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Richard Jay Smeyne, PhD

Professor and Chair, Department of Neuroscience at Thomas Jefferson University

Location: Philadelphia, PA United States

Dr. Richard Smeyne has been studying Parkinson’s disease (PD) for more than 30 years. His laboratory focuses on three main topics. The first is exploring the role of viruses in the etiology of PD. The second is examining the role of exercise in slowing PD progression, for which his group was among the first to recognize the beneficial effects of high-impact aerobic exercise. Finally, his lab studies the interactions of the peripheral immune system with the CNS and how genetic defects can alter this crosstalk. This latter work has led to development of a hypothesis that some forms of PD may be a primary immune disorder. Currently, Dr. Smeyne serves as professor and chair of the department of neuroscience at Thomas Jefferson University and director of the institution’s Comprehensive Parkinson’s Disease Center.


Associated Grants

  • Effect of SAR-CoV-2 on Experimental Parkinsonism in a Preclinical Model of Parkinson’s Disease

    2023


  • Immune and Bioenergetic Effects of Alpha-synuclein Preformed Fibril Seeding

    2016


  • GSTpi as a Blood Based Biomarker for Parkinson's Disease

    2011


  • Development of a Progressive Familial Pre-clinical Model of Parkinson's Disease

    2010


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