First name,Last name,Preferred title,Overview,Position,Department,Individual
Yuxiang,Sun,Professor,"Dr. Sun is an expert on ""hunger hormone"" ghrelin. She generated the first set of ghrelin and ghrelin receptor knockout mice, and discovered novel roles of ghrelin signaling in diabetes, thermogenesis, and inflammation. Her laboratory uses state-of-the-art tools to study ghrelin system in energy sensing, metabolism and immunity, and aging. Her work suggests that ghrelin signal might be a promising drug target for obesity, diabetes, inflammation, and Alzheimer's disease.",Professor,Nutrition,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/n0228c22e
Bruce,Riley,Professor,"My lab studies inner ear development in zebrafish. A prominent feature of our research is to investigate how cell-cell signaling and downstream gene-interactions control development. One project in the lab focuses on how cell signaling regulates ectodermal patterning during gastrulation to establish the otic placode, the precursor of the inner ear. Our recent work shows that localized Fgf signaling is especially critical for inducing formation of the otic placode, and members of the Pax2/5/8 family of transcription factors are important mediators of Fgf signaling. During later stages of inner ear development, we are exploring how sensory hair cells and neurons are regulated. Our studies address how these cells initially form, how they are genetically maintained, and how they become specialized for hearing vs. balance. We are also investigating how zebrafish can replace dead and damaged hair cells, an ability that mammals have lost. The inability to regenerate hair cells explains why humans show progressive irreversible hearing loss as we age. It is hoped that activating or augmenting human homologs of genes shown to operate in zebrafish might help restore hearing and balance in humans.",Professor,Biology,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/n0dbb8253
Emily,Wilson,Professor,"The goals of my lab are to understand the role of mechanical forces in vascular growth and remodeling processes. Cells within the blood vessel wall are exposed to numerous mechanical forces including fluid shear stress, circumferential wall stress, and axial stress as part of their normal environment and alterations in these parameters plays important roles in the development and progression of vascular pathologies such as atherosclerosis, hypertension and aneurysms. Our experiments are focused on how understanding how vascular smooth muscle cells sense changes in the mechanical environment and how this leads to changes in gene expression and cellular phenotype.",Professor,Medical Physiology,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/n105bddf7
Kayla,Bayless,Associate Professor,"My laboratory conducts research in two areas of molecular and cellular medicine: the mechanism through which primary human endothelial cells invade into 3D matrices, and communication between invading endothelial cells and their surrounding 3D collagen matrix.",Associate Professor,Cell Biology and Genetics,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/n1dd3799c
Shaodong,Guo,Professor and Presidential Impact Fellow,"The long-term goal of our research is to study the molecular mechanisms of insulin signal transduction, insulin resistance and associated cardiovascular dysfunction, aiming at nutritional and therapeutic intervention for control of metabolic and cardiovascular disorders. My laboratory is focused on the study of cellular signaling and gene transcriptional regulation of metabolic homeostasis that are governed by the PI3K->Akt->FoxO pathway, with the hope of understanding how dysregulation of this pathway in insulin/IGF-1 action causes liver damage, cardiovascular dysfunction, and pancreatic beta cell failure, resulting in diabetes, obesity, and organ failure.",Professor,Nutrition,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/n2ef8f395
Jianrong,Li,"Professor, Neurobiology and Neuroimmunology, Veterinary Integrative Biosciences","The central goal of our research is to understand how oligodendroglial development and function in the mammalian central nervous system is regulated in health and disease. Specifically, we are interested in molecular and cellular mechanisms involved in oligodendrocyte damage/dysfunction in white matter injuries such as multiple sclerosis and cerebral palsy and in aging-related neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease. Because in most CNS diseases, multiple cell types including neurons, glial cells and vascular cells are involved via complex interactions, we investigate, at the cellular and molecular level, the role of microglia and astrocytes in the process of oligodendrocyte development, differentiation and damage. We use a variety of methods including primary cell cultures and transgenic and knockout animals to elucidate cellular pathways mediating oligodendrocyte injury.
The second focus of our laboratory is to elucidate the signals that promote oligodendrocyte survival and regeneration/remyelination after injury, and to study cell-cell interactions that regulate remyelination. These studies should contribute significantly to our understanding of mechanisms of oligodendrocyte development and injury, and provide new clues for potential prevention and treatment of human white matter diseases.",Professor,Veterinary Integrative Biosciences,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/n3ef91dcf
Qinglei,Li,Professor,"My long-term research goal is to identify the cellular and molecular basis of pregnancy failure and uterine dysfunction, thereby contributing to a framework for developing novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies to improve reproductive potential. To benefit human and animal health, research in my lab focuses on defining the mechanism underlying uterine development and the pathogenesis of gynecologic cancers. My laboratory has created mouse models that harbor genetic modifications of critical transforming growth factor ? (TGF?) signaling components using conditional loss-of-function and gain-of-function approaches in the uterus. These models have yielded new insights into the fundamental roles of TGF? signaling in reproductive tract development and function. We have also developed pre-clinical mouse models for ovarian granulosa cell tumor and endometrial cancer. These disease models may be harnessed to uncover new opportunities for cancer treatment.",Professor||Professor,The Texas A&M University System||Veterinary Integrative Biosciences,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/n408645cd
Cynthia,Meininger,Professor,"My research focuses primarily on the vascular complications of diabetes. Using animal models of human diabetes, we have demonstrated that an inability of endothelial cells to produce nitric oxide may be partly responsible for these vascular complications. We are developing a gene/drug therapy approach for treating cardiovascular disease associated with diabetes. Targeted nanoparticles will deliver either the gene for GTPCH or BH4 itself into endothelial cells oxidatively damaged by diabetes to correct endothelial GTPCH deficiency, increase tetrahydrobiopterin levels, restore nitric oxide production and reverse the vascular dysfunction seen in diabetes. Our endothelium-targeting nanoparticle approach will not only reverse the damage caused by disease but will increase antioxidant levels to protect the endothelial cells from future damage and/or dysfunction.",Professor,Medical Physiology,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/n531a623d
Linglin,Xie,Associate Professor,,Assistant Professor,Nutrition,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/n5aa6a1af
Jianxun,Song,Professor,T cell biology
T cell-based immunotherapy
Cell metabolism,Professor,Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/n5b9879a8
Xu,Peng,Associate Professor,"Our long-term goal is to explore and define novel genetic mechanisms that are involved in cardiovascular disease which can ultimately translate into potential strategies for its treatment. To achieve this goal, we will use a comprehensive approach including mouse genetics and molecular and cellular biology methods to explore the mechanisms involved in the regulation of cardiovascular development and disease.",Associate Professor,Medical Physiology,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/n78b50f7c
Roderick,Dashwood,University Distinguished Professor,"Research integrates multiomic, genetic, epigenetic and immune approaches for precision oncology. Epigenetic readers, writers and erasers that reversibly regulate immune players in the antigen presentation pathway are of current mechanistic interest. Molecular and cell-based assays are combined with preclinical models coupled to polypectomy. Clinical specimens and organoids from patients undergoing colectomy provide for human translation. Supported by the NCI, NINDS/NIA, and the John S. Dunn Foundation.",John S. Dunn Chair in Disease Prevention||Distinguished Professor||Director,Institute of Biosciences and Technology||Center for Epigenetics and Disease Prevention||School of Medicine,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/n7a63dbe7
Deborah,Threadgill,Assistant Professor,,Research Assistant Professor||Assistant Professor,Veterinary Pathobiology||School of Medicine,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/n8734a809
David,Threadgill,Professor,"Our laboratory uses the mouse as an experimental genetic model to investigate factors that contribute to inter-individual differences in health and disease. Ourcurrent research activities include the identification and functional characterization of alleles contributing to cancer susceptibility, the function of theErbbgenefamily in development and disease, and the role of genetic variation in response to environmental stimuli. To support these investigations, we also aredeveloping new genetic tools to support mammalian systems genetic approaches to phenotypes with complex genetic and environmental etiologies.",Director||Professor||Professor||Professor,Cell Biology and Genetics||Institute of Genome Sciences and Society||Biochemistry and Biophysics||Nutrition,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/n8ee0b54f
Andreea,Trache,Associate Professor,"The research in my laboratory focuses on the study of cellular responses to mechano-chemical stresses from a biophysical perspective. Biophysics research represents an applied field of science at the interface of physics, biology, engineering, and medicine. Our lab uses live vascular cells as a model system because endothelial and smooth muscle cells reside 'in vivo' in a mechanically active environment that is continuously changing. Using real-time imaging of live cells is the only way to directly monitor cellular responses to mechano-chemical stimulation. Moreover, single-cell imaging experiments allow discrete measurements of transient microscopic events that may be masked by a macroscopic average behavior, and will aid in understanding such behavior.",Associate Professor,Medical Physiology,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/n955af1bf
Shenyuan,Zhang,Associate Professor,,Associate Professor,Medical Physiology,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/n95b01f7e
Fei,Liu,Associate Professor,"Our laboratory conducts research in:
1. The characterization and application of standardized mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) derived from iPS cells and their extracellular vesicles (EVs). Current application focuses on treating diseases caused by over-activation of immune system, such as Sjogren's syndrome, an autoimmune disease causing dry eyes and dry mouth, and cytokine storm caused by infections.
2. Roles of tissue-resident macrophages in the development, homeostasis, and regeneration of salivary glands damaged by radiation therapy for cancer.",Associate Professor,Cell Biology and Genetics,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/n9732f08e
Ke,Zhang,Associate Professor,"Dr. Zhang's long-term goal is to decode genetic events and molecular interactions of biological processes, and rigorously represent the complex molecular behaviors with mathematical models. We use advanced high-throughput technology and robust stochastic models to obtain the systematic picture of a biological process. Multiple types of omics data, such as microarray, RNA-seq, ChIP-seq, lipidomics and proteomics are collected through innovative study designs in animals and humans, and are modeled for integrative analysis. Using embryonic mouse as a model system, one of our current focuses is to untangle the spatial and dynamic gene-gene interaction networks during heart development, and illustrate how environmental factors introduce adverse molecular changes and morphological defects. We are also investigating the transgenerational epigenetic variations carried from overweight mother to the offspring, and how the change of lifestyles would prevent childhood obesity.",Associate Professor||Associate Professor,Institute of Biosciences and Technology||Nutrition,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/n9d8b0bca
Angela,Mitchell,Assistant Professor,,Assistant Professor,Biology,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/na16f3eb8
Chaodong,Wu,Professor and Presidential Impact Fellow,"The long-term goal of Dr. Wu's research program is to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of obesity and overnutrition-associated metabolic diseases including insulin resistance, diabetes, and fatty liver disease so that novel dietary and/or pharmacological approaches can be developed for preventing and/or treating metabolic diseases. Using molecular, cellular, and integrative approaches, the Wu lab is focused on investigating the interaction between metabolism and inflammation.",Professor||Professor,Texas A&M AgriLife Research||Nutrition,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/na24a9d43
Patrick,Stover,Vice Chancellor and Dean,,Professor||Vice Chancellor and Dean,College of Agriculture and Life Sciences||Nutrition,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/na2e4838e
Jerome,Trzeciakowski,Professor and Associate Department Head,,Professor and Associate Department Head,Medical Physiology,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/na90a7aab
Samba,Reddy,Professor,"My major research goals are to understand the molecular pathophysiology and develop novel therapeutic strategies for epilepsy, with an emphasis on neurosteroids and GABA inhibition in the brain. Neurosteroids are steroids synthesized locally within the brain that rapidly change neural excitability by non-genomic mechanisms, principally via postsynaptic GABAA receptors that play critical role in epilepsy. Current work in his lab is focused on uncovering molecular mechanisms of neurosteroids in epilepsy and brain disorders, and testing the efficacy of mechanism-based, rationale therapeutic strategies for epilepsy and epileptogenesis. Reddy lab is utilizing multidisciplinary approaches such as pharmacological, molecular, electrophysiological (patch-clamp), mass spectrometry, and transgenic mouse models in research projects.",Professor,Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/na96b32aa
Rachel,Smith,Assistant Professor,,Assistant Professor,,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/nbe30d9b5
Yun,Huang,Associate Professor,"Dr. Huang is currently an Assistant Professor at the Center for Epigenetics and Disease Prevention, Institute of Biosciences & Technology, Texas A&M University. Her long-term goal is to elucidate the molecular basis of epigenetic changes in the human genome and to develop novel therapies by targeting aberrant DNA methylation and demethylation associated with human diseases, including cancer, immunoinflammatory and cardiovascular diseases.
Dr. Huang's laboratory is focused on elucidating the physiological and pathophysiological functions of TET2 protein and its 5-methylcytosine oxidation products (5hmC, 5fC and 5caC) in cancer and development (Nature Genet 2014; Trends in Genetics 2014).",Associate Professor,Institute of Biosciences and Technology,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/nd7ed0926
Anurag,Purushothaman,Research Assistant Professor,,Research Assistant Professor,Biomedical Engineering,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/neca091da