UMCUniversity of Massachusetts Chan Medical School · Genetics
Watts Neurotherapeutics Lab
Jonathan K Watts · Worcester, Massachusetts
Research Focus
Dr. Jonathan K Watts' lab is focused on developing innovative therapies for neurodegenerative diseases, particularly amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The research is centered around RNA-targeted medicine, utilizing advanced techniques to create safer and more effective drug candidates that can silence multiple disease-related genes. By combining expertise in neurology with cutting-edge chemistry, the lab aims to improve treatment options for patients with ALS and similar disorders.
neurodegenerative diseasesALSRNA-targeted medicinegene modulationantisense oligonucleotidessiRNAanimal modelsdrug developmentinduced pluripotent stem cellsCNS therapeutics
Research Aims
5AIM 01Develop new RNA-targeted therapies for ALS.
AIM 02Create drug candidates that can effectively silence multiple genes.
AIM 03Optimize the safety and efficacy of drug delivery systems to the central nervous system.
AIM 04Investigate the mechanisms of drug action in ALS models.
AIM 05Advance drug candidates toward clinical development for ALS.
Skills the Lab Values
RNA interferenceantisense oligonucleotide designinduced pluripotent stem cell culturemolecular biology techniquesanimal model developmentchemical synthesisin vivo testingdrug formulationimmunohistochemistrydata analysis
Output against the department
Publications141bottom 46% of dept.140th of 259
this lab
most publishedleast published
Citations6.2kbottom 32% of dept.175th of 259
this lab
most citedleast cited
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