify compounds targeting ALS pathogenesis

Core methodologies include protein biochemistry (immunoprecipitation, subcellular fractionation), molecular biology techniques (cloning, immunoblotting), and advanced microscopy.

Publication Trends: Recent articles demonstrate strong focus on C9orf72-related pathomechanisms, biomarker discovery, and clinical trial innovation, reflecting a translational pipeline from basic molecular studies to therapeutic development for ALS/FTD spectrum disorders.

Awards & Recognition: No specific scientific awards mentioned in source material.

Laboratory Operations: Directs interdisciplinary teams utilizing biochemical, cell biological, and in vivo approaches to study neurodegeneration. Research infrastructure includes specialized capabilities for high-content screening and transgenic model characterization.