Lena Brundin, M.D., Ph.D., is a Professor in the Department of Neurodegenerative Science at Van Andel Institute. She leads research investigating the role of inflammation in neurological and psychiatric conditions such as Parkinson’s disease and depression. Her work focuses on inflammatory mediators, particularly the kynurenine pathway, and their impact on brain health. Dr. Brundin holds dual appointments with Michigan State University College of Human Medicine and has a background in clinical psychiatry from Lund University, Sweden, where she was previously an Associate Professor. Her research spans basic science and clinical studies, including clinical trials targeting inflammation-driven suicidality and Parkinson’s disease progression. Key collaborations include the VAI-SU2C Epigenetics Dream Team and studies with Western Michigan University. Dr. Brundin’s team has published over 200 peer-reviewed papers, with recent work highlighting links between infections (e.g., UTIs, herpes simplex), inflammation, and neurodegenerative/neuropsychiatric outcomes. Notable contributions include identifying cytokine profiles predictive of suicide risk, discovering the vermiform appendix’s role in Parkinson’s risk, and elucidating placental inflammation’s role in perinatal depression. Her lab actively mentors over 15 trainees and has launched 15 clinical trials, including studies on kynurenine pathway modulation and biomarker development. Dr. Brundin’s work bridges clinical and translational research, with a focus on developing anti-inflammatory therapies for depression, suicide prevention, and Parkinson’s disease management. Her lab’s impact extends to global initiatives like the National Network of Depression Centers and collaborative efforts to advance neurodegenerative science.
