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Vanderbilt Center for Stem Cell Biology (VCSCB)

Mark A. Magnuson

Professor of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics
Professor of Medicine
Professor of Cell and Developmental Biology
Director, Center for Stem Cell Biology

Research Description

We have a longstanding interest in genes, gene networks, and their regulation. Currently our research is focused on two different gene regulatory networks.
1. Cis-regulatory elements that regulate Sox17. Sox17 is necessary for formation of the hepato-pancreato-biliary (HPB) system emergence of vascular-hematopoietic cells. We are using CRISPR/Cas9-mediated mutagenesis in mice to characterize proximal and distal cis-regulatory elements that control Sox17 expression.
2. Role of Ascl1 in the metabolic stress response of pancreatic beta-cells.  Ascl1 is induced by Ca2+-signaling and promotes the expression of genes that control cell identity, proliferation, acetylcholine sensitivity, and parasympathetic innervation.  We are using CRISPR inhibition to investigate these genes and the processes they regulate.

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