Leonard Petrucelli, Ph.D., Joins Miller School of Medicine as Founding Director of the Neuroscience Institute
The internationally renowned neuroscientist brings global leadership in Alzheimer’s, ALS and frontotemporal dementia research.
The University of Miami Miller School of Medicine has appointed internationally renowned neuroscientist Leonard Petrucelli, Ph.D., as the founding director of its newly established Neuroscience Institute. Dr. Petrucelli, who also joins the Department of Neurology as a professor, brings with him a distinguished record of scientific discovery and an unwavering commitment to advancing the understanding and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.
Most recently the chair of neuroscience at Mayo Clinic in Florida, Dr. Petrucelli has focused his career on deciphering the molecular mechanisms underpinning Alzheimer’s disease, frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), work that has uncovered novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets instrumental to shaping the future of treatment development.
“Dr. Petrucelli is a visionary scientist and leader,” said Henri R. Ford, M.D., M.H.A., dean and chief academic officer of the Miller School. “I am confident that he will build on our strong momentum and elevate the Miller School of Medicine to even greater heights, advancing discoveries that will shape the future of neurodegeneration treatment and care.”
The Molecular Underpinnings of Disease
Dr. Petrucelli has built a powerful research program focused on understanding a key protein called TDP-43, which plays a major role in diseases like ALS and FTD. His team has helped reveal how a mutation in a gene called C9orf72, the most commonly known genetic cause of both ALS and FTD, damages brain cells. This mutation creates unusually long repeated stretches of DNA that lead to toxic RNA clumps and harmful proteins. He has also shown how problems with the protein TDP-43 disrupt the way cells process RNA, causing them to produce abnormal proteins that injure neurons. By combining basic laboratory discoveries with the search for measurable disease markers, Dr. Petrucelli has helped map changes that lead to brain cell degeneration, paving the way for more targeted treatments in the future.
“Dr. Petrucelli joins our university at a pivotal moment, as we sharpen our focus on neuroscience and aging,” said Dipen J. Parekh, M.D., chief executive officer of UHealth—University of Miami Health System and executive vice president for health affairs at the University of Miami. “His leadership and scientific vision will accelerate our progress and, most importantly, help us improve the lives of patients and families facing these devastating diseases.”
A Return to Miami
Dr. Petrucelli’s appointment represents a meaningful homecoming. He began his academic journey in Miami, earning a Bachelor of Science degree from Barry University. He later completed his Ph.D. in molecular and cellular biochemistry at Loyola University and the Stritch School of Medicine in Chicago. Over the course of his distinguished career, Dr. Petrucelli has secured an impressive portfolio of foundation and National Institutes of Health funding, including a prestigious R35 Outstanding Investigator Award and leadership of the ALLFTD2 (Advancing Research and Treatment for Frontotemporal Lobar Degeneration) initiative, underscoring the national impact and sustained support of his research program.
Dr. Petrucelli has authored more than 400 publications, with more than 44,000 citations. His work appears in leading journals such as Cell, Nature, Neuron, Science, and Science Translational Medicine, and he frequently shares his insights through invited lectures and other avenues.
The Miller School’s Neuroscience Institute
As founding director of the Neuroscience Institute, Dr. Petrucelli will build upon the dynamic momentum catalyzed by the University of Miami’s $30 million investment in basic science research that targets neuroscience and aging. He will foster interdisciplinary collaboration, recruit exceptional faculty and integrate leading-edge technologies to accelerate discovery and innovation. The Neuroscience Institute will serve as a dynamic hub for translational neuroscience, uniting researchers, clinicians and educators to deliver breakthroughs that transform patients’ lives.
“This is an extraordinary opportunity to build something truly transformative,” said Dr. Petrucelli. “Together, we will establish a world-class neuroscience institute that unites fundamental discovery with clinical impact, attracts extraordinary talent and creates a destination center for patients, physicians, scientists and trainees from around the world dedicated to advancing brain research and healthy aging.”
Dr. Petrucelli’s arrival marks a significant milestone for the Miller School, strengthening its commitment to excellence in neuroscience and its role as a leader in biomedical research.
“We’re committed to conducting groundbreaking research in neuroscience, work that will be distinctive and impactful on a national level,” said Joel Samuels, J.D., executive vice president for academic affairs and provost of the University of Miami. “I’m confident Dr. Petrucelli’s energy and vision as director of the Neuroscience Institute will contribute greatly to this exciting era of discovery.”
Tags: Aging Research, ALS, Alzheimer's disease, Dean Henri Ford, Dr. Dipen Parekh, Dr. Henri Ford, Dr. Leonard Petrucelli, Frontotemporal dementia, Neuroscience Institute