Diagram of the human brain showing different sections and internal structures.

Curious about the brain

driven to make a difference

Pioneering discoveries in neuronal cell death, survival, and the molecular mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases.

Our Science

The BRAIN Lab

Biology of Regulated cell death and Advanced Investigation in Neurodegeneration

The BRAIN Lab brings together seven labs to uncover how brain cells die and survive, driving discoveries in Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and stroke. We pioneered Parthanatos and identified key disease genes, with therapies now advancing toward the clinic. 

Our mission is simple yet ambitious: to transform fundamental discoveries into treatments that slow or stop disease progression and improve patients’ lives.

UNRAVELING THE MYSTERIES OF NEURODEGENERATION

 

The Dawson Lab Publication
Lewy Body Dementia Promotion by Air Pollutants

Lewy Body Dementia Promotion by Air Pollutants

Science, 2025

Blocking the Self-Destruct Program of Dopamine Neurons

Blocking the Self-Destruct Program of Dopamine Neurons

Movement Disorders, 2024

Parthanatos: Mechanisms, Modulation, and Therapeutic Prospects

Parthanatos: Mechanisms, Modulation, and Therapeutic Prospects

Review, 2024

A Nuclease that Mediates PARP-1–Induced Cell Death

A Nuclease that Mediates PARP-1–Induced Cell Death

Science, 2016

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LEADERSHIP

Ted M. Dawson, MD, PhD

Co-Director, The BRAIN Lab

  • Director, Institute for Cell Engineering

  • Leonard and Madlyn Abramson Professor in Neurodegenerative Diseases

  • Professor of Neurology, Neuroscience, Pharmacology, and Molecular Sciences

Background
Google Scholar
PubMed
A smiling middle-aged woman with glasses and long blonde hair, wearing a pearl necklace, a gray shirt, and a mauve cardigan, sitting in an indoor office environment.

Valina L. Dawson, PhD

Co-Director, The BRAIN Lab

  • Director, Neuroregeneration and Stem Cell Programs, Institute for Cell Engineering

  • Professor of Neurology, Neuroscience, and Physiology

Background
Google Scholar
PubMed
  • Abstract dark background with swirling neon-like lines in shades of blue, yellow, and white.

    Celebrating Valina Dawson's Prestigious Recognition as a ScholarGPS Highly Ranked Scholarsâ„¢

    We're excited to announce Dr. Valina Dawson's recognition as a Highly Ranked Scholarsâ„¢ by ScholarGPS, placing her in the top 0.05% of global scholars. Ranking #16 in Neurodegeneration and #53 in Cell death overall, with an impressive #11 in Neurodegeneration over the past five years, Dr. Dawson's impact in life sciences is profound. Explore her scholar profile and rankings to witness her influential contributions firsthand.

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  • A dark, textured background with contour lines resembling topographical map patterns.

    'Sting' Protein's Efforts to Clean Up Brain Cell Damage May Speed Parkinson's Disease Progress

    The immune system's response to cell damage may accelerate the progress of PD. Researchers have identified STING (stimulator of interferon genes) as a potential target to stop the inflammatory response that may be disrupting brain cell signal balance, leading to the worsening of Parkinson's disease.

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  • Abstract green background with yellow outline patterns resembling a topographical map or organic shapes.

    Integrative genome-wide analysis of dopaminergic neuron-specific PARIS expression in Drosophila dissects recognition of multiple PPARγ associatied gene regulation

    PPARγ functions as a master regulator of PARIS-induced molecular changes at the transcriptome level, confirming that PARIS acts primarily on PGC-1α to lead to neurodegeneration in PD.

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    PARIS farnesylation prevents neurodegeneration in models of Parkinson’s disease

    PARIS farnesylation prevents neurodegeneration in models of Parkinson's disease

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  • Abstract digital art with blue and green flowing shapes and contours.

    Parkinson Disease: Translating Insights from Molecular Mechanisms to Neuroprotection

    Parkinson Disease: Translating Insights from Molecular Mechanisms to Neuroprotection

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COLLABORATING LABS