Faculty

We study stem cells and regeneration in planarian flatworms. Planarians can regenerate entire animals after amputation by activating pluripotent stem cells to produce new organs. We are interested in identifying the molecular mechanisms regulating stem cell behavior during regeneration. <<

We have for over a decade been studying (often in collaboration with Prof. Mariana Wolfner) the molecular evolution and function of reproductive proteins in Drosophila and mammals. The focus has been largely on proteins involved in fertilization and that are transferred to the female during copulation, many of which are surprisingly rapidly evolving. More recently, we have studied the molecular evolution of genes involved in germline stem cell maintenance and differentiation to form gametes. We have discovered that several of the key GSC genes in Drosophila evolve at an extraordinarily rapid rate due to natural selection protein divergence between species. The functional consequences, and evolutionary mechanisms generating, this rapid protein evolution of critical GCS genes is now a significant focus of our research efforts and carried out in collaboration with Prof. Daniel Barbash. Our studies include population genetic analyses, as well as cell, developmental and reproductive assessments of function using site-specific interspecific gene transformation, and the evaluation of functional interactions with intracellular microbes, pathogens, viruses and transposable elements. <<

Aydemir lab’s overall research interests centered on studying the metabolism, function, and toxicity of manganese (Mn) and zinc (Zn) using both in vitro and in vivo transgenic mouse model systems. Our current research focuses on studying the region and cell-type-specific function of metal transporter SLC39A14/ZIP14-mediated Mn transport in the brain, particularly developing Mn-induced neurodegeneration and parkinsonism. SLC39A14/ZIP14 belongs to the SLC39/ZIP family of metal transporters that traffic Mn into the cytoplasm from the extracellular space and within the lumen of intracellular compartments. Humans carrying mutations in the SLC39A14/ZIP14 gene develop childhood-onset parkinsonism and dystonia due to systemic and brain Mn accumulation. We and others have shown that whole-body (WB) Zip14 knockout (KO) mice display spontaneous systemic and brain Mn overload and motor dysfunction, phenotypes similar to those of humans harboring a global ZIP14 mutation.Our current studies show that deletion of Zip14 in tie2 expressing neural progenitors (NP) (Zip14 CKO) prevented motor dysfunction in Mn supplemented mice. This finding suggests that Zip14 CKO protects tie2-expressing NPs from Mn neurotoxicity. Tie2 is expressed in NPs in the subventricular zone (SVZ) and the hippocampal dentate gyrus (HDG) along with progenitor markers (either sox2 or Hes3 alone or Sox2 and Hes3) and plays an important role in NP survival. Within the brain, Mn selectively accumulates in the globus pallidus, substantia nigra, and hippocampus. It has been shown that Mn exposure reduces NPs in the HDG of adult rats. HDG continuously generates new neurons derived from neural adult NPs harbored within the SGZ, a known active neurogenic niche that functions to create and maintain neurogenesis during adulthood. Our lab investigates the role of ZIP14 in tie2-expressing NPs of the HDG as it relates to Mn-induced neurotoxicity and parkinsonism. <<

We study Drosophila germ-line stem cell function and evolution. Some genes involved in germ-line stem differentiation show surprisingly high evolutionary rates in their protein-coding sequences. This discovery suggests that germ-line stem cells may face a continual challenge of adapting to external pathogens and internal genomic parasites such as transposable elements. In collaboration with Prof. Charles (Chip) Aquadro we are investigating the functional consequences of this gene evolution. We have additional research projects addressing the functional evolution of heterochromatin and heterochromatin-binding proteins, which also have important implications for understanding the repressive environment required to maintain stem cells. <<

My current research interests are in obesity and systemic metabolism with a primary focus on adipose stem cells and their niche. My current research program is directed at elucidating factors and pathways that mediate adipose stem cell dynamics and niche interaction. Additionally, my research develops and uses in vivo genetic tools to mark, track and manipulate adipose stem cells to examine how these cells control white adipose tissue development, homeostasis, obesogenic expansion and thermogenesis. <<

Our laboratory focuses on the use of marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells for skeletal tissue regeneration. We are particularly interested in identifying mechanical stimuli that are chondrogenics for stem cells and in factors that regulate mechanical adhesion of stem cells to connective tissue. <<

The intestinal epithelium is the tissue that displays the fastest turnover in the organism. In addition to its digestive function, the gut also faces the highest density of bacteria of the whole organism. We study how intestinal stem cells are regulated in the gut of Drosophila, and how epithelial integrity affects their activity. We analyze the impact of indigenous and pathogenic microbes on stem cell behavior and the molecular cross talks between immunity and tissue repair mechanisms.<<

We seek to understand the microenvironmental cues in embryonic development that guide precursor cells toward mature phenotypes in the heart. The objective is to use this paradigm to drive the differentiation of autologously accessible stem populations toward these unique phenotypes for regenerative/therapeutic applications. <<

The Cheong Lab studies early embryos related to constraints in fertility, diseases, and assisted reproductive technologies. Embryos comprise of stem cells and we use both embryos and stem cells to study the response of these cells to treatments and conditions. We are also interested in reprogramming of terminally differentiated fibroblast cells compared with mesenchymal stem cells during somatic cell nuclear transfer and the effects on early embryo development. <<

The Cohen lab is interested in the regulation of mammalian meiosis and germ cell development. Our research is primarily focused on the control of meiotic recombination by DNA repair proteins, but extending from that, we are interested in how post-meiotic gern cells acquire and maintain competence to undergo fertilization. <<

Once ovulated, the terminally differentiated mammalian oocyte will die if it does not bind and fuse with a sperm. If fertilization occurs, however, maternal gene products orchestrate the transformation of the egg into a totipotent zygote within hours. My lab is investigating the role that novel, highly-abundant, and egg-restricted molecules play in this reprogramming process. Additionally, we are also investigating the role of maternal epigenetic modifiers (and the histone modifications that they catalyze) in gene regulation in the egg and preimplantation embryo. <<

We develop and utilize systems bioengineering approaches to study the cell-fate regulatory mechanisms underlies the decline of stem cell function and tissue regeneration in aging and disease. Specifically, we use quantitative single-cell assays and models to interrogate the cell signaling and communication networks controlling adult muscle stem cell self-renewal. <<

We track naive CD4+ T-cells using genome-wide approaches (especially PRO-seq) as they are locked into either a Treg or Th17 cell fate. This work serves as a unique model for understanding differentiation and cell fate specification. <<

Our studies focus on understanding the role of mitochondrial dysfunction in the pathogenesis chronic orthopedic disease after injury, and exploring new mitochondria-targeted disease-modifying therapies. We are currently investigating intercellular mitochondrial transfer from MSCs to injured chondrocytes as a possible new therapeutic avenue in orthopedic regenerative medicine. <<

dosage compensation in bovine early embryos and pluripotent stem cells. Using comparative genomics approaches, we also compare and contrast the transcriptomic features of pluripotent stem cells across multiple species, including bovine, human, and mice.<<

We have been studying a late-onset B cell immunodeficiency in the horse that causes B cell depletion from primary and secondary lymphoid tissues. Affected adult horses present recurrent bacterial infections and lack of antibody production. We have been investigating mechanisms of regulation of B cell differentiation using equine bone marrow- and fetal liver-derived hematopoietic stem cells; in addition, we have efforts toward creating a horse-mouse chimera so we can populate equine B cells in SCID mice starting from these hematopoietic stem cells. Our goal is to identify the cause of this disease and a treatment for it. <<

Mobile genetic elements such as transposons and endogenous retroviruses account for half of the DNA content of mammalian genomes. We are investigating how these selfish elements have shaped the emergence and regulation of genes during evolution and how they contribute to development and physiology – including disease states. We are leveraging computational and functional genomics, notably in cell culture systems including induced pluripotent stem cells, to tackle these fundamental questions.<<

Stem cells have the ability to directly or indirectly promote tumor malignancy. Our lab utilizes biomedical engineering strategies to model specific microenvironmental conditions that may play a critical role in regulating the tumor-promoting potential of these cells by controlling their self-renewal, differentiation, and secretory behavior. <<

It is well established that many cancers arise from stem cells. However, little is known about stem cells of the female reproductive tract. To address this shortcoming I identify and characterize cancer-prone stem cell niches in the ovarian and tubal epithelia by using mouse models and primary human tissues. <<

The Fortier laboratory focuses on refining the clinical application of stem cells for treatment of orthopaedic diseases. The two main clinical areas of interest are in cartilage and ligament regeneration. The goal is to use cell surface and epigenetic modification markers to identify the optimal subpopulation of stem cells for therapeutic applications. <<

We study the establishment of polarity in the early C. elegans embryo. This occurs through a series of stem-cell like divisions; the zygote divides asymmetrically producing a somatic cell and a germ-line stem cell. The germ-line stem cell divides asymmetrically three more times generating three more somatic cells and a single germ-line primordial cell. Our research focuses on the mechanistic basis for the asymmetric division of the germ-line stem cells. <<

The Kotlikoff lab is using stem cells to repair the injured heart. Current cell -based therapies result in modest improvement in heart function, but also risks electrical dysfunction. Experiments see to transfer cells that persist within the damage myocardium and are electrically coupled to the normal heart tissue. <<

The Ets transcription factor Pea3 is overexpressed in breast tumors suggesting that it plays a role in mammary oncogenesis. In the normal mammary gland, Pea3 is expressed in the epithelium of the mouse mammary anlagen commensurate with their genesis and in the stem and progenitor cells of the adult mammary gland. To understand the role of of Pea3 in mammary epithelial stem cells our laboratory takes advantage of mouse genetics and the mammary transplantation assay to determine the downstream cellular effectors of Pea3 signaling during mammary gland development. <<

Mutations in the nuclear envelope proteins lamin A and C cause a plethora of human diseases, primarily affecting mesenchymal tissues. The work in our laboratories is aimed at exploring the molecular mechanisms responsible for these diseases. One of our research areas is to investigate whether altered expression or localization of nuclear envelope proteins can modulate stem cell differentiation, either by directly interfering with gene regulation or by disrupting the structural organization of the cell/nucleus. <<

Our laboratory is interested in elucidating the molecular basis of longevity using C. elegans and mammalian models. One of our research areas is to investigate how germline stem cells affect longevity in C. elegans. In addition, we plan to investigate how stem cell functions may be altered during aging in various mouse longevity mutants. <<

The Lis lab's interest lies in identifying genome-wide transcriptional activities in embryonic stem cells to help understand the transcription networks and the regulatory steps critical for the maintenance and differentiation of stem cells. As a first step, they are applying their recently developed approach for examining genome-wide distributions of engaged RNA polymerase II (Pol II) by global run-on assays and Solexa sequencing in mammalian cells, which provides unique snapshots of all transcriptionally-engaged RNA Pol II over the entire genome, including actively elongating Pol II and regulatory, promoter-proximal paused Pol II. These complete transcriptional signatures will help understand regulatory differences between pluripotent and differentiated cells at the molecular level and provide a framework for exploring the combinations of transcription factors that permit faithful reprogramming of the differentiated cells to an embryonic stem cell state, and that direct differentiation of embryonic stem cells to specialized cell types. <<

We are interested in how multipotent progenitor cells proliferate and differentiate into distinct cell types. We are also using C. elegans as a model system to explore in vivo cellular reprogramming.<<

Our lab focuses on using DNA as a general material building block. We have created novel DNA-based materials including dendrimers, nanobarcodes, and hydrogels that are made entirely from branched DNA through enzymatic reactions. More relevant to the stem cell community, our nanobarcodes can be used for multiplexed detection including in situ FISH. Our DNA hydrogels can be employed to culture stem cells in a 3D fashion with a total control over pore sizes, shapes and internal contents. In addition, the DNA gel is capable of producing proteins without any living organisms. <<

Our lab's interest in stem cell research is linked to our interest in improving in vitro models of the upper GI tract. We are working to make a model of the GI tract that includes crypt cells grown in 3D culture. Our efforts are in collaboration with Dan Luo's group who is working with DNA gel scaffolds for growing our cells. Ultimately we want to use our 3D cultures to study interactions between commensal bacteria and the upper intestine. <<

We research how at different ages in the developing mouse ventricular zone, radial glia stem cells give birth to different neuron subtype precursors. We probe epigenetic changes at genes and enhancers that specify different neuronal lineages in the radial glia stem cell population. <<

Understanding how molecular and cellular mechanisms controlling normal stem cells may be involved in malignant transformation is essential for development of better regenerative medicine approaches, as well as for advances in our understanding of cancer pathogenesis. Our laboratory focuses on elucidation of mechanisms by which tumor suppressor genes, microRNAs and microenvironmental factors control embryonic and adult stem cells and how aberrations in these mechanisms may lead to cancer. <<

We are interested in how stem cells contribute to recovery after injuries. We develop optical tools such as imaging and ablation for tracking cells after lesions in several in vivo mouse systems. In the intestinal crypt, we study how the numbers and patterns of stem cells and their neighboring cells recover from perturbations.<<

We develop advanced optical imaging techniques that are used to follow the dynamics and interactions among different kinds of cells in animal models, with a focus on developing an understanding of the cellular interactions in the central nervous system that drive neurodegenerative disease. These tools would be well suited to studies of stem cell behavior in animal models of regenerative therapies. We are particularly interested in imaging the behavior and activity of stem cells implanted into injured spinal cord to better understand their potential for driving regeneration. <<

Stem-cell related research in my lab includes: 1) The identification of mouse genes involved in proliferation or maintenance of the germline stem cell pool; 2) study of a novel gene that is required for pre-implantation mouse development and is highly expressed in embryonic stem cells but is downregulated upon differentiation; and 3) use of embryonic stem cells as tools to identify novel genes required for germline stem cells. <<

Our laboratory is interested in both basic and translational aspects of stem cell biology. By investigating early events in the activation of development after fertilization, we seek to understand the events leading to establishment of the pluripotency network and the genesis of embryonic stem cells in the developing blastocyst. We also study cues that guide the differentiation of pluripotent stem cells into oligodendrocyte precursors for cell therapy-based myelin regeneration in demyelinating diseases. <<

We are interested in the role of non-coding RNAs, especially microRNAs, in intestinal stem cell (ISC) function, particularly in response to environmental stimuli such as dietary factors, commensal microbes, and ingested pathogens. We are focused on microRNAs in mouse and human ISC biology, and have active collaborations with those studying invertebrate (fruit fly) ISCs. We also are interested in cancer stem cells, particularly in the context of fibrolamellar carcinoma, a rare stem cell-rich liver cancer for which the molecular etiology is very poorly understood.<<

We study the cis and trans acting factors that control reprogramming of epigenetic states in the mouse germ line. Our goal is to understand how epigenetic marks are established, maintained and propagated to other sites in the genome and how these mechanisms are influenced by environmental variables. <<

My laboratory investigates stem cell-based technologies to preserve genetic diversity and to manipulate the germline. Specifically, we study testis xenografting and spermatogonial stem cell transplantation in dog and cat models. Both techniques give the practical benefit of being able to produce sperm from genetically valuable donors. In addition, they also provide models for the study of spermatogonial stem cells and spermatogenesis, and provide an opportunity to generate transgenic animals as important biomedical models for human and animal disease. <<

Our laboratory is interested in elucidating the basic cellular and molecular mechanisms implicated in cell fate choice and stem cell activity within tissues. We focus on adult stem cells and their interaction with the tissue of residence, and use the mouse skin as a primary model system. Within the skin epithelia stem cells are thought to reside both in the outer epidermis and in a specialized area of the hair follicle called the bulge. The bulge is a stem cell niche thought to keep their potent resident cells in a differentiation and proliferation inhibited state. It allows external signals to selectively penetrate and instruct stem cells to migrate out and proliferate when they are needed: during the initiation of the hair follicle growth and in wounded, regenerating skin. Understanding the basic signaling pathways involved in regulating stem cells in their native tissue will help manipulate cells in culture for cell and tissue transplantation therapy. <<

Our stem cell research is focusing on two types of stem cells. On the one hand, we study mammary gland stem cells (MaSC) from different veterinary animal species to investigate the role of these cells in the development of mammary cancer. On the other hand we study the biological properties of equine mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) to characterize their potential in regenerative medicine in horses as well as in humans (the horse as a translational animal model).<<

The Weiss lab develops mouse models to study (1) stem cell genome maintenance by DNA damage checkpoint mechanisms and (2) the origins and therapeutic sensitivity of testicular germ cell cancers. <<

Our goal is to determine the necessary molecular steps that lead to the formation of a skin tumor and identify means through which we can interrupt this process to prevent cancer. Furthermore, we are interested in identifying points of potential targeted intervention on established tumors through both genetic and pharmacological methods.<<

We are studying the molecular mechanism of retinoic acid in control of the cell cycle and differentiation. Retinoic acid is a developmental morphogen that controls embryogenesis. We are studying how it controls the cellular decisions to proliferate or not and choose a specific differentiation lineage using an immature hematopoietic precursor cell to gain insight into the pathways that it governs. <<