SUMMARY
The research of Fabienne C. Fiesel, Ph.D., focuses on understanding the cellular biological mechanisms of neurodegenerative conditions. The goal is to develop new biomarkers and disease-modifying therapeutics.
At the heart of Dr. Fiesel's research interest are two pathways:
- PINK1-PRKN. This fundamental protective pathway is disrupted in familial forms of early-onset Parkinson's disease. The pathway ensures the elimination of worn-out or dangerously damaged mitochondria in healthy cells. Dr. Fiesel's goal is to explore this pathway as a neuroprotective avenue for conditions such as Parkinson's disease.
- UFM1. This is an understudied ubiquitin-like modifier pathway with important roles during neurodevelopment. The UFM1 cascade has been linked to Alzheimer's disease and the pathological misfolding of tau in cells. Dr. Fiesel's goal is to explore the UFM1 cascade as a novel therapeutic target for treating conditions such as Alzheimer's disease that are characterized by misfolded tau.
Dr. Fiesel's research uses innovative models and advanced methodologies, including cell cultures, animal models and postmortem brain analysis, in conjunction with molecular biology, biochemistry, imaging and omics approaches to elucidate the cellular mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative disease.
Dr. Fiesel leads the Cellular Mechanisms of Neurodegenerative Disorders Lab at Mayo Clinic.
Focus areas
- Biomarker discovery. Dr. Fiesel compares whole-genome sequencing data, gene expression and small-molecule metabolites from isogenic genome-edited cells as well as from cells obtained from both people without neurogenerative disease and people who are affected by Parkinson's disease or Alzheimer's disease. She seeks to define novel biomarker panels for errors in mitochondrial quality control.
- Translational drug discovery. In collaboration with other biochemists and cell biologists at Mayo Clinic, Dr. Fiesel is developing preclinical small-molecule activators of mitochondrial quality control.
- Biomarker discovery. By comparing whole-genome, gene expression and small-molecule metabolite fingerprints, Dr. Fiesel seeks to define novel biomarker panels.
- Biomarker assay development. Dr. Fiesel and her team have developed several immunoassays for PINK1-PRKN mitophagy and the UFM1 cascade that are being explored as biomarkers for patient cohorts.
- Therapeutic target identification and validation. Dr. Fiesel is identifying and validating new therapeutic targets that could treat Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease.
- Translational drug discovery. In collaboration with other biochemists and cell biologists at Mayo Clinic, Dr. Fiesel is working to develop preclinical small-molecule activators of mitochondrial quality control.
Significance to patient care
Dr. Fiesel's research seeks new ways to help patients with conditions such as Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease. The goal is to help choose the right patients for medical studies and create new medicines to treat and cure these diseases.
Professional highlights
- Research Equity Award, Mayo Clinic, 2025.
- Mayo Foundation Rising Stars Award, Mayo Clinic, 2024.
- Gerstner Family Award for Career Development, Mayo Clinic, 2018.