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
Patricia,Pietrantonio,Professor and Texas AgriLife Research Fellow,"We work with important pests that are critical to Texas and the world focusing on public and animal health and on pests of cotton. We are interested in elucidating the functions of arthropod neuropeptides that signal through G protein-coupled receptors. Many of these neuropeptides are pleiotropic and many of their multiple functions are still unknown. We utilize loss-of-function experiments through RNAi, peptidomimetics, the discovery of antagonists through target-based high-throughput screening of small molecules on recombinant receptors expressed in mammalian cells, immunohistochemistry, and develop physiological in vitro and in vivo assays towards advancing arthropod endocrinology. The laboratory has pioneered the discovery of the first neuropeptide receptor in the Acari and the first insect prostaglandin receptor. The molecular and cell culture laboratories are BL2 and the Insect toxicology laboratory is BL1. We use state-of-the-art technologies and the lab is well equipped to do almost everything in-house.",Professor,Entomology,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/n0555af9d
Dorothy,Shippen,Professor,"We are taking biochemical, molecular genetic and cytological approaches to study the structure, function and maintenance of telomeres. Telomeres are higher order nucleoprotein complexes that cap the ends of eukaryotic chromosomes and play essential roles in conferring genome stability and cell proliferation capacity. The protective cap of the telomere is comprised of specific telomere binding proteins that regulate the length of telomeric DNA tract and allow the cell distinguish the chromosome terminus from a double-strand break. Telomeric DNA is synthesized by the action of telomerase, an unusual reverse transcriptase that replenishes telomeric DNA lost as a consequence of replication by conventional DNA polymerases. We have developed the genetically tractable flowering plant Arabidopsis thaliana as a model system for studying telomeres in higher eukaryotes. With its sequenced genome, abundant genetic and transgenic tools, and extraordinarily high tolerance to genome instability, Arabidopsis has proven to be an excellent model for investigating fundamental processes in telomere biology. Current studies focus on defining the function and molecular evolution of telomere capping proteins and components of the telomerase ribonucleoprotein complex.",Professor,Biochemistry and Biophysics,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/n07e86cac
Mark,Westhusin,Professor,My laboratory is interested in developing transgenic animal models of disease and novel platforms for the production of biopharmaceuticals. We are currently exploring methods to produce vaccines in the milk of transgenic animals.,Professor,Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/n088680ea
John,Jifon,Professor,"Dr. Jifon's research is focused on environmental stress physiology of plants -- the physiological, biochemical and molecular mechanisms and traits that confer tolerance to environmental stresses (especially to drought, radiation/temperature extremes, and nutrient imbalance). A key theme in his research is to use integrated measurements obtained at leaf, whole-plant, and stand levels to study factors that regulate photosynthetic efficiency, water/nutrient use efficiency, assimilate partitioning, yield and quality. The aim is to use the information gained in these studies to develop practical strategies to optimize productivity and quality by improving plant tolerance to environmental stresses.",Professor||Professor,Texas A&M AgriLife Research||Horticultural Sciences,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/n0aa3912d
Jorge,Cruz-Reyes,Professor,"We combine approaches in molecular genetics, structural biology, biochemistry, proteomics, and bioinformatics to study the amazing RNA biology of trypanosome parasites. One research line is on an RNA editing process by uridine insertion and deletion that creates amino acid coding triplets in most mRNAs. Yet a single error in the U-changes yields a frame-shift. Trypanosomes split from other eukaryotic lineages over a hundred million years ago, yet this editing has analogies with RNAi, CRISPR/Cas9, mRNA splicing and other systems directed by small non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs).",Professor||Professor,Texas A&M AgriLife Research||Biochemistry and Biophysics,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/n147e77ee
Charles,Long,Professor,"My laboratory is currently working on a number of projects involving genetic engineering in cattle, goats, sheep and horses. We use CRISPR/Cas gene editing to specifically alter the coding sequence of genes in sheep to produced biomedical models of human disease, specifically hypophosphatasia. My lab is actively working on projects to produce gene edited cattle that are resistant to respiratory disease. We have also successfully used gene editing to correct the glycogen branching enzyme deficiency mutation in horses. We are also interested in altering the carcass characteristics of beef cattle by genetic engineering genes specifically related to meat tenderness in Bos indicus cattle. Other projects in the lab involve the use of mesenchymal stem cell-based therapies for treatment of equine disease and in particular methods for using these cells to over express proteins that can modulate the inflammatory response. We also have interest in using livestock as bioreactors to produce biotherapeutics and vaccine antigens in their milk. I have extensive experience in using genetic engineering in combination with assisted reproductive technologies (including somatic cell nuclear transfer) to produce live animals.",Professor,Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/n1dc326d5
Gregory,Johnson,Professor,,Professor,Veterinary Integrative Biosciences,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/n22b3a445
Sanjay,Reddy,Professor,"The long-term goal of my laboratory is to understand the molecular basis of pathogenesis of Marek's disease virus (MDV), a potent oncogenic herpesvirus that causes T-cell tumors in chickens. MDV codes for a protein (Meq), which shares significant resemblance with the Jun/Fos family of transcriptional factors. We have shown that this gene plays a critical role in latency and transformation of T-lymphocytes. Understanding the basic mechanism of viral pathogenesis will aid in the development of improved vaccine. We are also interested in other important poultry disease like avian influenza.",Professor,Veterinary Pathobiology,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/n28054661
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
Herman,Scholthof,Professor,,Professor,Plant Pathology and Microbiology,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/n2c6ec1cb
Suresh,Pillai,Professor,"Dr. Pillai's research focuses on bacterial cell-to-cell signaling, the molecular ecology of pathogens in natural and man-made ecosystems and the use of novel technologies to concentrate, detect, and decontaminate pathogens. His research on molecular microbial ecology and cell-cell signaling is targeted at understanding the complex and hitherto poorly understood relationship between microbial communities and human behavior. His research is aimed at understanding the role that the GI tract-associated microbiome has on human behavior.",Professor,Poultry Science,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/n3009b050
Luis,Tedeschi,Professor,"Dr. Tedeschi conducts research on energy and nutrient requirements of grazing and feedlot animals, growth biology and bioenergetics, chemical composition and kinetics of fermentation of feeds, modeling and simulation of decision support systems, and evaluation of models (http://nutritionmodels.tamu.edu). He has collaborated with several researchers overseas to develop models for small ruminants (sheep and goats). He utilizes System Dynamics concepts applied to nutrition.",Associate Professor||Professor,Animal Science||Nutrition,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/n387904d6
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
Thomas,Mcdonald,Professor,"My research focuses on environmental chemistry, petroleum geochemistry, and general organic chemistry.",Professor,Environmental and Occupational Health,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/n407d0459
Geoffrey,Kapler,Professor and Chair,"Dr. Kapler's broad research interests are concerned with the replication and transmission of eukaryotic chromosomes. The failure to completely replicate the genome during S phase or partially re-replicate chromosomes leads to genome instability- a hallmark of cancer cells. The central questions investigated in the laboratory are concerned with how replication initiation sites are established in chromosomes and how they are regulated during conventional (G1/S/G2/M) and alternative cell cycles, including endoreplication (gap-S-gap-S...) and locus-specific gene amplification. The current focus of the lab is to use high throughput (nascent strand) DNA sequencing to generate a comprehensive map of replication initiation sites under different physiological conditions.",Professor and Chair||Professor,Cell Biology and Genetics||Biochemistry and Biophysics,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/n4128afa1
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
Loren,Skow,Professor,Comparative genomics of mammals with emphasis on organization and evolution of the mammalian genome; molecular analysis of the major histocompatibility complex of hoofed animals; genetic mechanisms of inherent resistance to infectious diseases.,Professor,Veterinary Integrative Biosciences,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/n4326eaa3
Yinan,Wei,Professor,"We are interested in studying the interaction between microbes and host systems, in the context of antibiotic resistance, infection, and the innate immune response.",Professor,Pharmacy Practice,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/n4bb89912
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
Mark,Burow,Professor,"Goals of the program are, in collaboration with peanut breeding programs in College Station and Stephenville to
(1) release new cultivars for Texas growers, incorporating:
high yield
improved edible seed quality -early maturity, high oleic oil
resistance to water deficit, heat, and salt stress
resistance to disease and pests, especially leafspot, nematodes, and Sclerotinia blight
(2) Participate in the International Peanut Genome Initiative, and use genomics technology in cultivar
development
(3) Participate in international collaborations with scientists, especially in Ghana and Burkina Faso
through a Peanut and Mycotoxin Innovation Lab/ USAID project",Professor||Professor,Soil and Crop Sciences||Lubbock Research and Extension Center,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/n57d1bc41
Glen,Laine,Regents Professor,,"Director , Michael E BeBakey Institute||Professor",Michael E. DeBakey Institute||Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/n58440639
Winfried,Teizer,Professor,"I lead the NanoLab in the Physics Department of Texas A&M University, which is working on various projects in the general areas of biomolecular motility, molecular nanomagnets, spintronics, nanophysics and highly correlated systems. The goal is to further the understanding of physical properties at the size or temperature scale where quantum mechanics governs the dominant processes.",Professor,Physics and Astronomy,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/n5ad8688a
Guan,Zhu,Professor,"Our laboratory conducts translational research with an ultimate goal to discover new anti-parasitic therapeutics by targeting metabolic enzymes and other molecules critical or essential to the parasite infection, survival and development, such as those involved in the lipid and energy metabolisms and interacting with host cells in Cryptosporidium and other protozoan parasites. Other research areas include functional genomics and molecular evolution of apicomplexan parasites, and parasitic diseases important to the conservation of wild animals.",Professor,Veterinary Pathobiology,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/n6d62f33b
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
Larry,Johnson,Professor,,Professor,Veterinary Integrative Biosciences,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/n72de4d00
Frances,Ligler,Professor,,Professor,Biomedical Engineering,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/n74321a1f
Michael,Thomson,Professor,"My research expertise is in plant molecular breeding with an emphasis on rice genetics and genomics, international agriculture, and developing CRISPR-based gene editing approaches for efficient gene validation and trait development. My primary objective is to apply new genetics discoveries to rice improvement to help Texas producers and rice farmers around the world produce higher yields of superior quality rice in an environmentally sustainable manner. I am also leading the AgriLife Research Crop Genome Editing Lab to optimize high-throughput gene editing across a number of diverse crop species.",Professor,Soil and Crop Sciences,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/n74c30954
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
Stephen,Crouse,Professor,"My research focus is in the general area of Exercise as Medicine. My specific health-related research aims have been targeted toward the study of the effects of exercise on blood lipid metabolism, and on other accepted heart and cardiovascular disease risk factors in men and women, young and old. Current research in exercise physiology is focused on the adaptive response of the cardiovascular and musculoskeletal system to exercise, nutrition, and physical training using aquatic, endurance, and resistance modalities of exercise. In progress are research projects in sports physiology to profile elite athletes and study factors that contribute to the health of athletes, including nutritional supplements.",Professor,Kinesiology and Sport Management,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/n7e212aee
Allison,Rice-Ficht,Senior Associate Vice President for Research,"Studies in the our lab are currently focused on the use of unique biomaterials for controlled release of live and subunit vaccines. Our focus is currently directed to the production of vaccines against human Brucellosisand Q fever, but will be applied to the storage and delivery of other vaccines. A study of specific immune mechanisms and potentiation through controlled releases is underway. Another focus is the study of alpha crystalline structure and function. These unique proteins protect against thermal insult and modulate folding and activity of other proteins",Professor||Senior Associate Vice President for Research,Cell Biology and Genetics||Division of Research,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/n84a56c5b
Rosemary,Walzem,Professor,"Dr. Walzem's core research focus within the laboratory is directed towards understanding how the structure of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins influences their ability to carry out specific nutrient delivery tasks. Her studies include identification of mechanisms and regulatory processes that control the assembly of trigylceride-rich lipoproteins in issues, structural studies of lipoproteins themselves and physiological studies to determine substrate properties and metabolic fates of different types of lipoproteins. Diet can significantly alter lipoprotein physiology through multiple mechanisms, and studies of diet effects provides a significant sub-theme to the research program. A variety of species are used to address specific questions, however, avian and human lipoprotein metabolism as it relates to egg production and atherogenesis, respectively, are emphasized.",Professor,Poultry Science,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/n85cd191f
Daniel,Ebbole,Professor,"Development and pathogenesis share the common features of responding to environmental conditions to execute a program of gene expression resulting in new cell types.
An important question in plant pathogenesis is to understanding the functions of pathogen effectors and their host target(s). Fungal effectors play roles in suppressing host defense mechanisms, however, other biotrophic functions, such as manipulating host physiology to promote nutrient acquisition and cell-to-cell movement are possible. Therefore, identification of the full set of fungal proteins secreted during host invasion is a major effort in plant pathology research. Candidate effectors are generally identified by virtue of i) their expression in planta ii) assessing their activity on the host using purified proteins or by manipulating expression iii) detecting the rapid evolution of effector genes due to selective pressure from the host. My lab is using a combination of these approaches to identify and characterize a gene family of putative effectors from Magnaporthe oryzae, the rice blast fungus and define interactions with monocot hosts.",Professor,Plant Pathology and Microbiology,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/n86da3f1b
Qingwu,Xue,Professor,"Develop a competitive and extramurally funded research program in the area of crop water use, water use efficiency, and abiotic and biotic stress resistance in major field crops in the Texas High Plains. The overall goal of my research program is to provide selection tools for breeders and geneticists and management tools for agronomists and producers, through better understanding the physiological mechanisms of crop performance under stress conditions. The major research focuses include understanding physiological and molecular mechanisms of drought tolerance, identifying plant traits conferring to stress tolerance, understanding the interactions of abiotic and biotic stresses, evaluating and developing field phenotyping tools, and developing management strategies under stress conditions. Advise graduate student research.",Professor||Professor||Adjunct Professor,"Soil and Crop Sciences||Texas A&M AgriLife Research||West Texas A&M University - (Canyon, Texas, United States)",https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/n8c76b901
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
Timothy,Phillips,Professor,food safety; molecular toxicology; elucidation of fundamental chemical mechanisms of toxic action/interaction of food-borne carcinogens; mutagens; and developmental toxicants; and development of methods to detect and detoxify foodborne and environmental toxins.,Professor,Veterinary Integrative Biosciences,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/n94eef946
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
Bhimanagouda,Patil,"Leonard Pike Inagural University Professor and Interim Head, Food Science and Technology","Dr. Bhimu Patil is internationally recognized for his expertise and research on 'foods for health' and his related educational programs. His systems-wide farm-to-table approaches include examining pre- and postharvest effects on bioactive compounds, isolating and characterizing these compounds from different fruits and vegetables, and understanding their roles in human health. Moreover, he has a strong working relationship with produce industry stakeholders. Dr. Patil has a distinguished record of achievements in education, including leading the development of three unique courses linking agriculture, human health, and sustainability. Texas A&M University has been a leader in this area, due in part to Dr. Patil's seminal contributions in these first-of-their-kind multidisciplinary courses. Dr. Patil's contributions to education are no less distinguished. He developed and taught three unique, innovative multi-state and multi-disciplinary courses, ""Phytochemicals in Fruits and Vegetables to Improve Human Health"", ""Science of Foods for Health"" and ""The Nexus of Food & Nutritional Security, Hunger, and Sustainability"".",Professor||Professor,Nutrition||Horticultural Sciences,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/n9a0e203e
Karen-Beth,Scholthof,Professor,"My molecular plant virology research is on a virus complex of Panicum mosaic virus (PMV) and its satellite virus (SPMV). For molecular genetic studies on the PMV/SPMV virus:host interactions we are using the model grass, Brachypodium distachyon. My primary area of research is the historiography of Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) in the early 20th century in the United States.",Professor,Plant Pathology and Microbiology,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/na173b2b4
Siegfried,Musser,Professor,"The primary focus of my laboratory is to decipher how proteins partition into different sub-compartments of the cell. Cellular membranes serve to compartmentalize biochemical reactions to specific microenvironments. Proteins cross these membranes via a diverse array of protein translocation systems, or translocons. My laboratory has investigated the detailed molecular function of three different protein transport machineries, the human nuclear pore complex (NPC) and the bacterial Sec and Tat general secretion machineries. We are a biophysics lab and our primary tools for deciphering molecular mechanisms and dynamics are super-resolution imaging and single molecule particle tracking approaches. Our aim is to develop detailed, molecular-scale, mechanistic models of protein transport processes. We recently demonstrated 3D imaging of cargo transport through nuclear pores on the millisecond timescale with 5-15 nm precision in all three dimensions. This will be a major tool going forward for multiple projects.
In 2018, we began a new project on membrane-less organelles, which are micrometer-scale cellular structures known as biomolecular condensates (BMCs) that contain high concentrations of intrinsically disordered proteins and RNA. These BMCs are generally agreed to arise from liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS), which is the spontaneous partitioning into dense and dilute phases due to favorable interactions between the separating molecules. The high density of aggregation prone proteins in BMCs is thought to lead to the cellular inclusions found in patients with multiple neurological diseases including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases. We are using super-resolution and single molecule methods to probe the structural and dynamic heterogeneity of condensates formed from the fused in sarcoma (FUS) protein to identify the conditions that lead to solidification of liquid condensates (phase maturation).",Professor,Cell Biology and Genetics,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/nb824aefa
Richard,Kreider,Professor,"Director of the Exercise and Sport Nutrition Lab.
We study the role of exercise and nutrition on health, performance, disease and rehabilitation.","Faculty Fellow||Professor and Head||Director||DIrector, Human Clinical Core||Professor",Center for Health Systems and Design||Kinesiology and Sport Management||School of Education and Human Development||The Exercise and Sport Nutrition Laboratory||Nutrition,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/nbc81b4e0
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
Vernon,Tesh,Professor,,Professor,Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/nc2165f28
Paul,Lindahl,Professor,"One of our two current research areas involves iron metabolism in mitochondria. The iron imported into these organelles is assembled into iron-sulfur clusters and heme prosthetic groups. Some of these centers are exported into the cytosol, while others are installed into mitochondrial apo-proteins. All of these processes are regulated in healthy cells, but various genetic mutations giving rise to diseases can cause iron to accumulate (e.g. Friedreich's ataxia) or become depleted (e.g. Sideroblastic anemia). We have developed a biophysical approach involving Mossbauer, electron paramagnetic resonance, and electronic absorption spectroscopy, to study the entire iron content of intact mitochondria in healthy and genetically altered cells. This Systems Biology approach allows us to characterize the ""iron-ome"" of mitochondria at an unprecedented level of detail. We are also using analytical tools (e.g. liquid chromatography) to identify complexes that are involved in ""trafficking"" iron into and out of the organelle.
Our other research area involves mathematical modeling of cellular self-replication on the mechanistic biochemical level. We collaborate on this multidisciplinary NSF-sponsored project with a mathematician at the University of Houston (Professor Jeffrey Morgan). We have developed a modeling framework that facilitates such modeling efforts, and have designed a number of very simple and symbolic in silico cells that exhibit self-replicative behavior. Our minimal in silico cell model includes just 5 components and 5 reactions. A second generation model includes a more realistic mechanism of mitotic regulation. One novel aspect of our approach is that cellular concentration dynamics impact (and are impacted by) cellular geometry. By minimizing membrane bending energies, we are now calculating cell geometry during growth and division. Our results suggest that the ""pinching"" observed in real cells is enforced by cytoskeletal structures.",Professor,Chemistry,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/nc9ce621b
Vytas,Bankaitis,Professor,"My laboratory is interested in the regulatory interfaces between novel lipid-mediated signal transduction pathways and important cellular functions. The focus of our work is the phosphatidylinositol/ phosphatidylcholine transfer proteins (PITPs), a ubiquitous but enigmatic class of proteins. Ongoing projects in the laboratory derive from a multidisciplinary approach that encompasses biochemical characterization of novel members of the metazoan PITP family, and the application of genetic, molecular and biophysical approaches to detailed structural and functional analyses of PITPs.",E.L. Wehner-Welch Foundation Chair||Professor||Professor,Cell Biology and Genetics||Biochemistry and Biophysics||Chemistry,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/ncff8dc21
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
Michael,Manson,Professor,"Bacteria have a limited behavioral repertoire. Their most conspicuous behavior is chemotaxis - the pursuit of molecules that are favorable to acquire and the avoidance of chemicals that are best to avoid. The simplicity of bacterial motility and chemotaxis and the amenability of the model species Escherichia coli to genetic, biochemical and physiological manipulation have facilitated rapid advances in understanding the molecular mechanisms of biological energy conversion and signal transduction.
Our laboratory studies the inputs and outputs of chemotaxis. Ligands interact with the periplasmic receptor domain of a chemotactic signal transducer that spans the cell membrane. This interaction is converted into an intracellular signal that is communicated to the flagella. Molecules can be sensed either by binding directly to a receptor or by first interacting with a periplasmic binding protein, which then interacts with a receptor.",Professor||Professor,Biology||Biochemistry and Biophysics,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/ne190242a
Julian,Leibowitz,Professor,We have two projects in my lab. The first project is focused on identifying evolutionarily conserved RNA secondary structures in the coronavirus RNA genome and functionally examining their role in viral replication through reverse genetic and biochemical approaches. We have previously done this for a number of RNA secondary structures contained within the 5? and 3? regions of the genome and shown that they function as cis-acting elements in replication. Studies in my laboratory have identified a structurally dynamic region of the 5'UTR that interacts with the 3'UTR to facilitate transcription.
A second project in my laboratory has been to develop a reverse genetic system for MHV-1. In collaboration with investigators in Toronto and Pennsylvania my laboratory has demonstrated that MHV-1 infection of susceptible mice provides a safe and convenient rodent model for severe coronavirus infections such as SARS and MERS. The development of a reverse genetic system will allow us to investigate the contributions of individual viral genes to the pathogenesis of the severe pulmonary disease caused by this virus.,Professor||Professor,Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology||Veterinary Pathobiology,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/ne2185aa0
Susanne,Talcott,Professor,"Dr. Susanne Talcott's research revolves around botanical compounds (polyphenols, terpenoids and alkaloids) and the impact of their metabolites on inflammation, cognitive function, and intestinal health. She primarily focuses on conducting human clinical studies to understand the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of these compounds.
Recently, the impact of bioactive metabolites produced by the gut microbiota on intestinal and cognitive health through the gut-brain axis has been of great interest.
Dr. Susanne Talcott is working on federally funded projects (USDA, NIH) and collaborates with the dietary supplement and functional food industry on health-related product claims that are supported by unbiased scientific evidence and comply with FDA- and FTC-regulations.",Professor||Professor,Food Science and Technology||Nutrition,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/ne4324c37
Leif,Andersson,Professor,,Professor,Veterinary Integrative Biosciences,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/ne8ae2a28
Jeffrey,Cirillo,Professor,"Our laboratory is interested in the pathogenesis of bacterial lung infections particularly tuberculosis and Legionnaires' disease. We are examining the virulence mechanisms of bacteria using cellular, molecular and genetic techniques. Our primary research goal is to obtain a better understanding of the roles of the pathogen and host in disease. These studies should contribute to our understanding of host-pathogen interactions at the molecular and cellular level that can be used for prevention, treatment and diagnosis. We hope that through a better understanding of the mechanisms by which these organisms cause disease we can prevent some, if not all, of these infections in the future.",Professor||Director,Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology||Center for Airborne Pathogen Research and Tuberculosis Imaging,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/ne8bc1122
Ryland,Young,Professor,"Most bacterial viruses (phages) cause lysis of their host cell to release the progeny virions. Large phages elaborate an enzyme (""endolysin"") to degrade the cell wall and also a small membrane protein (""holin""). The holin accumulates in the membrane and then, at a precisely scheduled time, suddenly forms a hole to allow release of endolysin through the cytoplasmic membrane to gain access to the wall. We use molecular genetics and biochemistry to study how this small protein is able to act as a molecular ""clock"" and punch holes in membranes. Small phages make single proteins which cause host lysis in a different way. This strategy is to target the host cell wall synthesis machinery; that is, the virus makes a ""protein antibiotic"" that causes lysis in the same way as antibiotics like penicillin by inhibiting an enzyme in the multi-step pathway of murein biosynthesis. Thus, when the infected cell tries to divide, it blows up, or lyses, because it can't make the new cell wall between the daughter cells. Remarkably, each of three different, small phages blocks a different step in the pathway. These small lysis proteins are models for a completely new class of antibacterial antibiotics. Also, the E. coli SlyD protein is required for this mode of lysis in one case. SlyD is a member of an ubiquitous family of proteins related to human ""immunophilins,"" the targets of immune-suppression drugs. We study SlyD to learn about the role of this class of proteins in biology.",Professor,Biochemistry and Biophysics,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/nea775348
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
Jan,Suchodolski,Professor,"Our research is focused on gastrointestinal function testing, gastrointestinal pathogens, and intestinal microbial ecology with an emphasis on probiotics and prebiotics and how intestinal pathogens lead to disturbances in the intestinal microbiome of companion animals.",Associate Director of GI Lab||Professor,Small Animal Clinical Sciences||Small Animal Clinical Sciences,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/nf0f36949
John,Mullet,Professor,"Functional genomics, bioinformatics, and DNA chip technology are fundamentally changing research on biological systems. Knowledge of complete genome sequences and high resolution genome technology provide an extraordinary opportunity to understand complex biological processes and to relate detailed understanding of protein structure and biochemical mechanism to the function of whole organisms and biological systems in nature.
Our research team is helping to build genome maps and DNA diagnostic microarrays/chips for analysis of global gene expression and biodiversity. This new technology is being used to explore the molecular basis of several fundamental plant responses: (1) light responsive genetic systems that help protect plants from damage by high intensity UV/blue light; (2) genetic systems that allow plants to adapt to the environment; (3) genes and signal transduction pathways that help protect plants from insects and disease; and (4) genes that regulate plant development (flowering time, fertility restoration, chloroplast development/number).",Professor,Biochemistry and Biophysics,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/nf1c81fcb
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
Daniel,Leskovar,Agrilife Center Director,"Dr. Leskovar's vegetable physiology program focuses on understanding plant morphological and physiological adaptation mechanisms to environmental stresses, and development of integrated sustainable vegetable cropping systems. His research emphasis is on: 1) seed-transplant production and physiology to increase plant survival and enhance stand establishment; 2) plant hormones to modulate seedling growth; 3) root/shoot developmental responses to water conservation strategies and irrigation technologies; 4) impact of cropping systems on antioxidants and sensory attributes of vegetable crops; and 5) genotype selection for drought resistance, high yield, quality, and phytochemical content. Dr. Leskovar's program involves international cooperators.",Agrilife Center Director||Professor||Professor,Dallas Research and Extension Center||Uvalde Research and Extension Center||Horticultural Sciences,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/nfa1a6351
Darwin,Prockop,Professor,,Professor,Cell Biology and Genetics,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/nfcfd0990
Craig,Nessler,Professor,,Adjunct Professor||Professor||Faculty Fellow,Center for Health Systems and Design||Soil and Crop Sciences||Horticultural Sciences,https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/nfe5a2ef4