Deneen Wellik
Credentials: Cell & Regenerative Biology Department
Position title: Hox genes, Organogenesis, Regeneration, mesenchymal stem cells, Mouse genetics
Email: wellik@wisc.edu
Phone: 608-262-5491
Address:
4533 WIMR II
1111 Highland Ave.
Madison, WI 53706
LAB WEBSITE:
FOCUS GROUPS:
Developmental Biology & Regenerative Medicine; Transcriptional Mechanisms
RESEARCH DESCRIPTION:
My laboratory focuses on the role of Hox genes in development, disease, repair and regeneration using mouse as a model organism. The expression and function of Hox genes have been highly conserved throughout evolution where these genes play critical roles in many aspects of developmental patterning and organogenesis. In addition to roles in embryonic development, more recent work in my laboratory reveals that Hox-expressing cells are retained in many tissues and organs through postnatal and adult life as mesenchymal stem/precursor cells that remain important for maintenance and repair of organs and tissues. Utilizing mainly mouse developmental genetics, my laboratory explores the function of these genes in development, regeneration and repair, and in response to disease. We are currently actively exploring the musculoskeletal system and the lung as model organ systems for Hox function. Our longterm goal is to understand mechanisms by which Hox genes to direct development, repair and regeneration in mammals and to elucidate how this information can be used to improve potential regenerative therapies.
ALSO A TRAINER IN THE FOLLOWING PROGRAMS: Genetics