Alan Rawls is an associate professor of genomics, evolution and bioinformatics in the School of Life Sciences and executive director of clinical partnerships in the Office of the University Provost.
His current research projects 1) examine the role of the protein Numb in regulating the switch between proliferation and differentiation of myogenic progenitor cells; 2) investigate the role of Mohawk, a novel homeodomain transcription factor, in the regulation of inflammation and myogenic progenitor cells proliferation and differentiation during skeletal muscle regeneration; 3) examine the signaling pathways leading to the de novo regeneration of skeletal muscle using the green anole as a model system; and 4) examine the genes responsible for early necrotic events in Muscular Dystrophy using C. elegans as a model.
Prior to joining ASU in 1997, he completed postdoctoral fellowships at UT. Southwestern Medical Center and MD Anderson Cancer Center.
Developmental Genetics, Skeletal Muscle Development and Repair
Muscle development and repair of postnatal skeletal muscle is dependent on the activation and differentiation of myogenic progenitor cells that display stem cell-like properties. This is a potentially exploitable cell population for developing cell therapy approaches for muscle loss associated with degenerative diseases, trauma, and aging. A growing body of evidence has revealed a complex role for the innate immune response in efficient muscle repair through clearance of necrotic fibers and promotion of myogenic cell proliferation and differentiation. This is dependent on pro- and anti-inflammatory macrophage produced cytokines and chemokines. Further, chronic inflammation associated with persistent necrosis of dystronopathies leads to the production of fibrosis and reduced muscle contractility. Before any cell therapy can be incorporated into clinical practice it will be necessary to characterize the genetic and biochemical basis for the regulation of muscle cell self-renewal and differentiation and the contribution of the inflammation response. This represents an important step for enhancing the self-renewal of engrafted cells, and thus their regenerative potential as therapies for myopathies.
Current Projects:
1) Examine the role of the protein Numb in regulating the switch between proliferation and differentiation of myogenic progenitor cells.
2) Investigate the role of Mohawk, a novel homeodomain transcription factor, in the regulation of inflammation and myogenic progenitor cells proliferation and differentiation during skeletal muscle regeneration.
3) Examine the signaling pathways leading to the de novo regeneration of skeletal muscle using the green anole as a model system.
4) Examine the genes responsible for early necrotic events in Muscular Dystrophy using C. elegans as a model.
Spring 2021 | |
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Course Number | Course Title |
BIO 351 | Developmental Biology |
BIO 492 | Honors Directed Study |
BIO 493 | Honors Thesis |
MED 494 | Special Topics |
HON 494 | Special Topics |
BIO 494 | Special Topics |
BIO 495 | Undergraduate Research |
Fall 2020 | |
---|---|
Course Number | Course Title |
BIO 493 | Honors Thesis |
MED 494 | Special Topics |
HON 494 | Special Topics |
BIO 494 | Special Topics |
ABS 494 | Special Topics |
BIO 495 | Undergraduate Research |
Spring 2020 | |
---|---|
Course Number | Course Title |
BIO 492 | Honors Directed Study |
BIO 493 | Honors Thesis |
BIO 495 | Undergraduate Research |
Fall 2019 | |
---|---|
Course Number | Course Title |
BIO 352 | Lab in Vertebrate Dev Anatomy |
BIO 493 | Honors Thesis |
BIO 495 | Undergraduate Research |
Spring 2019 | |
---|---|
Course Number | Course Title |
BIO 492 | Honors Directed Study |
BIO 493 | Honors Thesis |
BIO 495 | Undergraduate Research |
Fall 2018 | |
---|---|
Course Number | Course Title |
BIO 352 | Lab in Vertebrate Dev Anatomy |
BIO 493 | Honors Thesis |
BIO 495 | Undergraduate Research |
Spring 2018 | |
---|---|
Course Number | Course Title |
BIO 492 | Honors Directed Study |
BIO 493 | Honors Thesis |
BIO 495 | Undergraduate Research |
Fall 2017 | |
---|---|
Course Number | Course Title |
BIO 352 | Lab in Vertebrate Dev Anatomy |
BIO 495 | Undergraduate Research |
Spring 2017 | |
---|---|
Course Number | Course Title |
BIO 492 | Honors Directed Study |
BIO 493 | Honors Thesis |
BIO 495 | Undergraduate Research |
Fall 2016 | |
---|---|
Course Number | Course Title |
BIO 352 | Lab in Vertebrate Dev Anatomy |
BIO 495 | Undergraduate Research |