Joe Hacia is a medical geneticist at the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California. His research focuses on developing innovative therapies for genetic disorders resulting from compromised peroxisome assembly, structure, and function. These include conditions like Zellweger spectrum disorder, rhizomelic chondrodysplasia punctata, adult Refsum disease, and adrenoleukodystrophy. These disorders affect multiple organ systems, leading to progressive impairments in vision and hearing, neurodegeneration, and hepatic dysfunction. Dr. Hacia integrates gene augmentation, gene editing, and small-molecule screening in mouse models to develop novel therapeutic strategies for these conditions. He collaborates closely with physician-scientists and patient advocacy groups to expedite the translation of discoveries into effective treatments. He serves as the corresponding Principal Investigator for the NIH-funded Mouse Peroxisome Research Resource, which provides high-impact mouse models to the peroxisome research community. Dr. Hacia is affiliated with several organizations focused on genetic disorders and therapeutic strategies, including the Global Foundation for Peroxisomal Disorders and the American Society for Gene and Cell Therapy.
Keck School of Medicine of USC • Los Angeles, CA
Teaching and conducting research in medical genetics with a focus on peroxisomal disorders.