Ian Macara, Ph.D.
Chair, Department of Cell & Developmental Biology
Professor of Cell & Developmental Biology
Louise B McGavock Chair
- : ian.macara@vanderbilt.edu
- :
U 3209 MRB-III
U 3209 MRB III
Nashville, Tennessee - 37232-8240 - : Lab Website
Research Description
Epithelia form the majority of tissues in your body and are the source of 90% of human cancers. Epithelial structures form sheets and tubes and are highly polarized. They arise from stem cells or progenitors. Our lab is deeply interested in how epithelial cells make collective decisions and maintain homeostasis; and how these processes are disrupted during cancer initiation. We use human embryonic stem cells, epithelial cell lines, and mouse mammary glands as model epithelial systems. We develop novel transgenic mouse models, genome-wide CRISPR screens, and quantitative, single-molecule imaging modalities to address fundamental questions about epithelial function.
***
Vanderbilt Faculty Profile
Google Scholar
Publications