Dario Alessi obtained a BSc (1988) and PhD (1991) from the University of Birmingham (UK). He carried out postdoctoral studies at the University of Dundee (1991-1997), where he became fascinated by how all aspects of cell biology and human diseases are influenced by a class of enzyme called "kinases." In 1997, Dr. Alessi became a program leader at the Dundee MRC Unit and was appointed as its director in 2012. His current research focuses on understanding the roles of the LRRK2 pathway in Parkinson's disease (PD) and how knowledge of this pathway can be exploited to develop new ways to diagnose and slow the progression of this disease. Dr. Alessi is passionate about mentorship, open science, sharing and working with industry and clinicians, as well as fostering a collaborative culture. He is motivated to bring talented scientists into the PD research field and improve awareness of issues relating to equality, diversity, inclusion, gender and mental health.
Associated Grants
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Mapping the LRRK2 Signaling Pathway and Uncovering Its Interplay with Other Molecular Components of Parkinson’s Disease
2024
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Implementation and Validation of Lysosome-specific Tests of GCase Activity in Cell Lines and Human Peripheral Blood
2023
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Development and Assessment of LRRK2 Type II Inhibitors as Potential Therapeutics for Parkinson’s Disease
2023
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Identification and Characterization of Compounds that Regulate the Activity of the LRRK2 System
2022