Overview
My lab is interested in understanding how tissue architecture and physiology are controlled. We study this in a variety of organ systems, including the skin the gut, and with approaches ranging from in vitro reconstitution to in vivo mouse models. Our goal is to understand the underlying cell biology controlling tissue development and function. We are particularly interested in the roles of cell-cell interactions, adhesion and the cytoskeleton in the control of stem cell fate and differentiation.
Current Appointments & Affiliations
Professor in Dermatology
·
2020 - Present
Dermatology,
Clinical Science Departments
Professor in Cell Biology
·
2020 - Present
Cell Biology,
Basic Science Departments
Member of the Duke Cancer Institute
·
2006 - Present
Duke Cancer Institute,
Institutes and Centers
Affiliate of the Duke Regeneration Center
·
2021 - Present
Duke Regeneration Center,
Basic Science Departments
Recent Publications
Control of epithelial tissue organization by mRNA localization.
Journal Article Nat Commun · June 5, 2025 mRNA localization to specific subcellular regions is common in mammalian cells but poorly understood in terms of its physiological roles. This study demonstrates the functional importance of Net1 mRNA, which we find prominently localized at the dermal-epid ... Full text Link to item CiteMesenchymal cell contractility regulates villus morphogenesis and intestinal architecture.
Journal Article Dev Biol · March 2025 The large absorptive surface area of the small intestine is imparted by finger-like projections called villi. Villi formation is instructed by stromal-derived clusters of cells which have been proposed to induce epithelial bending through actomyosin contra ... Full text Link to item CiteCompartment specific responses to contractility in the small intestinal epithelium.
Journal Article PLoS Genet · March 2024 Tissues are subject to multiple mechanical inputs at the cellular level that influence their overall shape and function. In the small intestine, actomyosin contractility can be induced by many physiological and pathological inputs. However, we have little ... Full text Link to item CiteRecent Grants
Roles for desmsomes in mRNA localization and translational regulation
ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2024 - 2029Tau Mediates Microtubule and Mitochondrial Dynamics to Control Cellular Organization and Alveolar Epithelial Repair
ResearchCo Investigator · Awarded by National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute · 2024 - 2029Mechanism of epidermal coordination during development and regeneration in zebrafish
ResearchCollaborating Investigator · Awarded by National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases · 2023 - 2028View All Grants
Education, Training & Certifications
Harvard University ·
2001
Ph.D.