Path: /researchers/lawrence-golbe
Title: Professor of Neurology
Affiliation: Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School — Department of Neurology
Location: New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA
Areas: PSP, 4R-tauopathies, Genetic epidemiology, Clinical trials
Dr. Lawrence I. Golbe is a pioneering neurologist and researcher whose work has shaped the modern understanding of Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP). Now Professor Emeritus at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Dr. Golbe's career spans decades of groundbreaking research into PSP epidemiology, genetics, and clinical therapeutics.
¶ Background and Education
- Medical School: MD from New York University School of Medicine (1979)
- Neurology Residency: Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center
- Fellowship: Movement Disorders, Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center
- Faculty Positions: Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School (1987-Present)
Dr. Golbe's early work established the foundational epidemiology of PSP:
- Prevalence Estimate: First systematic population-based study estimated PSP prevalence at 1.4-6.5 per 100,000
- Age Distribution: Characterized typical age of onset (mid-60s) and disease course
- Natural History: Documented disease progression rates and survival prognoses
As co-founder:
- Registry Design: Developed standardized clinical assessment protocols
- Data Collection: Built infrastructure for international data sharing
- Clinical Trial Readiness: Created platform for rapid trial recruitment
Dr. Golbe's genetic epidemiology work identified key risk factors:
- MAPT Mutations: Characterized tau gene mutations in familial PSP
- H1 Haplotype: Established H1 tau haplotype as major genetic risk factor
- Genome-Wide Studies: Participated in GWAS identifying additional risk loci
Dr. Golbe has been principal investigator for numerous clinical trials:
- Coenzyme Q10: Early therapeutic trials
- Tau Antibodies: Various immunotherapeutic approaches
- Small Molecule Inhibitors: Neuroprotective agent trials
- ASO Therapeutics: Antisense oligonucleotide programs
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Golbe LI, Davis PH, Schoenberg BS, et al. Prevalence and natural history of progressive supranuclear palsy. Neurology. 1988. PMID:3173492
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Litvan I, Golbe LI, et al. Diagnostic accuracy in progressive supranuclear palsy. Neurology. 1996.
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Multiple publications on tau gene polymorphisms and PSP risk.
- Biomarker Development: Blood and CSF biomarkers for PSP diagnosis and progression
- Clinical Trial Design: Novel outcome measures for PSP clinical trials
- Genetic Risk Profiling: Polygenic risk scores for PSP
- Telemedicine: Remote monitoring for clinical trials
¶ Advocacy and Leadership
- CurePSP Scientific Advisory Board: Longstanding member
- Movement Disorder Society: Active participant in PSP special interest group
- International PSP Genetics Consortium: Founding member
Dr. Golbe works at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in New Brunswick, New Jersey. The movement disorders program at Rutgers has been a major PSP clinical research site, participating in multiple clinical trials and natural history studies.
The Rutgers location provides:
- Access to diverse patient populations
- Collaboration with industry sponsors
- Integration with the broader New York metropolitan neuroscience community
¶ Awards and Recognition
- Distinguished Teacher Award, Rutgers Neurology
- CurePSP Hall of Fame, for contributions to PSP research
- Movement Disorder Society Service Award