Full professor
Department of Medicine
Faculty of Medicine

Dr. Nicolas Dupré is a renowned neurologist and researcher, recognized for his major contributions in the field of neuromuscular and neurogenetic diseases. A full professor at the Faculty of Medicine at Université Laval and director of the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Clinic at CHU de Québec since 2008, he has dedicated his career to advancing scientific knowledge and improving clinical care.

Education and Early Career

Dr. Dupré earned his Doctor of Medicine (M.D.C.M.) from McGill University in 1996, followed by a Master’s degree in Neurobiology at Université Laval in 2000. He completed neurology residencies at McGill and Laval, as well as fellowships in neurogenetics at Massachusetts General Hospital (Harvard) and the Montreal Neurological Institute. His expertise spans hereditary ataxias to complex neuromuscular disorders.

Scientific Contributions

Among his groundbreaking discoveries, Dr. Dupré played a key role in identifying genes associated with severe neurological diseases:

  • TDP-43: In 2008, he contributed to the discovery of this gene implicated in ALS, paving the way for new therapeutic targets.
  • SYNE-1: In 2007, he identified this gene as the cause of a new recessive hereditary ataxia (ARCA-1), a major advancement for patients with cerebellar ataxias.

He is also the co-author of over 195 scientific publications in prestigious journals. His work has led to a better understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative diseases and has influenced international clinical practices.

Clinical Leadership and Collaborative Research

Dr. Dupré founded two multidisciplinary clinics at CHU de Québec: the ALS Clinic and another dedicated to neuromuscular and neurogenetic diseases. These facilities provide specialized care to thousands of patients while integrating the latest scientific advancements. He is also co-director of Réseau Parkinson Québec and an active member of several collaborative initiatives, such as CAPTURE ALS, which aim to accelerate ALS research.

Teaching and Mentorship

As a professor, Dr. Dupré has trained a new generation of physicians and researchers. He is recognized for his teaching excellence, having received awards for his mentorship and supervision. His commitment to his students reflects his dedication to passing on not only his knowledge but also his passion for neurology.

Distinctions

Dr. Dupré has received several accolades, including the Excellence Award for the Neuromuscular Diseases Clinic at CHU de Québec (2015) and a teaching excellence award from Université Laval (2021). These honors highlight his significant impact in clinical, academic, and scientific fields.

In summary, Dr. Nicolas Dupré is an essential figure in neuroscience in Canada. His remarkable contributions to research, clinical care, and education make him a respected leader on the international stage.