Pallavi Gopal, MD, PhD
she/her/hers
Associate Professor of PathologyDownloadHi-Res Photo
Cards
Education
MD
University of Pennsylvania (2009)
University of Pennsylvania (2009)
PhD
University of Pennsylvania, Neuroscience (2008)
University of Pennsylvania, Neuroscience (2008)
Training
Neuropathology Fellowship
Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (2014)
Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (2014)
Resident in Anatomic Pathology
Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (2012)
Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (2012)
About
Titles
Associate Professor of Pathology
Biography
Pallavi Gopal is a graduate of the Medical Scientist Training Program at the University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine in Philadelphia. Her Ph.D. thesis work in Neuroscience with Dr. Jeffrey Golden focused on understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms that guide neuronal migration during forebrain development. After earning her M.D., Pallavi completed postgraduate clinical training in Anatomic Pathology and Neuropathology at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. She did her postdoctoral research training with Dr. Erika Holzbaur at the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Gopal is a recipient of the NINDS Clinical Scientist Research Career Development Award. She joined the Pathology Department at Yale School of Medicine in January 2018.
Appointments
Other Departments & Organizations
- Autopsy
- Center for RNA Science and Medicine
- Gopal Lab
- Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program
- Molecular Medicine, Pharmacology, and Physiology
- Neurology
- Neuropathology
- Neuroscience Track
- Pathology
- Pathology Research
- Surgical Pathology
- Yale Combined Program in the Biological and Biomedical Sciences (BBS)
- Yale Medicine
Education & Training
- Neuropathology Fellowship
- Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (2014)
- Resident in Anatomic Pathology
- Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (2012)
- MD
- University of Pennsylvania (2009)
- PhD
- University of Pennsylvania, Neuroscience (2008)
Research
Overview
Medical Research Interests
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis; Autopsy; Cell Biology; Frontotemporal Lobar Degeneration; Neurodegenerative Diseases; Neurons; Ribonucleoproteins; RNA Transport; TDP-43 Proteinopathies
ORCID
0000-0003-4708-8479- View Lab Website
Pallavi Gopal Lab
Research at a Glance
Yale Co-Authors
Frequent collaborators of Pallavi Gopal's published research.
Publications Timeline
A big-picture view of Pallavi Gopal's research output by year.
Research Interests
Research topics Pallavi Gopal is interested in exploring.
Zeynep Erson Omay, PhD
Sacit Bulent Omay, MD, FAANS
Aladine Elsamadicy, MD
Antonio Omuro, MD
David A. Hafler, MD, FANA
Declan McGuone, FRCPath Neuro, MBBCh
16Publications
559Citations
Neurons
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Ribonucleoproteins
Publications
2024
Single-cell transcriptomic and proteomic analysis of Parkinson’s disease brains
Zhu B, Park J, Coffey S, Russo A, Hsu I, Wang J, Su C, Chang R, Lam T, Gopal P, Ginsberg S, Zhao H, Hafler D, Chandra S, Zhang L. Single-cell transcriptomic and proteomic analysis of Parkinson’s disease brains. Science Translational Medicine 2024, 16: eabo1997. PMID: 39475571, DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.abo1997.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchCitationsAltmetricMeSH Keywords and ConceptsConceptsProteomic analysisAlzheimer's diseasePrefrontal cortexBrain cell typesGenetics of PDParkinson's diseaseCell-cell interactionsChaperone expressionSingle-nucleus transcriptomesExpressed genesTranscriptional changesPostmortem human brainPostmortem brain tissueDiseased brainSynaptic proteinsSingle-cellDown-regulationBrain cell populationsBrain regionsCell typesNeurodegenerative disordersLate-stage PDParkinson's disease brainsDisease etiologyNeuronal vulnerabilityAtaxin-2 polyglutamine expansions aberrantly sequester TDP-43 ribonucleoprotein condensates disrupting mRNA transport and local translation in neurons
Wijegunawardana D, Nayak A, Vishal S, Venkatesh N, Gopal P. Ataxin-2 polyglutamine expansions aberrantly sequester TDP-43 ribonucleoprotein condensates disrupting mRNA transport and local translation in neurons. Developmental Cell 2024, 60: 253-269.e5. PMID: 39419034, DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2024.09.023.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchCitationsAltmetricConceptsRNA-binding proteinsAtaxin-2PolyQ expansionTDP-43Like-SmLocal translationAmyotrophic lateral sclerosisDNA-binding proteinsTransactive response DNA-binding proteinLocalization of mRNAAssociated with increased riskRNA metabolismCytoskeletal mRNAsMRNA transportPolyglutamine expansionRNP condensatesMotor neuron axonsRegulatory functionsRibonucleoproteinMotor neuron integrityNeuronal integrityCortical neuronsLiquid-like propertiesNeuronal axonsMotilityRational Design of TDP-43 Derived α‑Helical Peptide Inhibitors: An In Silico Strategy to Prevent TDP-43 Aggregation in Neurodegenerative Disorders
Salaikumaran M, Gopal P. Rational Design of TDP-43 Derived α‑Helical Peptide Inhibitors: An In Silico Strategy to Prevent TDP-43 Aggregation in Neurodegenerative Disorders. ACS Chemical Neuroscience 2024, 15: 1096-1109. PMID: 38466778, PMCID: PMC10959110, DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.3c00659.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchCitationsAltmetricMeSH Keywords and ConceptsConceptsMolecular dynamics simulationsTDP-43 aggregationTDP-43Disordered C-terminal regionDynamics simulationsIntramolecular hydrogen bondsAmyloid-like filamentsPeptide inhibitorRNA/DNA-binding proteinC-terminal regionPathology of neurodegenerative diseasesNeurodegenerative diseasesAggregation of TDP-43Binding affinityStructure-based computational approachDesign of peptide inhibitorsRNA/DNA-bindingLow root-mean-square deviationRNA splicingMRNA transportPeptide-based therapeuticsRoot-mean-square deviationDevelopment of novel therapeuticsFree energy landscapeStructure predictionTDP-43 derived α-helical peptides: A novel strategy to prevent TDP-43 aggregation in neurodegenerative disorders
Salaikumaran M, Gopal P. TDP-43 derived α-helical peptides: A novel strategy to prevent TDP-43 aggregation in neurodegenerative disorders. Biophysical Journal 2024, 123: 169a. DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2023.11.1123.Peer-Reviewed Original Research
2023
Phase separation and pathologic transitions of RNP condensates in neurons: implications for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, frontotemporal dementia and other neurodegenerative disorders
Naskar A, Nayak A, Salaikumaran M, Vishal S, Gopal P. Phase separation and pathologic transitions of RNP condensates in neurons: implications for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, frontotemporal dementia and other neurodegenerative disorders. Frontiers In Molecular Neuroscience 2023, 16: 1242925. PMID: 37720552, PMCID: PMC10502346, DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2023.1242925.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchCitationsAltmetricConceptsAberrant phase transitionsMRNA transportFormation of ribonucleoproteinMembrane-less organellesPathogenic protein aggregationStress granule assemblyALS/frontotemporal dementiaSynaptic functionNeurodegenerative diseasesProcessing bodiesCajal bodiesRNA processingHigher-order structureSpatiotemporal regulationStress granulesTransport granulesAmyotrophic lateral sclerosisGranule assemblyProtein aggregationBiomolecular condensatesMRNA stabilityGene expressionLocal translationPhysiological functionsRBPsEpstein-Barr virus–associated primary intracranial leiomyosarcoma in an immunocompetent patient: illustrative case
Tabor J, Lei H, Morales-Valero S, O’Brien J, Gopal P, Erson-Omay E, Fulbright R, Moliterno J. Epstein-Barr virus–associated primary intracranial leiomyosarcoma in an immunocompetent patient: illustrative case. Journal Of Neurosurgery Case Lessons 2023, 5: case22532. PMID: 36692065, PMCID: PMC10550697, DOI: 10.3171/case22532.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchCitationsAltmetricConceptsEpstein-Barr virusPrimary intracranial leiomyosarcomaHuman immunodeficiency virusImmunocompetent statusImmunocompetent patientsIntracranial leiomyosarcomaMainstay of treatmentGross total resectionLeft-sided headacheSmooth muscle tumorsLeft middle cranial fossaMagnetic resonance imagingMiddle cranial fossaDura-based massUncomplicated resectionPrompt diagnosisTotal resectionAssociated edemaImmunodeficiency virusPoor prognosisMuscle tumorsRare diagnosisRare tumorImmunocompromised individualsPatientsClinical utility of whole-genome DNA methylation profiling as a primary molecular diagnostic assay for central nervous system tumors—A prospective study and guidelines for clinical testing
Galbraith K, Vasudevaraja V, Serrano J, Shen G, Tran I, Abdallat N, Wen M, Patel S, Movahed-Ezazi M, Faustin A, Spino-Keeton M, Roberts L, Maloku E, Drexler S, Liechty B, Pisapia D, Krasnozhen-Ratush O, Rosenblum M, Shroff S, Boué D, Davidson C, Mao Q, Suchi M, North P, Hopp A, Segura A, Jarzembowski J, Parsons L, Johnson M, Mobley B, Samore W, McGuone D, Gopal P, Canoll P, Horbinski C, Fullmer J, Farooqi M, Gokden M, Wadhwani N, Richardson T, Umphlett M, Tsankova N, DeWitt J, Sen C, Placantonakis D, Pacione D, Wisoff J, Hidalgo E, Harter D, William C, Cordova C, Kurz S, Barbaro M, Orringer D, Karajannis M, Sulman E, Gardner S, Zagzag D, Tsirigos A, Allen J, Golfinos J, Snuderl M. Clinical utility of whole-genome DNA methylation profiling as a primary molecular diagnostic assay for central nervous system tumors—A prospective study and guidelines for clinical testing. Neuro-Oncology Advances 2023, 5: vdad076. PMID: 37476329, PMCID: PMC10355794, DOI: 10.1093/noajnl/vdad076.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchCitationsAltmetricConceptsCNS tumorsProspective studyHistologic diagnosisCentral nervous system tumorsDiagnostic accuracyCentral nervous system cancerPrimary CNS tumorsNervous system tumorsNervous system cancersCancer-associated deathsClinical trial designDiagnostic errorsPrimary diagnostic methodDNA methylation profilingMolecular diagnostic testsPrognostic subclassificationPediatric patientsHistologic subtypeWhole genome DNA methylation profilingDefinitive diagnosisPrognostic informationSystem tumorsSystem cancersPatient managementClinical utility
2022
Sequence Determinants of TDP-43 Ribonucleoprotein Condensate Formation and Axonal Transport in Neurons
Vishal SS, Wijegunawardana D, Salaikumaran MR, Gopal PP. Sequence Determinants of TDP-43 Ribonucleoprotein Condensate Formation and Axonal Transport in Neurons. Frontiers In Cell And Developmental Biology 2022, 10: 876893. PMID: 35646935, PMCID: PMC9133736, DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.876893.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchCitationsAltmetricConceptsAmyotrophic lateral sclerosisTDP-43A315TAxonal transportTDP-43 variantsMotor neuron degenerationTDP-43 mutationsNeuron degenerationLateral sclerosisTransport deficitsAnterograde transportNeuronsK mutationDisease-linked mutationsMotilityKey determinantPossible mechanismMutationsPrevious findingsRetrograde motilityTransport granulesAdaptor proteinSclerosisDeterminantsGranule transport
2021
Comprehensive Genomic Characterization of A Case of Granular Cell Tumor of the Posterior Pituitary Gland: A Case Report
Hong CS, Elsamadicy AA, Fisayo A, Inzucchi SE, Gopal PP, Vining EM, Erson-Omay EZ, Omay S. Comprehensive Genomic Characterization of A Case of Granular Cell Tumor of the Posterior Pituitary Gland: A Case Report. Frontiers In Endocrinology 2021, 12: 762095. PMID: 34925233, PMCID: PMC8671743, DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.762095.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchCitationsAltmetricMeSH Keywords and ConceptsConceptsGranular cell tumorPosterior pituitary glandCell tumorsPituitary glandComprehensive genomic characterizationWhole-exome sequencingImmune checkpoint inhibitorsPoor clinical outcomePituitary gland tumorsHistone deacetylase inhibitorsInstitutional review boardRadiographic compressionUnderwent resectionCheckpoint inhibitorsMedical therapyPituitary massClinical outcomesOptic nerveSignificant morbidityResidual diseaseCase reportCentral hypothyroidismPharmacologic agentsGland tumorsTherapeutic targeting
2020
Genetic characterization of an aggressive optic nerve pilocytic glioma
Hong CS, Fliney G, Fisayo A, An Y, Gopal PP, Omuro A, Pointdujour-Lim R, Erson-Omay EZ, Omay SB. Genetic characterization of an aggressive optic nerve pilocytic glioma. Brain Tumor Pathology 2020, 38: 59-63. PMID: 33098465, PMCID: PMC7585354, DOI: 10.1007/s10014-020-00383-x.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchCitationsAltmetricMeSH Keywords and ConceptsConceptsOptic nerve gliomaLeft optic nerve sheathLeft-sided visual lossSporadic adult casesOptic nerve sheathNeurofibromatosis type 1 syndromeType 1 syndromeWhole-exome sequencingEmpiric managementVisual lossFocal radiotherapyOptic nervePediatric populationNerve sheathOpen biopsyAdult casesBiopsy specimenBenign histopathologyClinical prognosticationPilocytic astrocytomaComplex tumorsActionable targetsVisual pathwayAdult populationTumor progression
Academic Achievements & Community Involvement
activity Clinical Neuropathology
PatientCareDetails01/01/2018 - PresentNew Haven, CT, United StatesAbstract/Synopsissurgical and autopsy neuropathology
Clinical Care
Overview
Pallavi Gopal, MD, PhD, is a neuropathologist who focuses on diagnosing and treating disorders that affect the brain and nervous system, especially those linked to neurodegenerative diseases. She evaluates tissue from the brain and spinal cord to help guide decisions for conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, frontotemporal dementia, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
As an associate professor of pathology at Yale School of Medicine, Dr. Gopal investigates how disruptions in messenger RNA (mRNA) regulation may contribute to these conditions. mRNA is a type of genetic material that carries instructions from DNA to the cell's protein-making machinery, playing a crucial role in the synthesis of proteins. She aims to identify new strategies that could eventually improve patients’ quality of life.
Dr. Gopal completed her medical training at the University of Pennsylvania, followed by residency in anatomic pathology and fellowship training in neuropathology there. She has been honored by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke with a Clinical Scientist Research Career Development Award.
Clinical Specialties
Neuropathology
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Mailing Address
Yale School of Medicine
Department of Pathology, P.O. Box 208023
New Haven, CT 06520-8023
United States
Locations
Lauder Hall
Academic Office
310 Cedar Street, Rm LH108
New Haven, CT 06510