Developmental Biology

The Kornfeld lab pursues two research areas: animal aging and the biology of zinc. Our goals in aging research are to characterize how animals change as they age and identify genetic and pharmacological approaches to extend the health span. We are particularly interested female reproductive aging. Our goals in zinc research are to understand mechanisms of homeostasis in response to both excess and deficiency. We have identified the lysosome as the key storage depot for zinc, and are using state of the art microscopy to define how this organelle is remodeled during zinc homeostasis.

Research keywords: aging; zinc homeostasis; C. elegans

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The Ornitz lab uses molecular, genetic, and biochemical approaches to study the regulation of cell growth, development, homeostasis, and response to injury, in the mouse. Current studies examine Fibroblast Growth Factors, FGF receptors, and a variety of other interacting signaling pathways in neonatal and adult mice, with a focus on skeletal, cardiovascular, and pulmonary development, physiology and injury response. The Ornitz laboratory has constructed FGF and FGF receptor mutants with defects in these and other organ systems. Mutant mice are being studied as genetic and developmental model systems for mesodermal and epithelial patterning, organogenesis, tissue homeostasis, and tissue repair.

Research keywords: mouse molecular genetics; bone homeostasis; alveologenesis

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Hair cells are the exquisitely sensitive sensory receptors of the auditory and vestibular systems. Research in the Sheets Lab focuses on understanding mechanisms of damage to hair-cell organs exposed to noise or ototoxic drugs and discovering cellular processes that drive repair following damage. We use the zebrafish model for our research. Zebrafish lateral-line organs contain hair cells on the surface of the body that are analogous to human hair cells yet are easily accessible. Additionally, we take advantage of the zebrafish’s ability to regenerate complex tissues to identify novel strategies for restoring damaged hair cells and innervating nerves in humans.

Research keywords: sensory neuroscience; regeneration; zebrafish

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