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Terry H. Lechler

Professor in Dermatology
Dermatology
Duke Box 3709, Durham, NC 27710
310 Nanaline Duke Bldg, Durham, NC 27710

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

In the News


Published April 15, 2022
School of Medicine Celebrates 2022 Faculty Achievement Awards

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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 Cite

Mesenchymal 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 Cite

Compartment 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 Cite
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Recent Grants


Roles for desmsomes in mRNA localization and translational regulation

ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2024 - 2029

Tau Mediates Microtubule and Mitochondrial Dynamics to Control Cellular Organization and Alveolar Epithelial Repair

ResearchCo Investigator · Awarded by National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute · 2024 - 2029

Mechanism of epidermal coordination during development and regeneration in zebrafish

ResearchCollaborating Investigator · Awarded by National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases · 2023 - 2028

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Education, Training & Certifications


Harvard University · 2001 Ph.D.