Education
- Dr. rer. nat., 1985, University of Tübingen
- MS, 1981, Biology, University of Freiburg
Research Summary
We study germ cells, the only cells in the body naturally able to generate completely new organisms. In addition to the nuclear genome, cytoplasmic information is passed though the egg cell to the next generation. We analyze the organization and regulation of germ line specific RNA-protein condensates, and explore mechanisms used by endosymbionts such as mitochondria and the intracellular bacterium, Wolbachia, to propagate through the cytoplasm of the female germ line.
Awards
- Vanderbilt Prize in Biomedical Science, 2022
- Gruber Genetics Prize, 2022
- Thomas Hunt Morgan Medal, Genetics Society of America, 2021
- Francis Amory Prize in Reproductive Medicine and Reproductive Physiology, American Academy of Arts and Sciences, 2020
- Vilcek Prize in Biomedical Science, 2020
- Keith R. Porter Award, American Society for Cell Biology, 2018
- Inaugural Klaus Sander Prize, German Society for Developmental Biology, 2017
- European Molecular Biology Organization, Foreign Associate, 2012
- Conklin Medal of the Society of Developmental Biology, 2011
- National Academy of Sciences, Foreign Associate, 2005; Member, 2008
- American Academy of Arts and Sciences, Member, 1998
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Investigator, 1990 and 1997
Education
- PhD, 2012, Chemical Biology, Harvard University
- BS, 2006, Life Sciences, Peking University
Research Summary
We are fascinated by how and why cells organize into spatial patterns within tissues, aiming to uncover the fundamental design principles that govern tissue form and function. To explore this, we adopt a bottom-up approach to reconstitute multicellular patterns in vitro using synthetic biology tools, guided by mathematical modeling. In parallel, we study how patterns emerge in natural tissues and investigate their functional roles, using a combination of quantitative imaging, mouse genetics, machine learning, and stem cell engineering. Our current focus is on the patterning of the embryonic and adult lung. Through these complementary efforts, we strive to achieve a quantitative, multi-scale understanding of tissue development and to create new strategies for tissue engineering.
Awards
- Teaching Prize for Undergraduate Education, MIT School of Science, 2023
- Allen Distinguished Investigator, The Paul Alen Frontiers Group, 2021
- New Innovator Award, National Institutes of Health Common Fund’s High-Risk, High-Reward Research Program, 2021
- R.R. Bensley Award in Cell Biology, American Association for Anatomy, 2021
- Santa Cruz Developmental Biology Young Investigator Award, 2016
- NIH Pathway to Independence Award K99/R00 (NICHD), 2016
- American Cancer Society Postdoctoral Fellowship, 2015
Education
- PhD, 2013, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign
- BTech, 2007, Biotechnology and Biochemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur
Research Summary
We study how biomolecules in a cell self-organize. In particular, we are interested in understanding how membrane-free cellular compartments such as RNA granules form and function. Our lab develops new biochemical and biophysical techniques to investigate these compartments and to understand their dysfunction in human disease.
Awards
- Young Alumni Achiever’s Award, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, 2019
- NIH K99/R00 Pathway to Independence Award, 2017
- Pew Scholar in the Biomedical Sciences, 2022
Education
- PhD, 1969, MIT
- SB, 1964, Biology, MIT
Research Summary
We investigate three broad questions related to the origin and spread of cancer. First, how do cancer cells within a primary tumor acquire the ability to invade and metastasize? Second, how are the stem-cell state and the epithelial-mesenchymal transition interrelated? Third, how are the regulators of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition able to activate this profound change in cell phenotype?
Awards
- Japan Prize, Japan Prize Foundation, 2021
- Salk Institute Medal for Research Excellence, 2016
- Breakthrough Prize in Life Sciences, 2013
- Wolf Foundation Prize, 2004
- Institute of Medicine, Member, 2000
- Keio Medical Science Foundation Prize, 1997
- National Science Foundation, National Medal of Science, 1997
- Harvey Prize, 1994
- American Academy of Arts and Sciences, Fellow, 1987
- Sloan Prize, GM Cancer Research Foundation, 1987
- National Academy of Sciences, Member, 1985
- Robert Koch Foundation Prize, 1983
Education
- PhD, 2012, Washington University in St. Louis
- BS, 2004, Cellular and Molecular Biology and Studio Art, Tulane University
Research Summary
Our lab is interested in the molecular events that enable apicomplexan parasites to remain widespread and deadly infectious agents. We study many important human pathogens, including Toxoplasma gondii, to model features conserved throughout the phylum. We seek to expand our understanding of eukaryotic diversity and identify specific features that can be targeted to treat parasite infections.
Awards
- Odyssey Award, Smith Family Foundation, 2021
Education
- PhD, 2002, MIT
- SB, 1996, Molecular Biology, University of Texas at Austin
Research Summary
We investigate how stem cells are regulated to regenerate missing tissues. We study the cellular events involved in this process and the attendant roles for regulatory genes that control regeneration steps. We utilize an array of methodologies, including high-throughput sequencing, RNA interference (RNAi) screening, and numerous assays and tools for phenotypic analysis to characterize regeneration regulatory genes.
Awards
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, HHMI Investigator, 2013
Education
- MD, 1984, Harvard Medical School
- BS, 1978, Chemistry, Swarthmore College
Research Summary
We seek to understand the genetic differences between males and females — both within and beyond the reproductive tract. We study the medical ramifications of these differences in a broad context, through comparative biological, evolutionary, developmental and clinically focused analyses. Our three main veins of research relate to sex differences in health and disease, sex chromosome genomics, and germ cell origins and development.
Awards
- American Academy of Arts and Sciences, Fellow, 2012
- March of Dimes, Developmental Biology, 2011
- National Academy of Medicine, Member, 2008
- National Academy of Sciences, Member, 2005
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, HHMI Investigator, 1990
- MacArthur Foundation, MacArthur Fellowship, 1986
Education
- PhD, 1979, Yale University
- BS, 1975, Biological Sciences, Indiana University
Research Summary
We use experimental and computational technologies to determine how signaling pathways, transcription factors, chromatin regulators and small RNAs regulate gene expression in healthy and diseased cells. Our interests range from the basic molecular mechanisms behind gene control to drug development for cancer and other diseases caused by gene misregulation.
Awards
- National Academy of Medicine, Member, 2019
- National Academy of Sciences, Member, 2012
Education
- PhD, 1993, Harvard University
- BA, 1982, Biology, Goshen College
Research Summary
We study microRNAs and other small RNAs that specify the destruction and/or translational repression of mRNAs. We also study mRNAs, focusing on their untranslated regions and poly(A) tails, and how these regions recruit and mediate regulatory phenomena.
Awards
- National Academy of Sciences, Member, 2011
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, HHMI Investigator, 2005
- National Academy of Sciences Award in Molecular Biology, 2005
- AAAS Newcomb Cleveland Prize, 2002
