Prof. Dr. Malcolm Leissring | Control of gene expression | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Malcolm Leissring | Control of gene expression – Research Professor at University of California, Irvine, United States

Dr. Malcolm Arthur Leissring is a distinguished neuroscientist whose research has made significant contributions to the understanding and potential treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. Over a career spanning more than two decades, he has built a strong reputation as both an academic and an innovator, blending deep scientific expertise with leadership in biotechnology. He has served in research and executive positions at globally respected institutions and biotech firms, driving both foundational discoveries and translational advancements. His career reflects a commitment to improving human health through molecular neuroscience, aging biology, and the development of therapeutic strategies for neurodegenerative diseases.

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Education

Dr. Leissring’s academic journey began with undergraduate and graduate studies in biology, culminating in a Ph.D. in Neurobiology. His doctoral research laid the groundwork for a lifelong focus on the molecular basis of neurological diseases. He then pursued postdoctoral training at the University of California, Irvine, and later at Harvard Medical School. These formative academic experiences provided him with rigorous training in neuroscience and equipped him with the tools to conduct high-impact, disease-relevant research.

Experience

Dr. Leissring’s professional experience is both broad and distinguished. He has held academic appointments at The Scripps Research Institute, Mayo Clinic, and the University of California, Irvine. He has also served in leadership roles at biotech and pharmaceutical companies, including as President and Chief Scientific Officer at DREAMADERM Inc. and Pacific Software Inc., and as Chief Science Officer at KRTL Biotech. His dual roles in academia and industry reflect his ability to translate research into actionable medical applications. Additionally, he leads the Auguste Deter Foundation, which focuses on Alzheimer’s prevention and awareness.

Research Interests

Dr. Leissring’s primary research interests revolve around the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying Alzheimer’s disease, with a focus on amyloid-beta metabolism, calcium signaling, and insulin-degrading enzyme (IDE) function. His pioneering work has helped establish the role of proteolytic degradation in the accumulation of neurotoxic peptides, a key pathological hallmark of Alzheimer’s. He has also explored the biochemical overlap between aging, neurodegeneration, and metabolic diseases such as diabetes, making his research highly interdisciplinary and medically significant.

Awards

Dr. Leissring has received numerous prestigious awards and honors in recognition of his research excellence. These include the National Research Service Award (NIMH and NIA), the Alzheimer’s Association New Investigator and Investigator-Initiated Research Grants, the Ellison Medical Foundation New Scholar Award, and the American Diabetes Association Career Development Award. His work has also been supported by the GHR Foundation, the American Health Assistance Foundation, and UC Irvine’s Applied Innovation Technology Development Award, demonstrating broad recognition of his scientific impact and innovation.

Publications 📚

1. Enhanced proteolysis of β-amyloid in APP transgenic mice prevents plaque formation, secondary pathology, and premature death
   Neuron, 2003 — Cited by 951

2. Calcium signaling in the ER: its role in neuronal plasticity and neurodegenerative disorders
   Trends in Neurosciences, 2000 — Cited by 636

3. Proteolytic degradation of amyloid β-protein
   Cold Spring Harbor Perspectives in Medicine, 2012 — Cited by 465

4. Capacitative calcium entry deficits and elevated luminal calcium content in mutant presenilin-1 knockin mice
   The Journal of Cell Biology, 2000 — Cited by 429

5. A physiologic signaling role for the γ-secretase-derived intracellular fragment of APP
   Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), 2002 — Cited by 370

6. Partial loss-of-function mutations in insulin-degrading enzyme that induce diabetes also impair degradation of amyloid β-protein
   The American Journal of Pathology, 2004 — Cited by 351

7. Alternative translation initiation generates a novel isoform of insulin-degrading enzyme targeted to mitochondria
   Biochemical Journal, 2004 — Cited by 205

Conclusion

Dr. Malcolm Leissring stands out as a leader in neuroscience and Alzheimer’s research, with a career defined by high-impact publications, prestigious awards, and translational innovation. His scientific achievements have advanced our understanding of neurodegenerative disease mechanisms and opened new paths for therapeutic intervention. With a strong record of leadership, interdisciplinary insight, and a commitment to improving public health, Dr. Leissring is exceptionally well-qualified for the Best Researcher Award. His work continues to inspire new approaches and collaborations in the global fight against Alzheimer’s disease.