Gregory Potter: Research & Develoment Team Leader
23+ years of research in neuroscience, molecular biology, and immuno-oncology. Proven record of leading multiple teams and advancing small molecule, immuno-oncology, gene therapy, CAR-T, and neurodegenerative programs.
About Gregory Potter
Dr. Gregory Potter is a globally recognized biotech director, neuroscientist, and molecular biologist with a proven record of leading interdisciplinary teams and advancing scientific innovation across academia and industry. His career integrates innovative research expertise with strategic leadership in translational research and therapeutic development.
23+ Years
Education
Ph.D. in Neuroscience
Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine (2002)
B.S. in BioEngineering
University of California, Berkeley (1996)
Professional Timeline
Precigen Therapeutics, 2018 - Present
Dr. Potter leads the Molecular Engineering department, advancing target identification, assay development, and cellular models. He developed advanced CAR-T and tissue specific promoter platforms, greatly accelerating discovery of candidate therapeutics. His work established high-throughput screening and CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing programs, designed identity, potency, and host cell DNA assays for key clinical candidates (e.g., PRGN-3005, PRGN-3006, PRGN-2009, PRGN-2012), and strengthened cross-departmental collaborations between molecular biology, in vivo, and QC teams
Denali Therapeutics, 2015 - 2018
Scientist, Discover Biology
Oregon Health & Science University, 2011 - 2015
Research Associate Professor
University of California, San Francisco, 2002-2011
Associate Specialist II (2008 - 2011)
Postdoctoral Fellow (2002 - 2008)
Associate Director, Molecular Engineering (2021 - Present)
Scientist, Molecular Biology (2018 - 2021)
As one of Denali’s first biologists, Dr. Potter helped establish the company’s research foundation and led small-molecule RIPK1 inhibitor programs from discovery to Phase I clinical trials. His studies generated pivotal data supporting Denali’s IPO and IND/CTA filings, reflecting his leadership across assay development, CRO management, and translational biology
Dr. Potter co-led studies identifying the genetic basis and neuroinflammatory components of a novel pediatric leukodystrophy model, and conducted small-molecule screening to correct enzyme dysfunction in Krabbe disease. His research defined new disease mechanisms bridging neurogenetics and neuroimmunology
Dr. Potter discovered oligodendrocyte-specific genes and mechanisms of myelination, contributing to major publications in Neuron and PNAS. He demonstrated that cell-based CNS engraftment could improve survival in congenital leukodystrophies and explored molecular pathways regulating postnatal oligodendrogenesis.
Dr. Potter made foundational discoveries in developmental neurobiology, uncovering how transcription factors such as Olig2, Dlx1/2 and Mash1 regulate the balance between neuronal and oligodendrocyte differentiation in the embryonic brain. He generated and characterized multiple Cre-transgenic and floxed mouse lines that became essential tools for studying GABAergic interneuron function and neurodevelopmental disorders. Dr. Potter's work, published in Neuron, PNAS, and Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience, significantly advanced understanding of the genetic and molecular mechanisms driving forebrain development and interneuron specification.
Expertise & Leadership Experience
Molecular Engineering & Candidate Screens
CRISPR/Cas9 and multi-genic vector systems
CAR-T and tissue-specific promoter cellular screen
Founded Molecular Engineering Dept. at Precigen
Neuroscience & Neurodegeneration Research
Directed translational studies on Krabbe’s disease
Developed neurodegenerative models
Expert on Microglia, Oligodendrocyte, and Neuroinflammation
Drug Discovery & Preclinical Development
Directed IND-enabling pharmacology and PK/PD studies
Coordinated multi-site research efforts
Advanced programs to clinical readiness
Executive Leadership & Strategic Management
Led cross-functional teams across multiple sites
Mentored scientists and managed R&D strategy
Advised executive teams on research strategy
Research Technologies & Innovation
Pioneered high-throughput molecular screening
Developed ddPCR, luciferase, multiplex assays
Incorporated NGS and bioinformatic analysis
Publications & Thought Leadership
Published 20+ papers in Nature, Neuron, and PNAS
Frequent speaker at academic and biotech conferences
Bridging discovery science with translation in neurodegenation, oncology, and immunology.
Contact Me
I would be delighted to discuss my expertise, skills, consultation opportunities or director-level positions.