Neuroscience seminar: Molecular Basis of Lou Gehrig’s Disease

Dr. Siddique MD (Les Turner ALS Foundation/Herbert C. Wenske Foundation Professor of Neurology, Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine) is a noted pioneer in Lou Gehrig’s Disease. His research has focused on the molecular genetics of ALS and related disorders, employing a range of strategies to identify several genes that cause inherited ALS (SOD1, ALSIN, FUS & UBQLN2), and genetic loci. His group has developed several animal models for neurodegenerative diseases, including SOD1- and ALSIN-ALS.  Genetic factors associated with risk for sporadic ALS have been uncovered. His recent work with UBQLN2 demonstrated a defect in the protein degradation pathways as a common mechanism of disease sporadic ALS, familial ALS and ALS/dementia, paving the way for targeted treatments in ALS.

Teepu Siddique earned his MBBS from the University of Karachi and trained in neurology at UMDNJ-NJ Medical School, thereafter specializing in neuromuscular medicine.  He completed fellowships at the Hospital for Special Surgery-Cornell Medical Center and the NIH.  He held faculty appointments at the University of Southern California and Duke University before coming to Northwestern University, where he is the Les Turner ALS Foundation/Herbert C. Wenske Chair in the Davee Department of Neurology and Director of the Division of Neuromuscular Medicine.