Education
- PhD, 1966, Rockefeller University
- BS, 1962, Chemistry and Mathematics, Kenyon College
Research Summary
Harvey Lodish has been a leader in molecular cell biology as well as a biotechnology entrepreneur for over five decades. Much of his early research focused on the regulation of messenger RNA translation and the biogenesis of plasma membrane glycoproteins. Beginning in the 1980s, his research focused on cloning and characterizing many proteins, microRNAs, and long noncoding RNAs important for red cell development and function. His laboratory was the first to clone and sequence mRNAs encoding many hormone receptors, mammalian glucose transport proteins, and proteins important for adipose cell formation and function. He went on to identify and characterize several genes and proteins involved in insulin resistance and stress responses in adipose cells. Over the years, he has mentored hundreds of undergraduates, PhD and MD/PhD students, and postdoctoral fellows, and continues to teach award-winning undergraduate and graduate classes on biotechnology.
Harvey Lodish closed his lab in 2020 and is no longer accepting students.
Awards
- Wallace H. Coulter Award for Lifetime Achievement in Hematology, American Society of Hematology, 2021
- Donald Metcalf Award, International Society for Experimental Hematology, 2020
- American Society for Cell Biology WICB Sandra K. Masur Senior Leadership Award, 2017
- Pioneer Award, Diamond Blackfan Anemia Foundation, 2016
- Mentor Award in Basic Science, American Society of Hematology, 2010
- President, American Society for Cell Biology, 2004
- Associate Member, European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO), 1996
- National Academy of Sciences, Member, 1987
- American Academy of Arts and Sciences, Fellow, 1986
- John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation, Guggenheim Fellowship, 1977
Education
- PhD, 2002, University of California, Berkeley
- BS, 1997, Biology, Duke University
Research Summary
Our lab is fascinated by the molecular machinery that directs core cellular processes, and in particular how these processes are modulated and rewired across different physiological contexts. Our work has focused on the proteins that direct chromosome segregation and cell division, including the macromolecular kinetochore structure that mediates chromosome-microtubule interactions. Although cell division is an essential cellular process, this machinery is remarkably flexible in its composition and properties, which can vary dramatically between species and are even modulated within the same organism — over the cell cycle, during development, and across diverse physiological situations. To define the basis by which the kinetochore and other core cellular structures are rewired to adapt to diverse situations and functional requirements, we are currently investigating diverse transcriptional, translational, and post-translational mechanisms that act to generate proteomic variability both within individual cells and across tissues, cell state, development, and disease.
Awards
- Global Consortium for Reproductive Longevity and Equality (GCRLE) Scholar Award, 2020
- MIT Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP) Outstanding Mentor – Faculty, 2019
- American Society for Cell Biology (ASCB) Early Career Life Scientist Award, 2012
- Searle Scholar Award, 2009-2012
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Education
- PhD, 2005, University of California, Berkeley
- BA, 1998, Biology, Williams College
Research Summary
We focus on plant epigenetics — that is, the heritable information that influences cellular function but is not encoded in the DNA sequence itself. We use genetic, genomic and molecular biology approaches to study the fidelity of epigenetic inheritance and the dynamics of epigenomic reprogramming during reproduction, primarily in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana. More specifically, we investigate the interplay among repetitive sequences, DNA methylation and chromatin structure in these dynamic processes.
Awards
- Rosalind Franklin Young Investigator Award, 2013
- Pew Scholar in the Biomedical Sciences, 2011
Education
- MD, 1967, University of Munich
Research Summary
We aim to understand the epigenetic regulation of gene expression in mammalian development and disease. Embryonic stem cells are important because they have the potential to generate any cell type in the body and, therefore, have great potential for regenerative medicine. We study the way somatic cells reprogram to an embryonic pluripotent state, and use patient specific pluripotent cells to study complex human diseases.
Awards
- German Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Otto Warburg Medal, 2014
- New York Academy, Medicine Medal, 2013
- Franklin Institute, Benjamin Franklin Medal, 2013
- National Science Foundation, National Medal of Science, 2011
- National Science Foundation, National Medal of Science, 2010
- National Academy of Sciences, Member, 2003
Education
- PhD, 1968, University of California, San Diego
- BS, 1963, Chemistry, Kyoto University
Research Summary
We are interested in the molecular, cellular and neural circuit mechanisms underlying learning and memory in rodents. We generate genetically engineered mice, and analyze them through multiple methods including molecular and cellular biology, electrophysiology, microscopic imaging, optogenetic engineering, and behavioral studies. Ultimately, we aim to detect the effects of our manipulations at multiple levels in the brain — deducing which behaviors or cognitions are causally linked to specific processes and events taking place at the molecular, cellular, and neuronal circuit levels.
Awards
- The Nobel Foundation, Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, 1987
- Albert and Mary Lasker Award in Basic Research, 1987
- National Academy of Sciences, Member, 1986
Education
- PhD, 1994, Baylor College of Medicine; MD, 1997, Baylor College of Medicine
- BS, 1989, Biochemistry, Louisiana State University
Research Summary
Using Drosophila, we study how neurons form synaptic connections, as well as how synapses transmit information and change during learning and memory. We also investigate how alterations in neuronal signaling underlie several neurological diseases, including epilepsy, autism, and Huntington’s Disease. We hope to bridge the gap between the molecular components of the synapse and the physiological responses they mediate.
Education
- PhD, 1984, University of Wisconsin, Madison
- BS, 1979, Biochemistry, Brown University
Research Summary
We use a variety of approaches to investigate several of the fundamental and conserved processes used by bacteria for propagation and growth, adaptation to stresses, and acquisition of new genes and traits via horizontal gene transfer. Our long term goals are to understand many of the molecular mechanisms and regulation underlying basic cellular processes in bacteria. Our organism of choice for these studies is usually the Gram positive bacterium Bacillus subtilis.
Our current efforts are focused in two important areas of biology: 1) The control of horizontal gene transfer, specifically the lifecycle, function, and control of integrative and conjugative elements (ICEs). These elements are widespread in bacteria and contribute greatly to the spread of antibiotic resistances between organisms. 2) Regulation of the initiation of DNA replication and the connections between replication and gene expression, with particular focus on the conserved replication initiator and transcription factor DnaA. This work is directly related to mechanisms controlling bacterial growth, survival, and stress responses.
Awards
- National Academy of Sciences, 2014
- American Academy of Arts and Sciences, 2008
- American Academy of Microbiology 1998
- Eli Lilly Company Research Award, 1997
