Dr. Stefan Marklund is a distinguished professor emeritus and leading authority in neurodegenerative diseases at Umeå University in Sweden. He holds a professorship in Clinical Chemistry within the Department of Medical Biosciences at the Faculty of Medicine where he has established a renowned research program focused on amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. With a career spanning over three decades since founding his laboratory in 1993, Dr. Marklund has cultivated a legacy of scientific excellence through his meticulous investigation of molecular mechanisms underlying ALS pathogenesis. His academic journey at Umeå University has evolved from active professorship to his current emeritus role, during which he continues to provide indispensable leadership to his research group and contribute to the global neuroscience community.
Dr. Marklund's groundbreaking research has fundamentally transformed our understanding of how mutations in the superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) protein lead to misfolding and pathogenic properties in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. His laboratory pioneered the innovative binary epitope mapping technique that enabled the identification of two distinct strains of SOD1 aggregates designated A and B which behave as prions capable of templated spreading throughout the central nervous system. Through meticulous experimentation his team demonstrated that inoculation of minute amounts of these aggregates into the lumbar spinal cord of mice induces a premature fatal ALS-like disease with characteristic propagation patterns throughout the spinal cord and brain stem. This seminal work established the prion-like nature of SOD1 pathology challenging previous paradigms about disease progression in neurodegenerative conditions and opening new avenues for understanding disease mechanisms.
Beyond his research contributions Dr. Marklund continues to lead a vibrant research program investigating prion transmission barriers across different mutant SOD1 variants and exploring potential antibody-based therapeutic approaches targeting accessible epitopes on pathogenic aggregates. His laboratory remains at the forefront of neurodegenerative disease research systematically examining the spatial dynamics of prion transmission from various inoculation sites and developing novel strategies to interrupt pathological protein aggregation. The enduring influence of his work is evident in the growing recognition of protein misfolding mechanisms across multiple neurodegenerative disorders extending far beyond ALS research. As an emeritus professor Dr. Marklund's legacy continues to shape the field through his ongoing scientific contributions mentorship and commitment to advancing therapeutic interventions for devastating neurological conditions.
