NIH Center of Biomedical Research Excellence (COBRE)
Visit the Center for Molecular Regulation of Cell Development and Differentiation to view COBRE members, advisory committee and projects.
Learn MoreDale R. Abrahamson, Ph.D.
Distinguished Professor and Chair Anatomy and Cell Biology
Dr. Abrahamson’s research concentrates on studying glomerular development during kidney organogenesis, how the glomerular basement membrane (GBM) is assembled, and what goes wrong in certain glomerular diseases that results in proteinuria.
Kyle Baumbauer, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Anatomy and Cell Biology
Chronic pain affects millions of people worldwide, more than cancer, heart disease, and diabetes combined, and despite this high prevalence rate, the mechanisms underlying many chronic pain disorders are not fully understood. These gaps in knowledge have led to a lack of effective treatment options, and therefore there is a significant need to develop novel therapeutics. Dr. Baumbauer's work primarily focuses on how inflammation affects primary afferent, and in particular, nociceptor function.
Julie Carlsten Christianson, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Anatomy and Cell Biology and Anesthesiology
Stress and pain have an intimate and reciprocal relationship with one another. The focus of Dr. Christianson’s lab is to understand how stress experienced across the lifespan affects pain processing both in the central nervous system and out in the periphery.
George C. Enders, Ph.D.
Professor, Anatomy and Cell Biology
Dr. Ender's research interests include understanding how spermatogenesis is regulated on a cellular level with specific attention to (1) the molecular cloning and characterization of a mouse germ cell nuclear antigen (mGCNA1) uniquely expressed during spermatogenesis and oogenesis; (2) characterization of the unique properties of the seminiferous tubule basement membrane; and (3) determining the factors that control and regulate embryonic germ cell number.
Lisa M. Harlan-Williams, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Anatomy and Cell Biology
Dr. Harlan-Williams is involved in basic science research related to understanding the role of BRCA1 in cellular metabolism.
Janna L. Harris, Ph.D.
Research Assistant Professor, Anatomy and Cell Biology
In the Brain Injury and Aging Laboratory, Dr. Harris leads research that focuses on the effects of older age and biological sex on the pathophysiologic mechanisms of traumatic brain injury (TBI) in animal models.
William H. Kinsey, Ph.D.
Professor, Anatomy and Cell Biology
Dr. Kinsey's research program focuses on oocyte activation at fertilization and early embryonic development.
Robert M. Klein, Ph.D.
Professor, Anatomy and Cell Biology
Dr. Klein studies inflammation as an underlying mechanism across the lifespan from perinatal development to repair in adult brain to aging and aging-related diseases.
Katherine F. Roby, Ph.D.
Research Professor, Anatomy and Cell Biology and Obstetrics and Gynecology
Dr. Roby’s research primarily focuses on furthering our understanding of the cellular and molecular events controlling normal ovarian function.
Brenda Rongish, Ph.D.
Professor, Anatomy and Cell Biology
Irfan Saadi, B.S., M.S., Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Anatomy and Cell Biology
Dr. Saadi investigates the role of a novel cytoskeletal protein, SPECC1L, in craniofacial morphogenesis and malformation.
Pamela V. Tran, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Anatomy and Cell Biology
In Dr. Tran's lab, cell and mouse models are used to investigate the role of cilia dysfunction in renal cystic disease, and in obesity and insulin resistance.
Doug E. Wright, Ph.D.
Professor, Anatomy and Cell Biology
Dr. Wright’s Sensory Nerve Disorder Lab studies peripheral nerves, sensation, and pain, and works to identify interventions and treatments to improve nerve damage, neuropathy and pain.