Dr. Roberta Marongiu, Ph.D.
Dr. Roberta Marongiu is assistant professor of genetics and neuroscience in Neurological Surgery at Weill Cornell Medicine.
Dr. Marongiu is a geneticist and neurobiologist with 20 years of experience advancing translational research in neurodegenerative diseases to bridge the gap between fundamental neuroscience discoveries and clinical interventions for Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease. Her multidisciplinary expertise spans from molecular genetics, viral vector-mediated gene therapy, molecular and behavioral neuroscience, to the use of rodent models of neurodegeneration, and human clinical data.
Dr. Marongiu graduated summa cum laude in Human Genetics from the University of Cagliari in Italy. She obtained her PhD in Medical Genetics and Neuroscience from Sapienza University of Rome (Italy) working in the laboratory of Dr. Enza Maria Valente in Rome and at University of California San Diego (California) with Dr. Eliezer Masliah. She then completed her postdoctoral studies in neuroscience and gene therapy for Parkinson’s disease at Weill Cornell Medical College of Cornell University with Dr. Michael Kaplitt.
Dr. Marongiu’s work has provided critical insights into disease mechanisms and informed innovative therapeutic strategies for Parkinson’s disease. She has made significant contributions to understanding the mechanisms of neuronal dysfunction, particularly through the characterization of PINK1 and LRRK2—genes implicated in inherited forms of Parkinson’s disease. Her research has led to the identification and validation of new therapeutic targets, and has pioneered innovative applications of adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors for both motor symptoms and complications of therapies in Parkinson’s disease.
Building on this unique multidisciplinary foundation, her lab has been at the forefront of addressing critical sex and gender disparities in neurodegenerative research for Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease. The lab utilizes state-of-the-art in vitro and in vivo tools, and human clinical data, and has built strong collaborations with global experts in neurodegeneration, neuroendocrinology, and bioengineering, to unravel the complex interplay between biological sex, ovarian hormones, and neurodegenerative vulnerability. A key innovation of this work is the application of the accelerated ovarian failure (AOF) mouse model to mimic human menopausal hormonal dynamics, allowing detailed study of menopause transition in the context of neurodegenerative disorders and aging. This approach addresses a critical gap in current models (ovariectomy and aging). This line of research is generating actionable insights into sex-specific pathophysiology and is informing the development of personalized, hormone-sensitive interventions for Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease.
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Dr. Marongiu’s translational vision extends beyond the lab through active leadership in international consortia, advisory boards, and editorial roles, all aimed at accelerating the pipeline from discovery to clinical application. This approach reflects her dedication to fostering collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity in the field, her commitment to transforming scientific insights into tangible benefits for patients and public health.