Bönnemann, who specializes in pediatric neuromuscular and neurogenetic disorders, comes to St. Jude from the National Institutes of Health, where he served as a physician-researcher and chief of the Neuromuscular and Neurogenetic Disorders of Childhood Section. While at the NIH, Bönnemann’s pioneering research led to key discoveries, including identifying a genetic cause of juvenile amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, advancing understanding of the genetics of neuromuscular disorders and the first in-human intrathecal application of AAV gene therapy for giant axonal neuropathy.
“Joining St. Jude is an extraordinary opportunity to accelerate discoveries for children with catastrophic neurological disorders. The mission of this new department is to understand the unique genetic and molecular roots of these devastating disorders and conceptualize genetic precision therapies based on this knowledge,” Bönnemann said. “At St. Jude, we have the ability to accelerate research and therapeutic discovery using cutting-edge science. By collaborating with colleagues across the institution, we will be able to push the boundaries of research, help discover the root causes of these disorders, and help configure new and unique therapeutics for patients where few options exist.”
The Department of Genomic and Translational Neuroscience at St. Jude was formed as a natural extension of the institution’s commitment to children living with catastrophic neurological disorders. The aim is to change the treatment landscape and improve the quality of life through preclinical and clinical research.
