Overview
My lab focuses on tissue stem cell research using the skeletal muscle and adipose tissue as the organ systems. We are interested in understanding the molecular regulation of stem cell fate determination and how deregulation of stem cell homeostasis leads to degenerative and chronic diseases; and exploring strategies to target stem cells to treat diseases such as muscular dystrophy, obesity, type 2 diabetes and cancer. We use standard cellular, molecular and developmental biology techniques and animal models to pursue these goals.
Current Appointments & Affiliations
Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery
·
2024 - Present
Orthopaedic Surgery,
Clinical Science Departments
Professor of Pathology
·
2024 - Present
Pathology,
Clinical Science Departments
Professor of Cell Biology
·
2026 - Present
Cell Biology,
Basic Science Departments
Member of the Duke Cancer Institute
·
2024 - Present
Duke Cancer Institute,
Institutes and Centers
Recent Publications
Chondrolectin regulates the sublaminar localization and regenerative function of muscle satellite cells in mice
Journal Article Iscience · May 15, 2026 Skeletal muscle satellite cells (SCs) reside between the myofiber sarcolemma and basal lamina, where extracellular matrix (ECM) interactions maintain stemness and regenerative function. Here, we identify chondrolectin (CHODL), a type I transmembrane protei ... Full text CiteNotch signaling regulates the secretion of pro-metastatic factors in extracellular vesicles in liposarcoma.
Journal Article Cancer Lett · April 24, 2026 Notch signaling is an emerging regulator of liposarcoma (LPS), but its role in mediating communication with the tumor microenvironment (TME) is unclear. Here, we investigate how Notch activation (NICD overexpression) alters the proteomes of LPS-derived ext ... Full text Link to item CitePharmacological Inhibition of N-terminal methyltransferase 1 promotes myogenic differentiation and muscle regeneration in a mouse model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
Journal Article Stem Cell Res Ther · April 15, 2026 BACKGROUND: Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), caused by mutations of the DMD gene, is a lethal degenerative disease with no cure. Stimulating myogenesis of muscle stem cells (MuSCs) represents a promising strategy to ameliorate muscle pathology in DMD pat ... Full text Link to item CiteRecent Grants
Metabolic regulation of muscle satellite cell homeostasis
ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases · 2025 - 2027Targeting PTEN to ameliorate muscular dystrophy in a mouse model
ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2025 - 2027Immunomyoblasts in muscle regeneration
ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases · 2024 - 2027View All Grants
Education
University of Alberta (Canada) ·
2002
Ph.D.