The first goal of the Center is to understand the fundamental molecular mechanisms of stem cell proliferation and differentiation, using human embryonic stem cells, adult stem cells, and stem cells in simpler organisms that are useful models for the study of developmental biology. Computational methods and systems biology approaches will be applied to understand intricate networks of genes and proteins.
Faculty Research Interests
Dennis Clegg
MCDB, BMSE, NRI
The molecular basis of neural development and disease; retinal development and degeneration; differentiation of ocular cells from embryonic and adult stem cells.
Tony De Tomaso
MCDB
Mechanisms of allorecognition, parasitic stem cells and the expansion, differentiation and patterning of asexual regeneration in Botryllus schlosseri.
Kathleen Foltz
MCDB, Marine Science Institute
Molecular biology of fertilization and oocyte maturation; signal transduction during egg activation; gamete recognition in free-spawning marine invertebrates.
Ken Kosik
MCDB, BMSE
Basic mechanisms and disorders of neural plasticity; the role of microRNAs in stem cell differentiation.
David Low
MCDB, BMSE
Genetics and biochemistry of bacterial gene expression, gene silencing, DNA methylation, and adhesive mechanisms of pathogenic bacteria; epigenetic regulation of hESC differentiation.
Zach Ma
MCDB, BMSE
Trafficking of receptors and channels in the nervous system; epigenetic control of gene transcription via covalent histone modifications during hESC differentiation.
Norbert Reich
Chemistry & Biochemistry
DNA methyltransferases; epigentics; enzyme mechanisms; novel therapeutics; nanoparticle-based proteomics, diagnostics.
Joel Rothman
MCDB, BMSE
Molecular and genetic control of development in the nematode C. elegans; the genetic basis of stem cell competence states; micro RNA control of proliferation and differentiation in the stem cell niche.
Chuck Samuel
MCDB, BMSE
Molecular biology of animal virus-cell interactions; antiviral mechanisms of interferon action; translational control of gene expression in mammalian cells; RNA editing in hESCs.
William Smith
MCDB, BMSE
Molecular basis of chordate morphogenesis; mesoderm induction and patterning.
James Thomson
MCDB, UWISC
Regulation of self renewal and differentiation in hESCs; reprogramming differentiated cells.
Thomas Weimbs
MCDB
Role of adult stem cells in renal repair after ischemic injury.
Les Wilson
MCDB, BMSE
Biochemistry of cytoskeletal proteins; microtubule polymerization and dynamics; regulation of microtubule dynamics by anticancer drugs and neuronal microtubule-associated proteins.