Fred H. Gage, Ph.D.Scientific Advisor
Professor, Salk Institute of Biological Studies, Laboratory of Genetics
Fred H. Gage, Ph.D. is a professor in the Laboratory of Genetics at the Salk Institute in La Jolla, CA. Gage studies degeneration and regeneration in the central nervous system, with an eye on possible future treatments for devastating neurological damages resulting from disease or injury. Gage is a leader in the neuroscience field, consistently one of its most original thinkers and productive researchers.
He achieved national renown in 1998 for his groundbreaking experiments demonstrating that neurons are constantly being born in the adult brain, a process called neurogenesis. The study forced a paradigm shift in beliefs about how the brain functions. His data removed many barriers in neuroscience research, creating, virtually overnight, the possibility of brain repair.
Gage is currently working to understand how new brain cells can be induced to become mature functioning nerve cells in the adult brain and spinal cord. He has shown that environmental enrichment and physical exercise can enhance the growth of these cells. He is studying the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms that may be harnessed to repair the aged and damaged brain and spinal cord. Gage recently has focused his efforts on Rett Syndrome, a devastating childhood neurological disorder. His lab is analyzing possible functions for the "Rett gene," MECP2.
In addition to substantive research, Gage has helped to define new forms in the practice of scientific research, including private funding and free market competition. In 1988 he co-founded StemCells, Inc., a small, publicly-traded company engaged in the discovery and commercialization of stem cells to treat diseases of the central nervous system, liver and pancreas.
He is a fellow of the National Academy of Sciences, American Association for the Advancement of Science, American Academy of Arts and Sciences and the Institute of Medicine and has been president of the Society for Neuroscience.
Gage has received the Charles A. Dana Award for Pioneering Achievements in Health and Education, the Christopher Reeve Research Medal, the Max Planck Research Prize, and the MetLife Award for Medical Research.
Dr. Gage has a B.S. degree from the University of Florida and a Ph.D. from The Johns Hopkins University.
He achieved national renown in 1998 for his groundbreaking experiments demonstrating that neurons are constantly being born in the adult brain, a process called neurogenesis. The study forced a paradigm shift in beliefs about how the brain functions. His data removed many barriers in neuroscience research, creating, virtually overnight, the possibility of brain repair.
Gage is currently working to understand how new brain cells can be induced to become mature functioning nerve cells in the adult brain and spinal cord. He has shown that environmental enrichment and physical exercise can enhance the growth of these cells. He is studying the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms that may be harnessed to repair the aged and damaged brain and spinal cord. Gage recently has focused his efforts on Rett Syndrome, a devastating childhood neurological disorder. His lab is analyzing possible functions for the "Rett gene," MECP2.
In addition to substantive research, Gage has helped to define new forms in the practice of scientific research, including private funding and free market competition. In 1988 he co-founded StemCells, Inc., a small, publicly-traded company engaged in the discovery and commercialization of stem cells to treat diseases of the central nervous system, liver and pancreas.
He is a fellow of the National Academy of Sciences, American Association for the Advancement of Science, American Academy of Arts and Sciences and the Institute of Medicine and has been president of the Society for Neuroscience.
Gage has received the Charles A. Dana Award for Pioneering Achievements in Health and Education, the Christopher Reeve Research Medal, the Max Planck Research Prize, and the MetLife Award for Medical Research.
Dr. Gage has a B.S. degree from the University of Florida and a Ph.D. from The Johns Hopkins University.
