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
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
Friedhelm,Schroeder,Professor,Intracellular lipid transfer proteins; lipid metabolism; multiphoton imaging of intracellular lipid transport and targeting in living cells and tissues of gene targeted animals.,Professor,Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/n157063e2
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
Juan,Bustamante,Instructional Associate Professor,,Instructional Associate Professor,Irma Lerma Rangel School of Pharmacy,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/n208ab557
David,Russell,Professor,"My research focuses on proteomics, lipidomics, biophysical chemistry and application and development of mass spectrometry, such as ""label-free"" nano-particle based biosensors and novel peptide/protein isolation and purification strategies. We are also investigating the structure(s) of model peptides in an effort to better describe folding/unfolding and structure of membrane and intrinsically disordered (IDP) proteins. Peptides take on very different 2?, 3? and 4? structure, which determine or influence bio-activity. In the presence of lipid vesicles peptides can exist as solution-phase species, ""absorbed"" on lipid bilayers or ""inserted"" (as a monomer or multimer) in lipid bilayers. By what mechanism do peptides interact with lipid membranes to affect these structural changes, how do peptide-lipid interactions promote self-assembly to form intermediates that eventually yield aggregates, i.e., amyloid fibrils, or how does metal ion coordination affect the structure of metalloproteins? Mass spectrometry-based experiments, hydrogen/deuterium (H/D) exchange, chemical 'foot-printing' and gas-phase (ion-molecule and ion-ion reaction chemistry) and solution-phase chemical modifications, have expanded our abilities to address such questions, and new instrumental approaches, esp. ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) combined with enhanced molecular dynamics simulations (MDS), have become standard tools for structural-mass spectrometry studies. Over the past several years we have either acquired or developed novel, next-generation IM-MS instruments that are redefining cutting-edge structural-mass spectrometry research as well as cutting-edge computational tools essential to carry out these studies. Our new laboratories in the Interdisciplinary Life Sciences Building (ILSB) provides exciting opportunities for collaborative, interdisciplinary research with chemical-biologists, biochemists and other chemists.",Professor,Chemistry,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/n280e03e6
Mariappan,Muthuchamy,Professor,"The main goal of our laboratory is to understand the molecular mechanisms of cardiac muscle dynamics in normal and diseased states. Particularly, our interests focus on the relationships between thin filament activation and crossbridge kinetics, and how the mechanotransduction signaling transmits to myofilament activation. We use multiple techniques, molecular, cellular, biochemistry, structural and biophysical, to obtain information on the fundamental regulatory mechanisms of cardiac muscle contraction.
Our lab group is also investigating the role of lymphatics in different tissue beds, including mesentery, skeletal muscle, and brain using various animal models.",Professor,Medical Physiology,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/n2877399b
Jian,Feng,Professor and Assistant Dean,,Assistant Dean for Research and Professor,Biomedical Sciences,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/n2b3403fd
Delbert,Gatlin,Professor and Associate Department Head,,Professor and Associate Department Head,"Rangeland, Wildlife and Fisheries Management||Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences",https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/n2eb4270c
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
Duncan,Mackenzie,Associate Professor,"Hormones secreted by the thyroid gland are of primary importance in the regulation of such fundamental physiological processes as growth, nutrient utilization, and reproduction. In my laboratory we examine the regulation of the secretion of thyroid hormones and their actions in poikilothermic vertebrates in order to understand the evolution of thyroid function. We are presently focusing on the regulation on thyroid hormone secretion and the mechanisms of iodine transport in commercially-important fish species such as the red drum (Sciaenops ocellatus), the channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus), and even the zebrafish (Danio rerio).
This research is aimed at providing new insights into the potentially ancient role of thyroid hormones in nutrient assimilation, as well as elucidating evolutionary trends in the regulation of thyroid function. These studies may serve identify ways in which the pituitary-thyroid axis may be manipulated to enhance aquaculture production or endangered species conservation.",Associate Professor,Biology,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/n33bd0e42
Mary,Nabity,Associate Professor,"My research interests involve the pathogenesis of kidney disease and investigation of novel biomarkers in dogs and cats with chronic kidney disease and their relation to conventional measures of renal function. In our lab, we are actively exploring urinary proteins, mRNAs, and miRNAs in dogs with naturally occurring glomerular disease in order to determine their ability to serve as early markers of renal disease, specific markers of certain types of renal disease and disease progression, and targets for novel therapies. Our goal is to improve our understanding of the development and progression of kidney disease and to develop and validate testing methods in order to more effectively diagnosis and monitor renal disease in companion animals and humans.",Associate Professor,Veterinary Pathobiology,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/n39da878a
Bradley,Weeks,Professor Emeritus,"Retired Professor, Veterinary Pathobiology Department. Collaborator as ACVP board-certified anatomic pathologist in research projects that include implanted medical devices inflammatory and neoplastic gastrointestinal diseases, and cardiovascular diseases.",Professor Emeritus,School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/n3d42a32c
Luc,Berghman,Professor,"The hallmark of my research career is the development of novel antibodies and applying them toward the development of new immuno-biotechnological tools. My lab has developed an antibody discovery platform in chickens that goes from in silico sequence to epitope-specific chicken IgG (IgY) in less than 3 weeks based on in vivo CD40-targeted immunogen delivery.
Research projects include the study of the immune response in the chicken, especially the function of CD40-positive antigen presenting cells (such as the dendritic cells) in activating the humoral immune response and the development of chicken egg yolk antibodies, monoclonal antibodies and recombinant antibodies for diagnostic, prophylactic and therapeutic purposes. a Dr. Berghman was the recipient of the 2016 Zoetis Fundamental Science Award.",Professor||Professor,Poultry Science||Veterinary Pathobiology,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/n3e016f20
Douglas,Baxter,Instructional Professor,,Instructional Professor,Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/n3e6ac00a
Robert,Chapkin,Distinguished Professor,"Research in the Chapkin lab focuses on dietary/microbial modulators related to the prevention of cancer and chronic inflammatory diseases.
Our central goal is to (1) understand cancer chemoprevention at a fundamental level, and (2) to test pharmaceutical agents in combination with dietary/microbial (countermeasures to the Western diet) to more effectively improve gut health and reduce systemic chronic inflammation. Since diet influences gut microbiota composition and metabolite production, to unravel the interrelationships among gut health and the structure of the gut microbial ecosystem, we are in the process of evaluating (using transgenic mouse, Drosophila models and humans) how the gut microbiome modulates intestinal cells, innate immune cells and tumors. As part of this endeavor, we are modeling at the molecular level the dynamic relationship between diet and gut microbe-derived metabolites which modulate chronic inflammation and the hierarchical cellular organization of the intestine, e.g., stem cell niche.",Distinguished Professor||Professor,Biochemistry and Biophysics||Nutrition,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/n3fbb59f8
Shannon,Glaser,Professor,"The long-term goal of my research program is to understand how activated (proliferating) cholangiocytes participate in the progression of cholestatic liver diseases and eventual development of cholangiocarcinoma. My research is focused on elucidating the factors (such as, mechanical stress) and intracellular signaling mechanisms that regulate cholangiocyte proliferation and biliary fibrosis during extrahepatic cholestasis.",Professor,Medical Physiology,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/n424a02f1
Samikkannu,Thangavel,Associate Professor,"Our lab is predominantly interested in the neuropathogenesis of HIV and drug abuse. We are elucidating the role of HIV and drugs of abuse in energy dysregulation, which ultimately may lead the neurodegeneration. We examine the metabolic signatures through inflammasome profiles, mitochondrial biogenesis, and epigenetics. We use in vitro, ex vivo and a transgenic rat model system in our experiments. Our goal is to develop novel diagnostics tests and treatments for neuroAIDs and neurologic damage related to drugs of abuse.",Associate Professor,Pharmacy Practice,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/n42fbd1a8
Kenneth,Ramos,Professor and Executive Director,,Professor of Medicine||Professor and Executive Director||Executive Committee||Associate Vice President for Research||Assistant Vice Chancellor for Health Services,The Texas A&M University System||Institute of Biosciences and Technology||Global Institute for Hispanic Health||School of Medicine||Health Science Center,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/n47de353a
Thomas,Diekwisch,Professor and Department Head,"Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering In previous studies we have generated and characterized stem cell populations in dental tissues. We have also developed novel extracellular matrix-based scaffold materials. Currently we are performing a number of studies to examine the use of stem cells and scaffolds to regenerate periodontal and other tissues.
Chromatin, Epigenetics, and microRNAs Twenty years ago, we discovered the cp27 chromatin factor in our laboratory. This factor is part of the large SRCAP chromatin complex that plays important roles in development and cell division. A second aspect of our epigenetics research is focused on the role of histone methylation in odontogenic tissue differentiation and disease.
Periodontics Our lab works on the development and differentiation of periodontal tissues as a means to generate new progenitor based approaches for the regeneration of periodontal tissues. More recently, we have conducted studies to understand how epigenetic changes affect periodontal tissue response to pathogens.
Enamel Formation and Evolution Our lab is interested in determining the mechanisms of enamel crystal formation. We are asking how mineral ions are transported toward the enamel layer and what factors govern the nucleation and elongation of enamel crystals. Using an evolutionary biology approach, we are studying the relationship between the amelogenin molecule and enamel mechanical properties.
Evolution and Development Our lab focuses on the evolution of jaws and teeth, especially tooth enamel and periodontal ligament. Specifically, we are interested in the effects of changes in the amelogenin protein on the evolution of the amazing physical properties of enamel. We are also trying to understand how the non-mineralized state of the periodontal ligament evolved in vertebrates.","Director, Center for Craniofacial Research and Diagnosis||Bernhard Gottlieb Endowed Chair for Craniofacial Research||Professor and Head, Department of Periodontics",School of Dentistry||School of Dentistry||School of Dentistry,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/n52565fe6
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
Mahua,Choudhury,Associate Professor,"Epigenetics, diabetes, obesity, pregnancy, preeclampsia, biomarker",Associate Professor,Nutrition,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/n55b81876
Narendra,Kumar,Associate Professor,"1. Obesity associated metabolic syndrome (MetS) is both a US and a worldwide epidemic and a major burden to healthcare system. Chronic low-grade inflammation (CLGI) is a well-established characteristic of the obese-human condition and though, the gastrointestinal (GI) mucosa is the first tissue that interacts with dietary components and luminal microbiota both of which are known to regulate obesity, the research on the role of GI-mucosa in obesity associated MetS is lacking. Findings from my lab support a key role of Janus kinase 3 (Jak3), a non-receptor tyrosine kinase, in intestinal and systemic CLGI associated obesity and diabetes in both an animal-model and in humans. Our publications, and unpublished data indicate that Jak3 regulates; colonic and systemic CLGI, and multiple symptoms of metabolic syndrome. Our goal is to determine the associated underlying mechanisms. Our current focus is on tissue-specific roles of Jak3 and associated signaling complexes in CLGI-onset as a precursor for; (a) obesity and diabetes, (b) Obesity and Alzheimer's disease, and (c) inflammatory bowel disease.
2. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that includes Crohn's disease and Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory condition of gastrointestinal tract. Annual death from these diseases are over 70,000.00, and the incidences of new cases have been rising over the years. Because the repairs of intestinal mucosa (Restitution) are compromised during IBD, the research focus of our lab is to dissect the roles of intestinal epithelial, intestinal immune cells and gut microbiota in mucosal restitution. Our lab was pioneered the functions of Jak3 in intestinal epithelial mucosa. We show that IL-2 (a cytokine produced during intestinal inflammation) promotes mucosal wound repair through Jak3 complexed with villin, ShcA, and ?-catenin. Studies are underway to define the tissue-specific Jak3-mediated signaling pathways that regulate CLGI as a precursor for the onset of IBD.",Associate Professor and Director of Graduate Studies||Associate Professor,Pharmaceutical Sciences||Pharmaceutical Sciences,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/n5bcfc45e
Gladys,Ko,Professor,,Professor,Veterinary Integrative Biosciences,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/n5e930c1f
Fred,Clubb,Clinical Professor,"Providing innovative, objective pathology support of the utmost quality to improve medical device technologies and subsequently, patients' lives and creating learning opportunities and new knowledge for students and the scientific community.",Clinical Professor,Veterinary Pathobiology,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/n62494da9
Adam,Case,Associate Professor,"Redox signaling is vital for proper immune system function, yet this area of research is understudied. My graduate career focused on the role of mitochondrial superoxide in T-lymphocyte development. I transitioned this expertise into my postdoctoral training where I examined the role of redox signaling in T-lymphocytes during the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease. As an independent investigator, I have extended this work to identify the contribution of the immune system and redox signaling to different pathological states of psychological trauma and stress. With this, I am investigating the redox, metabolic, and epigenetic mechanisms that may affect immune cell function and potentiate psychological trauma-mediated inflammatory diseases.",Associate Professor||Associate Professor,Medical Physiology||Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/n63d8248e
David,Earnest,Professor,"Research in my laboratory employs multidisciplinary approaches to study the cellular and molecular neurobiology of cell-autonomous circadian clocks and the signal transduction pathway responsible for circadian photoentrainment. The aims of current projects are to study: 1) the role of microRNAs (miRNAs) and other signaling molecules in the local temporal coordination of cell- and tissue-specific circadian clocks; 2) mutual interactions between the circadian clock mechanism, inflammatory signaling and metabolism; and 3) the mechanisms linking circadian rhythm disruption with metabolic disorders such as obesity and diabetes, and with pathological changes in neuroprotective responses to stroke.",Professor,Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/n640c528f
Ann,Kier,Professor Emerita,,Professor,Veterinary Pathobiology,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/n6c0ad160
Ivan,Ivanov,Clinical Professor,,Clinical Professor,Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/n6fa588a3
Robert,Burghardt,Professor,"Research in the laboratory is focused on investigating mechanisms by which a variety of biological response modifiers ranging from mechanical signals, hormones and growth factors to environmental chemicals alter cellular signaling pathways and cellular homeostasis.","Professor||Director, Image Analysis Laboratory",School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences||Veterinary Integrative Biosciences,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/n70a3d026
Yubin,Zhou,Professor & Presidential Impact Fellow,"We are a synthetic biology and bioengineering lab focused on developing technologies that enable remote and programmable control of protein activity, cell signaling and designer cells. We pioneer chemical and synthetic biology approaches to address challenges in health and disease. We are particularly interested in (i) illuminating novel regulatory mechanisms of signal transduction that remain unresolved in Ca2+ signaling and inter-organelle communications; (ii) pioneering widely-applicable molecular tools for precise control of cellular events, (epi)genome engineering, and gene transcription; and (iii) developing innovative theranostic devices, programmable biologics and intelligent cell-based therapies (CAR-T) for cancer and neurodegeneration intervention. The tight integration among mechanistic studies, biomedical engineering, and translational sciences is a hallmark of my research. See highlights in: ""Let there be light"" (Scientia); ""Optogenetics sparks new research tool"" (NIH Biomedical Beat)",,,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/n70ef0d4e
Terry,Thomas,Professor,"My interests are evolutionarily broad and include animals, plants and fungi. A major focus of the lab is the genomic analysis of gene expression programs during plant gene expression programs, particularly during embryogenesis and seed development, and the underlying regulatory mechanisms required for the initiation and maintenance of these programs. This work has illustrated the combinatorial interactions of cis and trans -acting factors that result in specific gene regulatory events. We are also using genomics tools to study the interaction of the rice blast fungus, Magnaporthe grisea , with plant hosts; the circadian control of gene expression; and the development of the vertebrate retina. An additional focal area is the utilization of molecular and cellular approaches for crop improvement. As part of these research activities, we have developed or adapted high throughput genomics approaches to accelerate the gene discovery process and subsequent analysis of gene expression and function.",Professor,Biology,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/n79201ac5
Charles,Johnson,"Director, Genomics and Bioinformatics Service","Agrigenomics and bioinformatics research and technology development. Research focusing on high throughput next generation sequencing technologies and its application in agriculture. Building an ever growing collaborative network of spanning 62 departments across Texas A&M system, and a rapidly growing list of international collaborators ( 45 countries) and industrial partners. Founding Executive Director of the Center for Bioinformatics and Genomic Systems Engineering (CBGSE).",Director Institute,Texas A&M AgriLife Research,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/n79e93fe9
Fuller,Bazer,Distinguished Professor,"Dr. Bazer's research in reproductive biology focuses on uterine biology and pregnancy, particularly pregnancy recognition signaling from the conceptus to the maternal uterus by interferon tau and estrogen from ruminant and pig conceptuses, respectively. The roles of uterine secretions as transport proteins, regulatory molecules, growth factors and enzymes and endocrine regulation of their secretion is another major research interest. The endocrinology of pregnancy, especially the roles of lactogenic and growth hormones in fetal-placental development and uterine functions are being studied. The mechanism(s) of action and potential therapeutic value of conceptus interferons and uterine-derived hematopoietic growth factors are areas of research with both pigs and sheep as models for human disease.",Distinguished Professor,Animal Science,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/n7ad91d50
Paula,Shireman,Professor,"Dr. Shireman is a Professor in the TAMU School of Medicine. She is board certified in vascular surgery, general surgery, wound care and clinical informatics. She is the PI of a pilot clinical trial with the College of Engineering on establishing artificial intelligence algorithms to monitor activities of daily living (ADL) in elderly subjects. Potential applications include aging in place, improved monitoring in healthcare/assisted living institutions and remote monitoring.
She is the PI of an NIH multicenter U01 grant developing predictive models for surgical outcomes including frailty and social risk factors. The goal is to use data to transform health care, influence federal policy and design financially sustainable care pathways improving outcomes for frail and low socioeconomic status patients. Her interests include predictive modeling, machine learning and simulation. She was a member of the MACRA Episode-Based Cost Measure Clinical Subcommittee to develop measures for Peripheral Vascular Disease Management and Chair of the Clinical Subcommittee Workgroup for Hemodialysis Access Creation.","Professor||Professor, Primary Care & Rural Medicine",Medical Physiology||School of Medicine,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/n7fcb580a
Peter,Davies,Professor,,Interim Department Head||Professor and Director,Center for Translational Cancer Research||Translational Medical Sciences,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/n83f40a4a
Alex,Keene,Professor and Department Head,,Professor and Department Head,Biology,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/n8650c3cf
Deborah,Threadgill,Assistant Professor,,Research Assistant Professor||Assistant Professor,Veterinary Pathobiology||School of Medicine,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/n8734a809
Jayshree,Mishra,Research Assistant Professor,Role of drug transporter proteins in colonic mucosal innate immunity.
Post-translational modification of drug transporter proteins and its role in Multidrug resistance.
Biomarker development for colon cancer
Drug discovery for the treatment of breast cancer metastasis,Research Assistant Professor||Research Assistant Professor,Pharmaceutical Sciences||Pharmacy Practice,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/n8c995b51
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
Nancy,Turner,Research Professor,"Dr. Turner's research program focuses on determining the impact of dietary constituents on regulatory processes that may protect against carcinogenesis and inflammation in the colon. Her lab is evaluating the effects of fiber sources and the specific phytochemicals contained within them on aspects of cellular proliferation or apoptosis, and microbial/epithelial cell interactions. The goal is to determine how these normal processes are being perturbed by chemical carcinogens, radiation or pro-inflammatory compounds, and how diet may mitigate the damage caused by them. Work conducted in the laboratory is currently funded by the United Sorghum Checkoff Board, the California Dried Plum Board, and the National Space Biomedical Research Institute.",Research Professor,Nutrition,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/n8f7d7c90
James,Sacchettini,Professor,"My lab uses X-ray crystallography to better understand the relationship between proteins and ligands. Tiny differences in the structure of a molecule can radically change the interaction between a protein and ligand and we are only begining to understand how many factors play a role in this interaction. By manipulating the individual components of a compound it is possible to create a chemical that binds to the protein better than the natural substrate, and prevent the natural reaction from occurring. This is the basis for rational drug design. Our efforts have lead us to collaborations with other labs and scientists in many disciplines as our approach to directed compound design has applications not only in basic research but also in pesticide development, health research and clinical research.",Professor,Biochemistry and Biophysics,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/n90385563
Chia Shan,Wu,Research Assistant Professor,,Research Assistant Professor,Nutrition,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/n954c969e
Shenyuan,Zhang,Associate Professor,,Associate Professor,Medical Physiology,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/n95b01f7e
Terje,Raudsepp,Professor,"Comparative genomics and molecular cytogenetics of animals, birds and other vertebrates organization, function and evolution of sex chromosomes; equine genomics - genomics of genetic diseases and disorders of sexual development and reproduction; alpaca and camelid genomics.",Professor,Veterinary Integrative Biosciences,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/n970d3a82
Larry,Suva,Professor and Head,"The development, control and diseases of the musculoskeletal system have been my scholarly interests for the past 35+ years. Understanding how the musculoskeletal system adapts and progresses throughout life is the basis of my expertise. My research focus has been the skeletal consequences of disease, such as breast cancer bone metastasis and multiple myeloma, fracture healing, osteoporosis, and most recently rare bone diseases. Current research efforts include a focus on utilizing in vivo models (murine and large animals) to discover regulatory pathways fundamental to bone physiology and the development of rare bone disease preclinical model(s) that may provide novel insight into future therapeutic directions. A critical aspect of my academic philosophy is an open door policy and the importance of one-on-one interactions. We must strive to provide training and exposure for our students as they prepare for careers both in and out of academic medicine and research. I emphatically believe that these teaching and mentoring experiences have shaped my scientific career and have helped mold my teaching and mentoring philosophy of placing the best professional, academic, social and personal development of faculty, students and staff above all else.",Professor and Head,Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/n98338eea
Nancy,Ing,Professor,"Dr. Ing's research interests focus on understanding how hormones regulate gene expression in animal tissues. Current research projects investigate the earliest days of pregnancy in the sheep uterus and the regulation of estrogen receptor gene expression, as well as stress hormone effects on gene expression in the stallion testes. Most recently, we have been studying the RNAs in sperm from stallions and honey bees in order to find a pattern consistent with high fertility.",Professor,Animal Science,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/n98a4a111
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
Xin,Wu,Research Assistant Professor,"Mechanical forces are known to stimulate a number of cell signaling pathways, including those initiated by or resulting in ion channel activation. My recent research in cardiovascular and neuronal systems focuses on: (1) Which ion channels are activated by mechanical stress; (2) Which ion channels are modulated by integrins; (3) How integrin-mediated signaling pathways modulate ion channel function and mechanotransduction in physiological and pathological conditions; (4) Epilepsy study, Neurosteroids and New Drug Development.",Research Assistant Professor,Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/na48dc2f9
Monique,Rijnkels,Research Associate Professor,"We are studying transcriptional regulation and the genomics of the mammary gland and the role of epigenetic events during mammary gland development and lactation. We use various genomics approaches to mammary gland biology and my laboratory has been using ChIP-seq, DNase-seq, ATAC-seq and other epigenomic approaches to determine chromosomal states at different developmental time points to determine the role of epigenetic regulation in mammary gland development and understand gene regulation in the mammary gland in general. We use transgenic mouse models to study gene regulation in mammary gland development and lactation.",Research Associate Professor,Veterinary Integrative Biosciences,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/na956415b
Penny,Riggs,"Associate Professor, Animal Science",,Adjunct Associate Professor||Associate Professor,Veterinary Integrative Biosciences||Animal Science,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/nab0c8ffe
David,Zawieja,Regents Professor and Department Head,"My lab has had a number of research projects focusing on the study of lymphatic structure and function. Each of these projects has, as one of their objectives, the evaluation of the mechanisms (molecular, cellular, mechanical and tissue-level) regulating different aspects of lymphatic function. These projects focus on the ionic/calcium, contractile/regulatory proteins, molecular pathways that regulate lymph transport, lymphatic muscle function, the role of lymphatic function in the generation and resolution of tissue inflammation and the interactions between immune cells and the lymphatic cells. To support this work we have established cultured cell lines of both endothelial and muscle isolated from microlymphatics, acute and cultured isolated microlymphatic tissues, methodologies to evaluate lymphatic function at the single vessel, whole tissue and animal levels, methodologies to target cell-specific gene manipulation in isolated lymphatic tissues, approaches to microscopically image and model lymphatic network structure and function in 3D in lab animals. We have also evaluated the effects of space flight, various inflammatory mediators and other immune activation processes on lymphatic contractile and transport function and how these affect immunity. Finally, we have evaluated different types of lymphatic pathology resulting in lymphedema, various inflammatory diseases and immune dysfunction.",Regents Professor and Head||Professor and Associate Department Head,The Texas A&M University System||Medical Physiology,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/nad1e71e4
Stephen,Safe,Distinguished Professor,The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a nuclear helix-loop-helix transcription factor which forms a ligand-induced nuclear heterodimer with the AhR nuclear translocator (Arnt) protein. Research in this laboratory is focused on the molecular mechanism of crosstalk between the AhR and estrogen receptor (ER) signaling pathways in which the AhR inhibits estrogen-induced gene expression. The antiestrogenic activities of some AhR agonists are also being developed as drugs for clinical treatment of breast and endometrial cancers in women. Research on estrogen-dependent gene expression in various cancer cell lines is focused on analysis of several gene promoters to determine the mechanisms of ERa and ERb action. This includes several genes that are activated through interactions of the ER with Sp1 protein and other DNA-bound transcription factors.,Distinguished Professor||Distinguished Professor||Syd Kyle Chair,School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences||Biochemistry and Biophysics||Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/nb20fdbd9
David,Reiner,Associate Professor,he Reiner lab research is divided into two general areas: mechanisms of cell signaling and harnessing model genetic organisms for drug discovery and translational biology.,Associate Professor,Institute of Biosciences and Technology,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/nb2849771
Ivan,Rusyn,Professor,"My laboratory has an active research portfolio funded by the National Institutes of Health and the US EPA with a focus on the mechanisms of action of environmental toxicants and the genetic determinants of the susceptibility to toxicant-induced injury. Through a combination of in vivo animal studies and experiments that utilize cellular and molecular models, we aim to better understand why certain chemicals cause cancer or organ damage in rodents and whether humans in general, or any susceptible sub-population in particular, are at risk from similar exposures.
The main focus of our inter-disciplinary research is on improving the linkages between exposures and adverse health effects Specifically, we develop innovative experimental methods and computational tools which enable analysis of data across multiple dimensions including SNPs, -omic endpoints, multiple chemicals and traditional toxicity phenotypes.","Professor, Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology",School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/nb3daa5ce
Warren,Zimmer,Scott Exter Professor,"Our research interests are directed towards understanding the complex mechanisms which regulate the expression of specific gene sequences in development. We have focused our studies upon the factors that influence the smooth muscle component of the developing gastrointestinal (G.I.) tract. It has been shown that smooth muscle cells are predominantly derived from mesodermal precursor cells, however the factors regulating the selection of the smooth muscle myogenic pathway is not well defined.",Scott Exter Professor,Medical Physiology,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/nb6da0749
Roula,Mouneimne,Research Professor,"For the past 24 years my research focused on: 1- The development of methods in the fluorescence microscopy field that achieve data acquisition and analysis in real time, quantitative analysis, and mathematical modeling of cellular signaling. 2- The development of novel technological tools to decipher molecular and physiological events in cells and immunological tissues under normal toxin exposure and disease conditions.",Research Professor,Veterinary Integrative Biosciences,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/nbb6c8c2a
Lih,Kuo,Regents Professor,"My research focuses on the physiological and pathophysiological regulation of coronary and retinal microcirculation. In the circulatory system, the amount of blood delivered to each tissue can be regulated by the activity of arterial microvessels (<100 m in diameter). Changes in vascular tone, i.e., constriction or dilation of these microvessels, will decrease or increase blood supply to the tissue, respectively. However, the mechanisms involved in the regulation of vascular tone are not completely understood. Our current research focuses on the regulation of microvascular tone by hemodynamic (e.g., pressure and shear stress), metabolic (e.g., adenosine, osmolarity, K+, pH, pO2) and neural (adrenergic receptors) factors. To have an integrative view on the flow regulation, this basic information are reconstructed using mathematical model and computer simulation technology. This research provides a basic foundation critical to our understanding of blood flow regulation in the microvascular network under normal and disease states.",Regents Professor,Medical Physiology,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/nbc742025
Amanda,Macfarlane,Director Food and Nutrition Evidence Center,,Director Food and Nutrition Evidence Center||Professor,Texas A&M AgriLife Research||Nutrition,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/nbd1502ad
Nicolaas,Deutz,Professor,"My research background and expertise focus on nutrition, metabolism, and physiology studies involving the use of stable isotope methodologies, both in humans and animals. I also have extensive experience with isotopic calculations, validation and data interpretation.",Professor,Primary Care and Rural Medicine,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/nbd596655
Sai,Koka,Associate Professor,"My research is focused on the studying the cellular and molecular mechanisms regulating the development of cardiometabolic disorders and identifying novel pharmacologic strategies to combat cardiovascular cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis, endothelial and vascular dysfunction in diabetic, obese and aging patients. Currently we are exploring the role of gut microbe-derived metabolites in endothelial and vascular cell signaling.",Associate Professor,Pharmaceutical Sciences,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/nbdc012b7
Susan,Bloomfield,Professor,"My research interests focus on the integrative physiology of bone, with specific reference to adaptations to disuse, microgravity, and caloric deficiency.",Professor,Kinesiology and Sport Management,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/nc2a60db1
Ian,Murray,Instructional Associate Professor,,Instructional Associate Professor,Medical Physiology,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/nc97a73f1
Fen,Wang,Professor,"The laboratory focuses on understanding the molecular basis of cell signaling, and how aberrant cell signaling leads to birth defects and causes cancers. Using in vitro cell culture systems and in vivo mouse models, we study how the fibroblast growth factor (FGF) activates its receptor (FF) tyrosine kinase, and how the activated FF transmits the signals to downstream targets and regulates proliferation, differentiation, homeostasis, and function of the cells, as well as in organogenesis and development, including prostate and cardiovascular system development. The laboratory also employs molecular biology, cell biology, and mouse genetic technologies to study how aberrant FGF signals promote tumor initiation, progression, and metastasis. In addition, how environmental factors contribute to tumorigenesis and congenital birth defects by modulating FGF signal intensity and specificity is also under the scope of our research interests.",Professor,Institute of Biosciences and Technology,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/nd5ef47ba
Leif,Andersson,Professor,,Professor,Veterinary Integrative Biosciences,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/ne8ae2a28
Steven,Maxwell,Associate Professor,"My primary interests include Cancer; Oncogenes; Tumor Suppressor; Genes Programmed Cell Death (apoptosis); Chemoresistance, and Angiogenesis. My laboratory studies mechanisms of evolution of chemoresistance in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). One current primary objective is to conduct a Phase I study that (1) confirms RTI-79 safety in platinum-resistant/refractory ovarian cancer patients, and (2) demonstrates signals of efficacy in humans (ex: time-to-disease progression and changes in CA125 biomarker). A second objective is to better define the RTI-79 mechanism of action (MOA) by (1) determining how RTI-79 causes a rapid burst in superoxides, and (2) elucidating the basis of Nrf-2 pathway downregulation.",Associate Professor,Cell Biology and Genetics,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/neb5b702f
Stephen,Smith,Professor,"Dr. Smith teaches meat science, nutrition and physiological nutrition courses. He also conducts research on the growth and development of adipose tissue, particularly in the bovine species. He has investigated the limitation of cattle to marble and has used his background in molecular biology to investigate lipid metabolism in the bovine muscle.",Professor||Professor,Animal Science||Nutrition,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/nee8e5966
Roger,Smith,Professor,Application of flow cytometry to study of animal disease and clinical veterinary medicine; core flow cytometry laboratory.,Professor,Veterinary Pathobiology,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/nefd6ee54
Paul,Hardin,Distinguished Professor,"A diverse array of organisms including prokaryotic and eukaryotic microbes, plants, and animals display daily rhythms in physiology, metabolism and/or behavior. These rhythms are not passively driven by environmental cycles of light and temperature, but are actively controlled by endogenous circadian clocks that are set by environmental cycles, keep time in the absence of environmental cues, and activate overt physiological, metabolic and behavioral rhythms at the appropriate time of day. This remarkable conservation of circadian clock function through evolution suggests that maintaining synchrony with the environment is of fundamental importance. Our understanding of the circadian clock is particularly important for human health and well-being. The clearest examples of circadian clock dysfunction are those that result in abnormal sleep-wake cycles, but clock disturbances are also associated with other ailments including epilepsy, cerebrovascular disease, depression, and seasonal affective disorder. The realization that disorders of the sleep-wake cycle such as Familial Advanced Sleep Phase Syndrome can result from alterations in clock gene function underscores the clinical importance of understanding the molecular organization of the circadian system.
Work in my laboratory focuses on defining the molecular mechanisms that drive circadian clock function in the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster. We previously found that the core timekeeping mechanism is based on core and interlocked transcriptional feedback loops. Our studies currently focus on (1) defining post-translational regulatory mechanisms that operate in the core loop to set the 24 hour period, (2) determining whether interlocked loops are important for circadian timekeeping and/or output, (3) understanding how circadian oscillator cells are determined during development, and (4) defining mechanisms that control rhythms in olfactory and gustatory physiology and behavior.",Distinguished Professor,Biology,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/nf27056c4
Richard,Gomer,Distinguished Professor,"Our laboratory is working on three areas of biomedicine, trying to move observations from basic research into the clinic. First, we are studying how the sizes of tissues and tumors are regulated, and how this can be manipulated for therapeutic purposes. As a model system, we are using the simple eukaryote Dictyostelium discoideum, which allows us to combine techniques such as biochemistry, genetics, computer modeling, and cell biology to study tissue size regulation. We have found that a secreted protein as well as the unusual molecule polyphosphate are signals in negative feedback loops that inhibit Dictyostelium cell proliferation, and we are studying the signal transduction pathway to understand similar mechanisms in humans.
Second, we are studying how some secreted proteins can make cells move away from the source of the signal. We found such a signal (called a chemorepellent) in Dictyostelium, and then found a similar signal in humans. We are working to understand the signal transduction pathway for both. The human signal repels neutrophils, and we found that this can be used therapeutically in mouse models of neutrophil-driven diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and acute respiratory distress syndrome.
Third, we have found that a human blood protein called Serum Amyloid P (SAP) regulates a key step in the formation of scar tissue as well as the formation of the scar-like lesions in fibrosing diseases such as congestive heart failure and pulmonary fibrosis. We are studying this mechanism, and a biotech company (Promedior, now sold to Roche) we co-founded is testing SAP as a therapy for fibrosis in patients in a Phase 3 trials.",Distinguished Professor,Biology,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/nf41f3898
Joerg,Steiner,Professor,"My veterinary career has mainly focused on two aspects, patient care and clinically-relevant research. As a veterinary clinician and clinical teacher I am exposed to a wide variety of canine and feline patients with complex medical conditions. These patients serve as a constant source of new clinical problems that beckon to be studied further. Sometimes these studies are merely clinical, relating to characterization of an uncommon condition, diagnosis of a difficult-to-diagnose condition, or a novel therapeutic approach to a well-described condition. In other instances studies that are spurred by clinical cases are more basic-science based, utilizing state-of-the-art technologies to further evaluate the etiology or pathogenesis of a disease. In some instances, studies may provide comparative aspects related to experimental animals, such as rodents or primates, or even to human patients with similar conditions. I believe that my role as a mentor can be unique in that I can help graduate students bridge the gap between science and clinical aspects and between veterinary and human medical interests - giving us further opportunities to advance the concept of one-health.","Professor||Director, Gastrointestinal Laboratory",School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences||Small Animal Clinical Sciences,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/nf4de66a0
Randall,Davis,Regents Professor,"Randall William Davis is an educator and researcher who studies the physiology and behavioral ecology of marine mammals and other aquatic vertebrates. His physiological research focuses on adaptations of marine mammals for deep, prolonged diving. Davis has continually emphasized the importance of studying aquatic animals in their natural environment and has spent many years developing animal-borne instruments that record video and monitor three-dimensional movements, swimming performance and environmental variables to better understand their behavior and ecology. His academic endeavors and 100 research expeditions have taken him to 65 countries and territories on seven continents and all of the world's oceans.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Randall_William_Davis",Regents Professor||Regents Professor,"Rangeland, Wildlife and Fisheries Management||Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences||Marine Biology",https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/nf5158696
Louise,Abbott,Professor,,Professor,Veterinary Integrative Biosciences,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/nf56a7148
Jerome,Menet,Associate Professor,"Most organisms from bacteria to humans exhibit 24-hours rhythms in their biochemistry, physiology and behavior. Best exemplified by the sleep/wake cycle, these rhythms are remarkably widespread and include in humans hormonal (e.g., melatonin, insulin, cortisol), metabolic (e.g., glucose, cholesterol), physiological and behavioral oscillations. In fact, most biological functions are rhythmic and are set to perform optimally at the most appropriate time of the day. For example, the human digestion process performs better during the day when we are supposed to eat.
These circadian rhythms are generated by ""molecular clocks"", which consist of a few ""clock genes"" interacting in feedback loops, and which drive the rhythmic expression of a large number of genes, i.e. ~10% of the transcriptome in any tissues. This wide impact of clock genes in regulating gene expression is underscored by the surprisingly large number of pathologies developed by clock-deficient mice. In addition to being arrhythmic, these mice indeed develop pathologies as diverse as mania-like behaviors, learning and memory defects, depression, drug addiction, insomnia, metabolic diseases, arthropathy, hematopoiesis defects and cancers.
Research in our lab aims at characterizing how circadian clocks and clock genes regulate gene expression to provide insights into how and why clock dysfuntion leads to a wide spectra of pathologies. To this end, we are using a wide-range of molecular and biochemical techniques to investigate the circadian clock function at the genome-wide level (e.g., next-generation sequencing). We are currently extending some of our recent results and focus on 1) how clock genes rhythmically regulate chromatin environment and 2) the mechanisms involved in rhythmic post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression.",Associate Professor,Biology,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/nf680fb91
Kathy,Svoboda,Regents Professor,"Dr Svoboda is a well-established senior principal investigator with a broad background in developmental biology and cellular biology. Her research focus is on the cell biology of whole embryonic tissues, including cornea, cartilage, palate. Her lab has been funded from NIH, March of Dimes, Foundations and Private Companies for 3 decades. As a postdoctoral fellow at Harvard Medical School, she carried out cell and molecular biology experiments on developing systems and worked with Dr. Elizabeth Hay when she developed her theories on cell-matrix interactions. As PI or co-Investigator on many previous university- and March of Dimes funded grants (over 30 years of continuous funding), she worked on how cell-matrix interactions change during development. In addition, she was a mentor on two training grants (T32 and KL2) and has successfully administered other NIH supported developmental and cell biology projects (e.g. staffing, research protections, and budget), collaborated with other researchers, and produced peer-reviewed publications from each project.
She has a new project that contributes evidence to the theory that periocular mesenchyme (POM) cells contribute to the development of the ciliary body, trabecular meshwork and the iridocorneal angle. The objective of this project is to determine if Gli1 positive cells contribute to the POM and anterior eye structures by using inducible Gli1-CreERT2; tdTomatoflox (Gli1-tdTomato) mouse model. Experiments were recently completed that demonstrated the Gli1 + cells were also positive for Pitx2, FOXC1, and FOXC2, known markers for periocular mesenchyme during anterior eye development.
She has successfully trained 40 Postdoctoral, Ph.D., M.S. graduate students, undergraduate, medical and dental predoctoral students, and college/high school summer research trainees.",Regents Professor,Biomedical Sciences,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/nf7d937ba
Jiang,Chang,Professor,"Heart failure (impaired ventricular pump function) is an eventual outcome for diverse cardiovascular disorders and the leading cause of combined morbidity and mortality in the United States and other developed industrial nations. The focus of my lab is to understand the molecular and cellular mechanisms that initiate and mediate the pathogenesis of maladaptive cardiac remodeling, such as cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis as result of various pathological scenarios such as myocardial infarction, hypertension, obesity, diabetes, aging and post-traumatic stress disorder. The overall approach consists of generation and analysis of clinically-relevant genetic mouse models including a tool mouse enabling tracking endogenous cardiac exosomes, and conduct mechanistic studies using cutting-edge technology. The ultimate goal of our efforts is to provide clinical translation for the prevention and treatment of pathological cardiac remodeling from our mechanistic studies.",Professor,Center for Genomic and Precision Medicine,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/nf80a9dad
Darwin,Prockop,Professor,,Professor,Cell Biology and Genetics,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/nfcfd0990