David A. Guertin, Ph.D.

Research

The work in my laboratory focuses on the mTOR-signaling pathway, which is an essential regulator of growth in many eukaryotic species. Growth factor signaling pathways have long been known to regulate stem cell fate decisions yet their exact mechanisms of action and how age affects their activity is unclear. Because stem cells may be valuable therapeutically to repair diseased or injured tissue, and cancer stem cells may be the critical targets in some cancers, understanding the molecular control of stem cell function has broad implications. We are taking a multidisciplinary approach using in vivo mouse models, purified stem cells, and pharmacological agents to define the role of mTOR signaling in stem cell function and regeneration.