The Christopher Pearson Lab

The Christopher Pearson Lab investigates the molecular mechanisms that drive pathogenic DNA repeat expansions responsible for neurological, neuromuscular, and neurodegenerative disorders, including Huntington disease, myotonic dystrophy, and fragile X syndrome. For more than two decades, our work has defined how disease-causing repeat expansions arise, continue to expand in patient tissues, and contribute to disease progression. By integrating cell-based systems, genetically engineered mouse models, and collections of patient post‑mortem tissues, we uncover where, when, and how somatic repeat expansions occur in human diseases.

Our laboratory has pioneered the discovery of key DNA repair pathways and molecular intermediates that drive repeat instability and has translated these discoveries toward therapeutic strategies, including first‑in‑class small molecules that directly target pathogenic DNA structures. Together, our research aims to transform fundamental insights into repeat expansion biology into effective disease‑modifying therapies.