Rickie Patani, Director and Professor, Neurobiology Programme at the National University of Singapore, is a physician-scientist tackling the major issue of motor neuron disease (ALS). He has made significant advances in this field by developing highly robust human stem cell models of ALS, including motor neurons and astrocytes.
Crucially, his work has identified therapeutically targetable molecular aberrations in ALS with the clear aim of transforming patient care. Notably, these mechanisms are potentially relevant across a broader range of neurodegeneration including fronto-temporal dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. As such, Professor Patani’s research programme bears real significance for enhancing therapy development through fundamental laboratory research.