In a compelling interview with Genomic Press, published today in Genomic Psychiatry, Dr. Miguel E. Rentería reveals how his journey from Mexico to becoming one of Australia's most influential neuroscientists exemplifies the transformative power of curiosity, determination, and global scientific collaboration. The piece showcases a researcher whose innovative combination of genomics, neuroscience, and cutting-edge data science is poised to revolutionize how we understand and treat Parkinson's disease and psychiatric conditions worldwide.
Dr. Rentería's scientific trajectory began in Morelia, Mexico, where a primary school teacher prophetically told his parents their son would become a scientist because of his incessant questioning. That early curiosity evolved through chemistry competitions into a passion for genomics, ultimately leading him to join the inaugural cohort of UNAM's Genomic Sciences program in 2003—the same year the human genome draft was published.
His academic journey took him to Brisbane, on the other side of the world, for his PhD under Professors Nick Martin, Sarah Medland, and Margie Wright. There, he became deeply involved in the ENIGMA consortium and co-authored a landmark 2015 Nature paper. What followed was an unexpected but transformative detour into science policy. Supported by a Chevening Scholarship, he pursued a Master of Public Policy at Oxford, where he worked on establishing a science-for-policy office to advise the Mexican Federal Congress and Senate. Though the office was ultimately shut down due to political changes, the experience fundamentally shaped his strategic approach to research leadership.
"That entire experience has had a lasting influence on my work as a research leader today," Dr. Rentería explains in the interview. "It taught me to be more strategic, more intentional in my goals, and more persuasive in communicating the value of our work."
Building Australia's Largest Parkinson's Research Resource
Dr Rentería then undertook postdoctoral training at Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School. It was there that his research interests pivoted towards the intricate genetics of Parkinson's disease, a focus that would define the next chapter of his career.
This new focus culminated in what is perhaps his most significant achievement to date: founding the Australian Parkinson's Genetics Study (APGS), which has grown to include nearly 20,000 volunteers nationwide. This remarkable cohort, the largest of its kind in Australia, demonstrates his exceptional ability to identify critical research gaps and mobilize resources to address them, with strategic support from the Shake It Up Australia Foundation and The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, and in alignment with the Global Parkinson’s Genetics Program. Could this comprehensive genetic database hold the key to understanding why Parkinson's manifests so differently from patient to patient?
He is now expanding the study beyond traditional genetic analysis by incorporating wearable sensors and digital biomarkers. This creates what Dr. Rentería describes as a "powerful new phenotyping layer" that captures objective, continuous, real-world data on movement, sleep, and other key symptom indicators. This innovative approach addresses one of the field's most pressing challenges: the clinical heterogeneity in Parkinson's disease. While scientists have identified genes influencing risk, the vast differences in symptoms and progression between patients remain poorly understood.
Global Impact Through International Collaboration
Dr. Rentería's influence extends far beyond Australia's borders through his leadership roles in major international consortia. As Co-Chair of ENIGMA's working group on Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviours and founding member of the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium's Suicide Genetics group, he drives global efforts to understand complex brain conditions. His impressive publication record includes over 120 papers in prestigious journals including Nature and Nature Genetics, garnering more than 10,000 citations.
The interview published by Genomic Press (https://genomicpress.kglmeridian.com/) highlights Dr. Rentería's commitment to ensuring genetic research benefits all populations, not just those of European ancestry. "Our current knowledge base is disproportionately derived from studies of European ancestry populations," he notes. "This is a systemic failure. We aspire to an era of evidence-based medicine, but for much of the world's population, what we currently have is evidence-biased medicine."
Recognition and Future Directions
Recent accolades underscore Dr. Rentería's rising influence in neuroscience. The 2024 Adèle Green Emerging Research Leadership Award, the prestigious Al & Val Rosenstrauss Fellowship, and recognition as an Atlantic Fellow at the Global Brain Health Institute at UCSF reflect his contributions to advancing research into brain disorders. Yet he maintains his greatest achievements lie ahead. What breakthroughs might emerge from his lab's pioneering integration of digital and genomic biomarkers?
This interview exemplifies the type of transformative scientific discourse found across Genomic Press's portfolio of open-access journals. Dr. Rentería's vision extends beyond immediate research goals to encompass broader transformation in how complex brain disorders are studied. His methodologies could serve as blueprints for investigating Alzheimer's disease, depression, and numerous other conditions where patient heterogeneity presents major challenges.
Philosophy Driving Innovation
Guided by the philosophy of "carpe diem," Dr. Rentería approaches both life and science with remarkable vigor. The interview reveals personal dimensions that humanize this accomplished researcher, from his love of outdoor activities and cooking to his strategic use of music while working. His admiration for Michael J. Fox particularly resonates given his Parkinson's research focus, noting how Fox "transformed his battle with Parkinson's into a global movement for a cure."
Dr. Miguel E. Rentería's Genomic Press interview is part of a larger series called Innovators & Ideas that highlights the people behind today's most influential scientific breakthroughs. Each interview in the series offers a blend of cutting-edge research and personal reflections, providing readers with a comprehensive view of the scientists shaping the future. By combining a focus on professional achievements with personal insights, this interview style invites a richer narrative that both engages and educates readers. This format provides an ideal starting point for profiles that explore the scientist's impact on the field, while also touching on broader human themes.
