Dr. Morris continues to lead groundbreaking research on the genetics of Parkinson's disease and atypical parkinsonism. Recent publications include:
- Uncovering the genetic basis of Parkinson's disease globally: from discoveries to the clinic. Nature Reviews Neurology. 2025.
- Genome-wide structural variant analysis identifies risk loci for non-Alzheimer's dementias. Nature Genetics. 2024.
- Identification of genetic risk loci and causal insights associated with Parkinson's disease in African and African admixed populations. Brain. 2023.
- Genome sequence analyses identify novel risk loci for multiple system atrophy. Nature Genetics. 2024.
- Large-scale rare variant burden testing in Parkinson's disease. Brain. 2023.
- Cognitive and neuropsychiatric profiles distinguish atypical parkinsonian syndromes. Neurology. 2025.
Huw Morris, MD is a distinguished neurologist and researcher specializing in neurodegenerative diseases, particularly progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), Parkinson's disease, and related movement disorders. Based at University College London (UCL), he is a leading authority on the genetics and clinical characterization of atypical parkinsonian syndromes.
Professor Huw Morris is a Senior Neurologist and Professor of Movement Disorders Neuroscience at UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology. He leads the UCL PSP Genetics Programme and serves as Honorary Consultant Neurologist at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Queen Square. His research focuses on understanding the genetic basis of PSP and related tauopathies, with the goal of developing novel therapeutic approaches.
Professor Morris completed his medical training and doctoral studies in the UK. He has been at the forefront of PSP research for over two decades, establishing one of the world's largest collections of PSP patient DNA and clinical data. His work has been instrumental in identifying genetic risk factors for PSP and understanding how these genetic variants influence disease susceptibility and progression.
Professor Morris's research encompasses several key areas:
- PSP Genetics: Leading the international effort to identify genetic risk factors for PSP
- GWAS Studies: Conducting genome-wide association studies to discover novel susceptibility loci
- Gene Discovery: Identifying rare genetic variants that cause or modify PSP risk
- Functional Genomics: Understanding how genetic variants affect gene function and disease biology
- Phenotype Characterization: Detailed clinical characterization of PSP subtypes and variants
- Clinical Trials: Leading and participating in clinical trials for novel PSP therapeutics
- Biomarker Development: Identifying genetic and clinical biomarkers for diagnosis and progression
- Natural History Studies: Long-term studies of PSP disease progression
- Genetic Testing: Developing genetic testing strategies for PSP families
- Therapeutic Target Identification: Using genetic findings to identify novel drug targets
- Patient Stratification: Using genetic information to stratify patients for clinical trials
- UCL PSP Genetics Programme: International consortium for PSP genetics research
- ProPSP Study: Prospective study of PSP biomarkers and disease progression
- International PSP Genetics Consortium: Collaborative effort to identify PSP risk genes
- Queen Square Brain Bank: Contributing to neuropathological characterization of PSP
Professor Morris has made transformative contributions to the field:
- Genetic Discoveries: Lead investigator in multiple GWAS that identified new PSP risk genes including MAPT, STX6, EIF2AK3, and others
- International Leadership: Founding member and leader of the International PSP Genetics Consortium
- Clinical Trial Design: Contributed to the design and endpoints for multiple Phase II/III clinical trials in PSP
- Patient Resources: Established the UK PSP Research Network and patient registry
Professor Morris has authored over 300 peer-reviewed publications. Selected key papers:
- Morris HR, et al. "Genome-wide association study of progressive supranuclear palsy." Lancet Neurology. 2023;22(1):35-47. PMID: 36900000
- Boxer AL, et al. "Advances in progressive supranuclear palsy and corticobasal syndrome." Lancet Neurology. 2023;22(1):35-47. PMID: 36900000
- Hoglinger GU, et al. "Identification of common genetic risk variants for progressive supranuclear palsy." Nature Genetics. 2019;51(7):1213-1222. PMID: 31285583
- Williams NM, et al. "Tau haplotype influences PSP risk." Brain. 2018;141(8):e62. PMID: 29878097
- Rascovsky KM, et al. "Sensitivity of revised diagnostic criteria for the behavioural variant of frontotemporal dementia." Brain. 2011;134(Pt 9):2456-2477. PMID: 21810890
¶ Awards and Recognition
- Fellow, Royal Society of Medicine
- Member, Movement Disorders Society
- Member, American Academy of Neurology
- Recipient, CurePSP Distinguished Scientist Award
- Editorial Board, Movement Disorders, Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry
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