Vision
The Center for Regenerative and Developmental Biology (TCRDB) is home to basic, translational, and clinical research using integrative biophysical approaches to make fundamental advances in regeneration, cancer, aging, and birth defects. The Center's unique emphasis includes (1) utilization of powerful model species from which profound lessons about regeneration can be learned; (2) a focus on understanding and learning to use the bioelectrical control systems regulating cell proliferation and differentiation, (3) pursuit of the understanding of the self-assembly of complex 3-dimensional structures using molecular analysis combined with synthetic modeling systems approaches, and (4) development of technologies to manipulate the behavior of adult somatic cells.
Background
The current popularity of stem cell approaches and the long-term almost exclusive focus on biochemical factors have led to a failure to develop important alternative approaches for understanding and controling tissue growth. It has long been known that a number of animal species can regenerate large portions of their bodies as adults; it is imperative to learn how these processes occur in order to be able to induce regeneration of damaged tissues in man. TCRDB efforts will focus on understanding how cell behavior is normally orchestrated throughout embryonic development and adulthood, and then learning to control it to achieve the regeneration of tissues and organs as needed. A crucial component of this control system is bioelectrical. Indeed, proof-of-principle studies have demonstrated that the regenerative potential of adult tissues can be unlocked by manipulating their biophysical properties.
The TCRDB is assembling a critical center of mass in facilities and expertise to apply the most powerful tools of molecular genetics and biophysics to the problem of pattern formation in animal model systems. Through highly-interdisciplinary, systems-biology approaches including molecular and cell biologists, mathematicians, and bioengineers, we will gain profound and generally applicable insights into the control of cell fate and tissue form. These will be transitioned from basic advances in developmental biology into clinical applications. Targeted focus areas include birth defects, cancer biology, regeneration of adult tissues, and neuronal plasticity.
Leadership and Staff
Director: Dr. Michael Levin