Craig Mello

Craig Mello is a Distinguished Professor and Blais University Chair in Molecular Medicine at UMass Chan Medical School, where he leads research in the RNA Therapeutics Institute within the T.H. Chan School of Medicine. His work spans multiple programs including the Cancer Center and Molecular Medicine.

• B.S. in Biochemistry (Brown University, 1982)
• Ph.D. in Cellular/Developmental Biology (Harvard University, 1990)

Research Focus

Mello investigates RNA-mediated gene regulation mechanisms using Caenorhabditis elegans as a model organism. His lab pioneered RNA interference (RNAi) research, revealing conserved protein pathways that govern genetic information through small RNA-guided regulatory searches. Key projects include:

• Piwi Argonaute pathways in fertility and epigenetic inheritance
• Germline determination and cell fate specification
• CRISPR-based genome editing tools for C. elegans
• Transgenerational RNA silencing mechanisms

Publications Trends

Recent work emphasizes piRNA biogenesis, SUMOylation in gene regulation, and CRISPR optimization. His studies span Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, and Genetics with applications in Humans, Animals, and Cells.

Awards & Recognition

• Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine (2006) for RNAi discovery
• Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigator (2000-)

Lab Structure

The Mello lab maintains facilities at the Albert Sherman Center, focusing on nematode genetics research and small RNA cloning methodologies. Collaborations span biochemistry, developmental biology, and therapeutics development.