| Leonard Petrucelli | |
|---|---|
| Photo placeholder | |
| Affiliations | Mayo Clinic Florida Mayo Clinic Center for Neurodegeneration |
| Country | USA |
| H-index | 150 |
| ORCID | 0000-0002-9207-2968 |
| Research Focus | [ALS](/diseases/amyotrophic-lateral-sclerosis), [FTD](/diseases/frontotemporal-dementia) |
| Mechanisms | [TDP-43](/mechanisms/tdp-43-proteinopathy), [RNA metabolism](/mechanisms/rna-metabolism), [Protein aggregation](/mechanisms/protein-aggregation) |
Leonard Petrucelli is a distinguished researcher in the field of neurodegenerative diseases, affiliated with Mayo Clinic Florida and the Mayo Clinic Center for Neurodegeneration. Their research focuses on TDP-43, RNA metabolism, and Protein aggregation, with particular emphasis on Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD)[1][2].
Petrucelli's work has been fundamental in understanding the role of TDP-43 proteinopathy in ALS and FTD, contributing to our understanding of how RNA metabolism dysregulation leads to neuronal death. With an h-index of approximately 150, Petrucelli is among the most influential researchers in the neurodegeneration field.
Based at Mayo Clinic Florida, Petrucelli leads a major research program on ALS/FTD pathogenesis, collaborating with researchers worldwide to advance therapeutic strategies for these devastating diseases.
Petrucelli's portfolio emphasizes understanding the molecular mechanisms linking TDP-43 pathology to neurodegeneration, with a focus on discovering therapeutic targets for ALS and FTD[3]. Their research group has pioneered studies on how TDP-43 mislocalization and aggregation contribute to neuronal dysfunction, and has identified potential therapeutic approaches to mitigate these processes[4].
The work spans from basic science (understanding TDP-43 function in RNA processing) to translational research (identifying biomarkers and therapeutic candidates), making it highly relevant for developing disease-modifying treatments for ALS and FTD.
Research in the Petrucelli lab utilizes a multi-modal approach including:
For NeuroWiki readers, Petrucelli's research provides critical insights into:
As director of the Center for Neurodegeneration and Repair at Mayo Clinic Florida, Dr. Petrucelli leads a multidisciplinary team investigating the molecular basis of neurodegenerative diseases. His lab employs cutting-edge technologies including iPSC models, cryo-EM, and high-throughput screening.
Dr. Petrucelli's work has directly informed therapeutic development programs targeting:
Active collaborations include: