Alexander Jeans
Papers
2
Total Citations
75
H-Index
2
About
Alexander Jeans is a geneticist whose research centers on the molecular mechanisms of neurodegeneration and developmental disorders, with a particular focus on cerebellar function and disease. His most significant contribution is the identification and characterization of a mutation in the *Af4* gene as the cause of the "robotic mouse" phenotype—a spontaneous mutant exhibiting cerebellar ataxia, region-specific Purkinje cell loss, and cataracts. This work, published in 2003 and cited 72 times, provided one of the earliest genetic links between *Af4* and neurological disease, establishing a critical model for studying adult-onset neurodegeneration. By mapping the mutation and describing the striking pattern of cerebellar degeneration, Jeans laid the groundwork for understanding how *Af4* dysfunction disrupts motor coordination and cellular survival. Though his follow-up functional study has garnered fewer citations, the initial discovery remains a cornerstone for researchers exploring the genetic basis of ataxia and cataract formation. Jeans’ work exemplifies how forward genetic screens in mice can uncover unexpected gene functions, offering valuable insights into human disorders such as spinocerebellar ataxias and offering a platform for future therapeutic exploration.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1
- 2Functional studies of Af4 in the robotic mouse.3 citations · 2003