Lluis Samaranch, PhD
Assistant Professor
Neurological Surgery
Academic information
- Department: Neurological Surgery
Research interests
- AAV-based CNS gene therapy Pediatric rare diseases & Neurodegeneration Prenatal gene therapy Stereotactic brain surgery & Convection Enhanced Delivery Translational Research Qualitative Research Quantitative Research
About
Biography
I am a neuroscientist and translational researcher focused on developing gene therapies for neurological disorders. In 2019, I joined the Department of Neurological Surgery at The Ohio State College of Medicine as an Assistant Professor, following my work as a scientist at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF). I completed my PhD in Biochemistry from the University of Navarra in Spain, where I specialized in translational neuroscience.
My laboratory designs and tests gene therapy strategies targeting the central nervous system. We focus on improving delivery efficiency throughout direct brain infusions, cerebrospinal fluid administration, and prenatal gene transfer approaches to enhance therapeutic distribution and limit off-target exposure. Our research also includes the design of novel AAV capsids, the optimization of cell-type specificity and axonal transport, and the study of host immune responses to ensure long-term safety and efficacy.
Current projects in my lab include preclinical programs for rare monogenic pediatric diseases such as lysosomal storage disorders (Niemann-Pick type A and GM1 gangliosidosis), neurotransmitter-related diseases (AADC and MAO deficiencies), as well as adult neurodegenerative conditions such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease.
My future goals include refining prenatal and early-life gene transfer for ultra-rare pediatric indications, expanding capsid libraries to achieve more human-relevant tropism, and designing immune-aware dosing strategies that promote durable therapeutic benefit.
My career bridges mechanistic neuroscience and clinical translation. From Alzheimer's biomarker research during my PhD to advanced CNS gene delivery at UCSF and Ohio State, my work reflects a continued commitment to innovation in therapeutic development. With over 15 years of experience mentoring undergraduates, medical students, and postdoctoral fellows, I foster a collaborative, hands-on environment where trainees gain experience in stereotactic surgery, molecular and histological techniques, behavioral assays, and large-animal research.
Credentials
Education
- BS - Biology
- University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- BS - Biochemistry
- University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- PhD - Biochemistry
- University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
Research
Research interests
- AAV-based CNS gene therapy Pediatric rare diseases & Neurodegeneration Prenatal gene therapy Stereotactic brain surgery & Convection Enhanced Delivery Translational Research Qualitative Research Quantitative Research
Professional memberships
- Member, Society for Neuroscience
- Associated Member, American Society of Gene and Cell Therapy
Editorial activities
- Ad hoc referee, PLOSOne
- Ad hoc referee, Molecular Biology Reports
- Ad hoc referee, Molecular Therapy
- Ad hoc referee, Molecular Therapy-Nucleic Acids
- Ad hoc referee, Movement Disorders