Dr. Suzanne Pfeffer

Biography

Suzanne Pfeffer is a renowned researcher in the field of Biochemistry, focusing on the molecular basis of inherited Parkinson's disease. Leading the Pfeffer Lab at Stanford University, her work employs biochemical and cell biological genome-wide screening techniques to unravel the complexities of this debilitating condition, which impacts over 6 million individuals globally. Her pioneering research on Rab GTPases has identified them as key regulators of receptor trafficking within cells. The lab's investigations reveal that the human genome encodes approximately 65 Rab proteins, with a specific subset acting as crucial substrates for the LRRK2 kinase, which when mutated, contributes to inherited forms of Parkinson's disease. A significant aspect of her research includes examining how LRRK2-mediated phosphorylation alters the interactions of Rabs, leading to disruptions in normal cellular binding and creating pathological protein complexes. The lab has further demonstrated that these modified Rab interactions can inhibit the formation of primary cilia, vital structures for cellular signaling, thereby elucidating the overarching impact of Rab phosphorylation in neurodegenerative disease processes.

Research Interests