Thomas A. Jongens

Thomas A. Jongens, PhD, is an Associate Professor of Genetics at the University of Pennsylvania's Perelman School of Medicine. His research is conducted at the Smilow Center for Translational Research in Philadelphia, where he leads a laboratory focused on neurodevelopmental disorders. He maintains affiliations with both the Cell and Molecular Biology and Neuroscience Graduate Groups, reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of his work.

• B.A. in Biochemistry/Cell Biology from University of California, San Diego (1981)
• Ph.D. in Molecular Biology from University of California at Berkeley (1989)
• Postdoctoral Fellow with Dr. Yuh Nung Jan at University of California, San Francisco (1989-1994)

Dr. Jongens' research centers on understanding the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying intellectual disability and autism spectrum disorders, with particular emphasis on Fragile X Syndrome (FXS), the leading genetic cause of these conditions. His laboratory pioneered the use of Drosophila (fruit fly) as a model organism to study FXS, developing genetic models that have significantly advanced our understanding of the disorder. His work has identified key signaling pathway defects in FXS models and discovered potential genetic and pharmacological treatments that can restore behavioral and cognitive phenotypes even during adulthood, demonstrating significant neural plasticity in the adult nervous system.

Analysis of Dr. Jongens' recent publications (2015-2024) reveals a strong research trajectory focused on mitochondrial function, energy metabolism, and neural circuitry in neurodevelopmental disorders. His work increasingly integrates Drosophila models with mammalian systems and human cellular models to validate findings, creating a robust translational pipeline. Several discoveries from his lab have progressed to clinical trials, demonstrating the real-world impact of his research.

Dr. Jongens has made significant contributions to the field through his leadership in developing model systems for neurodevelopmental disorders. His work on Fragile X Syndrome has been particularly influential, helping establish Drosophila as a valuable model for understanding human cognitive disorders and identifying potential therapeutic targets.

His laboratory employs a multidisciplinary approach combining behavioral and memory testing, genetics, cell biology, biochemistry, neurocircuit mapping, and pharmacology. This comprehensive methodology allows his team to investigate the molecular, cellular, and systems-level mechanisms underlying neurodevelopmental disorders. Several of his findings regarding signaling pathway defects in Fragile X models have led directly to clinical trials testing potential treatments.

Dr. Jongens' research has significantly advanced our understanding of neuroplasticity in adult nervous systems affected by genetic disorders, challenging previous assumptions about the irreversibility of certain neurological conditions. His work continues to bridge basic science discoveries with potential clinical applications for individuals with intellectual disabilities and autism spectrum disorders.