Peter Todd

Peter Todd, M.D., Ph.D.

Bucky and Patti Harris Professor of Neurology
Professor, Neurology

Biography

Peter K. Todd, M.D., Ph.D., is the Bucky and Patti Harris Professor of Neurology and associate chair for research in the department of Neurology. As a clinician, Dr. Todd sees patients at both the University of Michigan and at the VA medical Center in Ann Arbor. He directs the UM Ataxia clinic where he sees patients with inherited and sporadic Ataxias. He also co-directs the U-M Fragile X Clinic and sees adult patients with Fragile X Syndrome and Fragile X-associated Tremor/Ataxia Syndrome (FXTAS). He serves as director of the Clinical Neurogenetics Research Program, which aims to improve research and care for patients with inherited neurological disorders. 

As a physician scientist, Dr. Todd’s lab studies the mechanisms by which nucleotide repeat expansions cause neurological disorders with a long term goal of developing novel therapeutics for currently untreatable conditions. His lab has published extensively on Fragile X-associated disorders, such as Fragile X Syndrome and Fragile X-associated Tremor/Ataxia Syndrome (FXTAS) as well as C9orf72 repeat expansions that cause ALS and frontotemporal dementia. More recent studies explore roles for  repeat expansions in more common neurological conditions. His lab has been continuously funded by the NIH and VA since its inception. He has received multiple institutional, national and international awards related his research.

Dr. Todd has given over 100 invited presentations across the world and published over 70 papers on his research. He currently serves as associate chair for research in the department of Neurology where he guides efforts to enhance impactful work aimed at improving care for neurological diseases. Nationally, he serves on the American Academy of Neurology’s research committee, where he directs their annual career development symposium for physician scientists. He also serves on the American Neurological Association professional development committee and their task force on Neurogenetics.

Appointments

Co-Director, Multidisciplinary Ataxia Clinic, University of Michigan

Areas of Interest

The molecular pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders, most notably Fragile X Tremor Ataxia Syndrome, Myotonic Dystrophy, Polyglutamine Disorders and Alzheimer's Disease. Research is focused on the roles of RNA in neurological function and degeneration. Dr. Todd is also interested in discovering new genes that cause inherited neurological disorders.

Clinical Interests

Parkinson's disease, Dystonia, Cerebellar Ataxia, Tremor and Chorea. All inherited neurological disorders, including Fragile X Related Disorders such as Fragile X Tremor Ataxia Syndrome and Fragile X Syndrome.

Honors & Awards

Phi Beta Kappa, Summa cum Laude and Honors in Biology, University of California, San Diego
Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society
Francis M Forster Award for Neurology Excellence, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine
Penn Pearl award for excellence in teaching, University of Pennsylvania Medical School.
Samuel Zeritsky Prize, University of Pennsylvania Medical School.
Alliance S. Weir Mitchell Award (Best young basic science neurology researcher), AAN
Hagerman Award for groundbreaking research on Fragile X-associated disorders – NFXF
Dean’s Award for Basic Science Research- University of Michigan Medical School
Derek Denny-Brown Young Neurological Scholar Award- American Neurological Association

Credentials

Medical School or Training

  • University of Wisconsin School of Medicine & Public Health, 2004

Residency

  • University of Pennsylvania, Neurology, PA, 2008

Fellowship

  • Movement Disorders, University of Michigan Health System, 2009

Board Certification

  • Neurology

Web Sites

Video