Email this pageGenetics, Stem Cell Biology & Development
A wide variety of diseases are caused by genetic malformations. Several organs are a common target for specific gene mutations that lead to tissue degeneration, growth impairment or abnormal transformation. Mutations can range from a single point mutation to a gene deletion or a chromosomal translocation.
DNA microarrays are used to accelerate
the analysis of gene expression.
Researchers in the Pathways of Human Disease Graduate Program in Pathology are investigating the molecular and cellular mechanisms involved in pathogenesis due to genetic diseases. Multiple efforts are directed towards finding better diagnostic methods and cures for developmental diseases, cancer or endocrine-related severe conditions, and developing therapeutic interventions such as gene therapy.
Several investigators in our program study the biology of stem cells including hematopoietic stem cells that generate all blood cells and reside in the bone marrow, and mesenchymal stem cells that give rise to cartilage, bone, fat, and connective tissues. Other projects are directed towards elucidating the biology of neuronal precursor cells and their function in the regeneration of the central nervous system with the goal of future application in cell-based therapy.
Pathways of Human Disease Graduate Program Faculty investigating genetic diseases, stem cells, and development:
- Kate Ackerman
- Laura Calvi
- Alan Friedman
- Lin Gan
- Jeffrey Hayes
- Matthew Hilton
- Wei Hsu
- Rulang Jiang
- Amy Kiernan
- Richard Libby
- Margot Mayer-Proschel
- Laurie Milner
- Mark Noble
- Regis O'Keefe
- Catherine Ovitt
- James Palis
- Archibald Perkins
- Christoph Proschel
- Paul Rothberg
- Glynis Scott
- Harold Smith
- Michael Zuscik
