Education
- PhD, 2001, University of Massachusetts Medical School
- BS, 1990, Biomedical Science, Framingham State University
Research Summary
We investigate how complex circuits of genes are regulated to produce robust developmental outcomes particularly during heart development. A main focus is to determine how DNA is packaged into chromatin, and how ATP-dependent chromatin remodelers modify this packaging to control lineage commitment. We are now applying these principles to develop methods to stimulate repair of damaged cardiac tissue (e.g., regeneration). Our ability to combine genomic, genetic, biochemical, and cell biological approaches both in vitro and in vivo as well as ongoing efforts to use tissue engineering to model the 3D architecture of the heart will ultimately allow us to gain a systems level and quantitative understanding of the regulatory circuits that promote normal heart development and how faulty regulation can lead to disease.
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Awards
- Medicine by Design Distinguished Lecture, 2017
- Cardiovascular Rising Star Distinguished Lecture, 2017
- American Heart Association Innovative Research Award, 2013
- Irvin and Helen Sizer Career Development Award, 2012
- Smith Family Award for Excellence in Biomedical Science, 2009
- Massachusetts Life Sciences Center New Investigator Award, 2008
- Pew Scholars Award in the Biomedical Sciences, 2008
- Honorary Doctorate, Framingham State College, 2007
- The Scientific American World’s 50 Top Leaders in Research, Business or Policy, 2006
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, 1987, Case Western Reserve University; MD, 1989, Case Western Reserve University
- BS, 1981, Chemistry with Concentration in Solid-State and Polymer Physics, Cornell University
Research Summary
Our goal is to understand how signaling pathways are integrated at the molecular and systems levels to control cellular responses. We have two main focuses: First, we study signaling pathways and networks that control cell cycle progression and DNA damage responses in cancer and cancer therapy. Second, we examine the cross-talk between inflammation, cytokine signaling and cancer. Much of our work focuses on how modular protein domains and kinases work together to build molecular signaling circuits, and how this information can be used to design synergistic drug combinations for the personalized treatment of human disease.
Awards
- MacVicar Faculty Fellow, 2021
- Fellow, Association of American Physicians, 2021
- Teaching with Digital Technology Award, 2018
Education
- PhD, 1998, University of California, Los Angeles
- SB, 1992, Physics, Harvard University
Research Summary
Our goal is to understand, at a high level of detail, how the interaction properties of proteins are encoded in their sequences and structures. We investigate protein-protein interactions by integrating data from high throughput assays, structural modeling, and bioinformatics with biochemical and biophysical experiments. Much of our work focuses on α-helical coiled-coil proteins, Bcl-2 apoptosis-regulating proteins, and protein domains that bind to short linear motifs.
Education
- PhD, 1976, California Institute of Technology
- BS, 1971, Chemistry, Tulane University
Research Summary
We use genetic, biochemical, physiologic, chemical, cellular and molecular biological methods to study cell surface receptor structure and function. We focus on lipoprotein receptors — in particular, the High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) receptor called Scavenger Receptor, Class B, Type I (SR-BI). Our analyses have provided insight into basic biological processes, contributed to our understanding of atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease (CHD) and have uncovered an unexpected connection between cholesterol and mammalian female infertility.
No longer accepting new students.
Awards
- Tulane University School of Science and Engineering Outstanding Alumnus Award, 2010
- National Academy of Sciences, Member, 2009
- Outstanding Achievement Award for Contributions to Atherosclerosis Research, International Atherosclerosis Society, 2009
- Margaret MacVicar Faculty Fellow, 1993-2003
Education
- PhD, 2002, Stanford University
- BS, 1997, Molecular Biology, University of California, San Diego
Research Summary
We study the biological mechanisms and evolution of how cells process information to regulate their own growth and proliferation. Using bacteria as a model organism, we aim to elucidate the detailed molecular basis for this remarkable regulatory capability, and understand the selective pressures and mechanisms that drive the evolution of signaling pathways. Our work is rooted in a desire to develop a deeper, fundamental understanding of how cells function and evolve, but it also has important medical implications since many signaling pathways in pathogenic bacteria are needed for virulence.
Awards
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, HHMI Investigator, 2015
- National Science Foundation, Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers, 2010
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Early Career Scientist, 2009
Education
- PhD, 2010, Harvard University
- SB, 2004, Physics, National Tsinghua University
Research Summary
We seek to understand the optimization of bacterial proteomes at both mechanistic and systems levels. Our work combines high-precision assays, genome-wide measurements, and quantitative/biophysical modeling. Ongoing projects focus on the design principles of transcription, translation, and RNA maturation machineries in the face of competing cellular processes.
Awards
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Smith Odyssey Award, 2020
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MIT Committed to Caring Award, 2020
- NSF Career Award, 2019
- Pew Biomedical Scholar, 2017
- Smith Family Award for Excellence in Biomedical Research, 2017
- NIGMS R35 Maximizing Investigator Research Award, 2017
- Sloan Research Fellowship, 2016
- Searle Scholar, 2016
- NIH Pathway to Independence Award, 2013
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
- ScD, 1966, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- BS, 1962, Food Science, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign
Research Summary
The Sinskey Lab leverages an interdisciplinary approach to metabolic engineering — focusing on the fundamental physiology, biochemistry, and molecular genetics of important organisms to determine key factors that regulate the synthesis of different biomolecules. The lab supports a broad range of interests, examining amino acid metabolism in Corynebacterium glutamicum, bioremediation and bioconversion processes in Rhodococcus, and biopolymer synthesis in Gram-negative bacteria. As for eukaryotic systems, we study both lipid biosynthesis and embryogensis in oil palm, as well as the accumulation of secondary metabolites in tropical plants.
Education
- PhD, 2008, University of Michigan; MD, 2008, University of Michigan Medical School
- BS, 1999, Biochemistry and Physics, University of Michigan
Research Summary
The adult intestine is maintained by stem cells that require a cellular neighborhood, or niche, consisting in part of Paneth cells. Our laboratory will investigate the molecular mechanisms of how intestinal stem cells and their Paneth cell niche respond to diverse diets to coordinate intestinal regeneration with organismal physiology and its impact on the formation and growth of intestinal cancers. By better understanding how intestinal stem cells adapt to diverse diets, we hope to identify and develop new strategies that prevent and reduce the growth of cancers involving the intestinal tract that includes the small intestine, colon, and rectum.
Awards
- AAAS Martin and Rose Wachtel Cancer Research Award, 2018
- Pew-Stewart Trust Scholar, 2016-2020
- Sidney Kimmel Scholar, 2016-2020
- V Foundation Scholar, 2014-2017
- Harold M. Weintraub Award, 2007
