David K Simon, MD,PhD
Professor
Neurology
Contact Information
| Office: | CL-0638 |
| Phone: | 617-667-0519 |
| Fax: | 617-735-2826 |
| Email: | dsimon1@bidmc.harvard.edu |
| Address: | 330 Brookline Ave; CL-0638
Boston, MA 02215 |
Advanced Degree And Training
| Year | Institution | Area or Rank |
| 1993 | Washington University in St Louis | Neuroscience |
| 1997 | Massachusetts General Hospital | Fellow |
| 1998 | BIDMC | Staff neurologist |
| 1998 | Harvard Medical School | Instructor |
| 2000 | Harvard Medical School | Assistant Professor |
| 2008 | Harvard Medical School | Associate Professor |
Areas of Interest
| 3 Neuroscience |
Major Research Theme
|
Mitochondrial complex I activity plays a key role in the pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease (PD), and indirect evidence suggests a role for mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations. We hypothesize that numerous oxidative stress-induced acquired mutations, each individually present at a low mutational burden, could reach a sufficient aggregate burden to cause mitochondrial dysfunction. The laboratory is focused on genetic analyses and in vitro studies to address the role of oxidative damage to mtDNA and somatic mtDNA mutations in PD. Dr. Simon also is conducting genetic association studies of common genetic variants that may influence the risk of developing PD. |
Publications
External Recognition
| 1985 Phi Beta Kappa and Alpha Epsilon Delta Honors Societies 1992 Spencer T. and Ann W. Olin Medical Scientist Fellowship Award 1993 Irwin Levy Prize in Neurology and Neurological Surgery 2001 George C. Cotzias Fellowship Award from American Parkinson's Disease Assoc. 2001 Scientific Advisory Board Member, BostonCure Project for Multiple Sclerosis 2005 Grant Review Committee: Michael J Fox Foundation RFA on Biomarkers for Parkinson’s Dis. 2005 – 2007 Pfizer/AFAR Innovations in Aging Research Award 2005–current Assistant Medical Director; BIDMC Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders Center, a National Parkinson Foundation Center of Excellence. 2006 The William F. Milton Fund of Harvard University; Research Award. 2006 NIH Study Section Ad Hoc Reviewer: Neurological Sciences and Disorders A (Nov, 2006) 2006 – 2007 National Parkinson Foundation “Mega-Research Project” Award (Co-Investigator) 2007 Parkinson’s Disease Society UK Study Section ad hoc grant reviewer 2008 National Scientific Advisory Committee, AFAR (American Federation for Aging Research) 2007-9 Michael J. Fox Foundation “Target Validation” Award 2007-current: American Neurological Association (ANA) Active Member 2008 Grant Review Committee: Michael J Fox Foundation RFA on Cognition and Mood in Park. Dis. 2008 NIH Study Section Ad Hoc Reviewer: Molecular Neurogenetics (MNG) |
Major Collaborative Activities
| 1. Collaboration with Dr. Ippolita Cantuti-Castelvetri (MGH) to investigate somatic mitochondrial DNA mutations in aging and in Parkinson's disease using Laser Capture Microdissection. 2. Collaboration with Dr. Bruce Spiegelman (Dana Farber Cancer Institute) to investigate the role of a transcriptional coactivator, PGC-1 alpha, in Parkinson's disease. |
Investigator's Lab Web Site
| Research Lab URL | None listed |
| Harvard Catalyst Site: | Simon Harvard Catalyst Web Site |
