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
Cell type-specific spatiotemporal control of GFP-tagged protein degradation in mice.
Journal Article J Cell Biol · April 6, 2026 Loss-of-function studies are a central approach to understanding gene/protein function. In mice, this often relies upon heritable recombination at the DNA level. This approach is slow and nonreversible, which limits both spatial and temporal resolution of ... Full text Link to item CiteMitochondrial transfer from glia to neurons protects against peripheral neuropathy.
Journal Article Nature · January 7, 2026 Primary sensory neurons in dorsal root ganglia (DRG) have long axons and a high demand for mitochondria, and mitochondrial dysfunction has been implicated in peripheral neuropathy after diabetes and chemotherapy1,2. However, the mechanisms by which primary ... Full text Open Access Link to item CiteControl 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 CiteRecent Grants
Roles for desmsomes in mRNA localization and translational regulation
ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases · 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.