Developmental Regenerative and Stem Cell Biology

Program affiliation
Molecular Genetics and Genomics
Developmental Regenerative and Stem Cell Biology
Molecular Cell Biology

Research summary
Our lab studies how disease-associated histone mutations disrupt chromatin and epigenetic regulation, contributing to developmental disorders, brain inflammation, and cancer. We take a multidisciplinary approach that combines biochemical and genomic assays, molecular genetics, cell biology, and both Drosophila and mouse models to investigate how these mutations impair development and drive tumorigenesis. Current projects focus on neurodevelopmental disorders, cancer-associated histone mutations, chromatin–immune crosstalk, and the discovery of chromatin-associated factors. Through this work, we aim to uncover fundamental mechanisms of chromatin dysregulation and identify new therapeutic targets.

Key words
Chromatin, Epigenetics, Gene Regulation, Cancer, Developmental Disorders, Brain Inflammation

Program affiliation
Biochemistry Biophysics and Structural Biology
Cancer Biology
Neurosciences
Immunology
Developmental Regenerative and Stem Cell Biology

Research summary
Small molecule drug discovery inspired research across multiple therapeutic areas including chronic pain, oncology, and neurodegeneration.

Key words
drug discovery, medicinal chemistry, chemical biology, synthetic methods

Program affiliation
Biochemistry Biophysics and Structural Biology
Developmental Regenerative and Stem Cell Biology
Plant and Microbial Biosciences

Research summary
Interfaces and adhesions in physiology and nature

Key words
mechanics, physics, interfaces, adhesion, mechanobiology, strain mapping, viscoelasticity

Program affiliation
Neurosciences
Developmental Regenerative and Stem Cell Biology
Computational and Systems Biology

Research summary
Understanding the computational principles that underly brain development, using a combination of experimental and theoretical approaches

Key words
NeuroAI, Zebrafish, Computational Neuroscience, Autism, Sleep, Machine Learning

Program affiliation
Biochemistry Biophysics and Structural Biology
Molecular Cell Biology
Developmental Regenerative and Stem Cell Biology

Research summary
My long-term research interest focuses on the generation and transduction of mechanical forces in cardiovascular disease. In particular, my lab utilizes an array of biophysical, biochemical, cell biological, and engineering techniques to decipher how mutations associated with familial cardiomyopathies drive disease pathogenesis at the molecular, cellular, and tissue levels. My lab is also working to develop precision medicine approaches for pediatric and adult heart failure.

Key words
single molecule, biophysics, heart disease, myosin, optical trapping, cardiac muscle, stem cells, tissue engineering, cytoskeletal molecular motors, mechanobiology, computational modeling, precision medicine

Program affiliation
Molecular Genetics and Genomics
Cancer Biology
Developmental Regenerative and Stem Cell Biology
Molecular Cell Biology

Research summary
Deciphering the molecular mechanisms of epigenetics and how when this goes awry diseases arise

Key words
Epigenetics, Transgenerational, Imprinting, Evolution, Multicellularity, Cancer, Tumorigenesis, Epitranscriptomics

Program affiliation
Developmental Regenerative and Stem Cell Biology
Molecular Genetics and Genomics
Neurosciences
Computational and Systems Biology
Molecular Cell Biology

Research summary
We work on what induces the inner ear in the first place, how the sensory organs of the ear acquire their exquisite pattern, and whether it will ever be possible to regenerate the sensory hair cells of the inner ear in the deaf and hard-of-hearing.

Key words
inner ear, development, regeneration, sensory neuroscience, balance, deafness, embryo, transcription factors, epigenetics, tunicates, squid

Program affiliation
Developmental Regenerative and Stem Cell Biology
Molecular Cell Biology
Immunology

Research summary
Application of stem cells and mechanobiology in the onset, progression, and treatment of osteoarthritis and other joint diseases.

Key words
cartilage, obesity, osteoarthritis, mechanobiology, bioengineering, stem cells, iPSCs

Program affiliation
Neurosciences
Cancer Biology
Molecular Genetics and Genomics
Developmental Regenerative and Stem Cell Biology

Research summary
The Gutmann laboratory is dedicated to understanding why brain tumors develop in children and young adults. Specifically, we focus on neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), a genetic condition in which affected children and adults develop brain tumors, attention deficit, and autism.

Key words
neurogenetics, , hiPSC engineering (organoids), genetically engineered mice, pediatric brain cancer, cancer immunology, cancer neuroscience

Program affiliation
Developmental Regenerative and Stem Cell Biology
Molecular Cell Biology
Molecular Genetics and Genomics

Research summary
Understanding how the extracellular matrix (ECM) contributes to normal arterial development and how its disruptionleads to abnormal vascular development and disease

Key words
Vascular biology, extracellular matrix, elastin, aneurysms, hypertension