My lab studies the interplay between the gut microbiome and the immune system and how their “miscues” can lead to autoimmune diseases, particularly type 1 diabetes. As a 2013 BBS grad, I understand what it takes to have a successful Ph.D. experience.
The...
Our broad interest is to understand how cell-cell signaling molecules set up spatial pattern, particularly in the formation of neuronal connections. We use a range of approaches including biochemical and cell biological studies, high-throughput analysis...
We are working to understand how cells respond to pathogens, and how these signaling pathways can be harnessed for new potential therapies to treat cancer and autoimmune diseases. Importantly, many critical aspects of the cellular response to infection...
Our research focuses on how stem cell and progenitor populations in developing organs are regulated by signaling networks. Important areas of study include how transcription factors and chromatin modification proteins are involved in organ development...
The Fontana lab has two main goals. First, understand the dynamical processes that constitute and maintain biological organization in terms of interactions among molecular components. Second, identify those properties of a biological system that are...
Signal transduction across cell membranes plays a central role in human physiology and disease, yet the mechanistic details underlying transmembrane signaling remain poorly understood. Our research aims to elucidate the molecular basis of membrane...
Our laboratory has three major areas of interest.
Human Genetics. We have been interested in cloning human disease genes, understanding how mutations in individual genes cause human disease and what approaches can be used to develop therapies for such...
Research in our lab uses a combination of cellular and molecular approaches in the analysis of T-cell responses to bacterial pathogens. Many virulence factors have been identified which allow bacteria to survive and replicate within the mammalian host...
The muscular dystrophies are progressive disorders of striated muscle leading to breakdown of muscle integrity. There is considerable clinical variability in the muscular dystrophies with the most common form caused by abnormalities of dystrophin and the...
Research in our laboratory is committed to expanding our molecular understanding of the formation and regeneration of tendons and ligaments. Injuries to tendons and ligaments result in a slow and imperfect regenerative response. In most cases, the...