Dr. Valina Dawson

Biography

Valina Dawson is a Professor in the Solomon H Snyder Department of Neuroscience at Johns Hopkins University. Her research focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms of neuronal death and survival, particularly in the context of neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s disease. Dawson has made significant contributions to the discovery of the neuroprotective protein Iduna and the characterization of various cell signaling pathways that influence neuronal health. Her laboratory employs advanced technologies, including human stem cell biology, high throughput screening, and single-cell sequencing, to explore the biochemical signaling important to Parkinson's disease. Dawson’s work has led to the identification of critical pathways, such as Parthanatos, which involve complex interactions between proteins that influence cell death and survival. Her ongoing research investigates neuroinflammation and the conversion of reactive astrocytes, aiming to halt processes that lead to neuronal death. Dawson is dedicated to uncovering new therapeutic targets to mitigate neuronal loss in various neurodegenerative disorders.

Research Interests