The awesome complexity of multicellular organisms arises ultimately from a single stem cell. We are interested in cell lineage maturation, that is, the path cells follow as they arise from stem cells and generate the myriad cells of the body. Lineage maturation involves several processes, including proliferation, identity determination, survival, apoptosis, and maturation. Alterations in these processes as well as fate switching (e.g., epithelial-mesenchymal transitions), and reversal or cessation of maturation cause a variety of pathologies, for example cancer, cyst formation, birth defects, fibrosis, and organ degeneration. New insights into mechanisms regulating processes involved in cell lineage maturation suggest new therapies controlling cell growth and regenerating healthy tissues.

Current research focuses on roles of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR/ErbB) family, EGFR/ErbB1, ErbB2, ErbB3, and ErbB4. ErbB receptors act as homo- and heterodimers with striking effects on the development, maintenance, and disease of the central nervous system, heart, and many types of epithelial cells including those of the pancreas, intestine, and kidney.

We use mammalian cell culture and zebrafish as in vitro and in vivo model systems, respectively. Zebrafish are small, easily manipulated, and convenient for assessing effects in a variety of tissues. Mammalian cell culture facilitates examination of sub-cellular events, including intra-nuclear changes.