Alejandro Alvarado-Sanchez, Ph.D. (University of Utah)
Dr. Alvarado-Sanchez's lab studies the molecular components underpinning regeneration. They are approaching this problem by analyzing and manipulating the regenerative properties of an invertebrate organism, chiefly the freshwater planarian Schmidtea mediterranea. Julie Baker, Ph.D. (Stanford University)
Dr. Baker's research focuses on the signals necessary for patterning and specification of diverse cellular fates during gastrulation in the mouse embryo. Dr. Jean Bennett
Dr. Jean Bennett studies the molecular genetics of inherited retinal degenerations and uses gene therapy approaches for treatment of these diseases. The Bennett group has rescued vision in animal models through gene-based viral vector deliver of transgenes to specific cells in the retina. Dr. Jean Campbell
Dr. Jean Campbell examines signaling cascades regulating mammalian liver regeneration. Jeff Corwin, Ph.D. (University of Virginia)
The Corwin lab has studied hair cell regeneration in cold-blooded and warm-blooded vertebrates. Recent studies have investigated cellular and molecular mechanisms governing avian and mammalian regeneration, using in vivo genetics approaches and in vitro manipulations. Key signaling pathways regulating cell division and proliferation have been unveiled by their work. Dr. Michael Dyer
Dr. Michael Dyer studies cell cycle exit mechanisms, neural progenitor cell proliferation, neuronal differentiation and synaptogenesis in retinoblastoma, and oncogenic activity that causes stem cell expansion and a multiple tumor phenotype. Dr. David Gamm
Dr. David Gamm studies the potential therapeutic utility of stem cell/progenitor cell biology in the treatment of retinal degenerative diseases. He has recently shown that neural progenitor cells derived from post mortem fetal human cortex rescue visual function in a rat model of retinal degeneration. Jane Johnson, Ph.D. (Southwestern Medical University of Texas)
The research in the Johnson lab is focused on vertebrate system development during the transition from proliferating neural stem cells to differentiating neurons and glia. These studies involve understanding the regulation and function of the neural specific class of bHLH transcription factors. Matthew Kelley, Ph.D. (NIH/NIDCD)
The Kelley lab seeks to identify the molecular and cellular factors that play a role in the development of the sensory epithelium of the mammalian cochlea. Michael Lovett, Ph.D. (Washington University)
One area of interest in the Lovett lab is the genetic circuitry of inner ear development and dysfunction including the regeneration of inner ear hair cells in birds and, more specifically, the pathways of gene expression that occur as birds regenerate their sensory epithelia. David Raible, Ph.D. (University of Washington)
The Raible lab uses the genetics of the zebrafish to identify modifiers of hair cell death. In addition, they are studying how new hair cells regenerate after damage. Mahendra Rao, Ph.D. (Invitrogen Corp.)
The Rao group focuses on the cellular and molecular mechanisms that regulate the proliferation, differentiation and survival of neural progenitor cells in the brain and spinal cord during development and in the adult. This research is based firmly on the concept that the same signaling mechanisms that regulate development and plasticity of the nervous system are altered during aging and in age-related neurodegenerative disorders. Thomas Reh, Ph.D. (University of Washington)
The Reh lab is currently studying several different aspects of retinal development including the early patterning of the optic vesicle, the control of retinal progenitor proliferation, the onset of neurogenesis, and the regulation of photoreceptor differentiation. They are also investigating the potential for retinal regeneration and retinal stem cells in a variety of species. Brenda Ryals, Ph.D. (James Madison University)
Research currently being conducted in the Auditory Research Lab is concerned primarily with issues involving plasticity (the ability to accommodate change) in the auditory system. They are especially concerned with plasticity as it impacts the system's responds to cochlear injury and hair cell regeneration. Alec Salt, Ph.D. (Washington University)
The Salt lab focuses on the physics and chemistry of inner ear fluids. Their work explores the chemical gradients, physical movements, and composition of perilymph and endolymph in normal and diseased states. Of particular relevance are studies on directional and temporal elements of transport of exogenous compounds through inner ear fluids after delivery to different regions of the inner ear fluid compartment. William Sewell, Ph.D. (Harvard University/MEEI)
The Sewell lab studies several aspect hair cell biology, including anatomical and neurochemical studies of sensory epithelia and lateral line neuromasts and functional studies of afferent and efferent regulation of auditory processing. Recently, Dr. Sewell has helped to develop a system for perfusing the inner ear fluids of guinea pigs that may be useful for genetic or pharmaceutical treatment of damaged inner ears. Hinrich Staecker, M.D./Ph.D. (University of Kansas)
Dr. Staecker examines signals that regulate vestibular hair cell regeneration in mature mammals, and promote survival of spiral and vestibular ganglion neurons after hair cell damage. His recent studies have used adenovirus to deliver exogenous genes to the inner ear fluids to promote neural or sensory regeneration. In particular, he has targeted Atoh1 as a potential activator of the hair cell fate in the mature vestibular epithelium. Dr. Anand Swaroop
Dr. Anand Swaroop studies molecules regulating cell fate determination during development of the retina, genetic factors affecting degeneration of the retina, and strategies for promoting repair and regeneration of injured retinae. |
