David R. Hyde

David R. Hyde is a Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Notre Dame and serves as the Kenna Director of the Center for Zebrafish Research and Director of the Center for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine. His research focuses on understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms of retinal neuron regeneration in zebrafish, with implications for treating human neurodegenerative diseases.

Dr. Hyde earned his Ph.D. in Biochemistry from Pennsylvania State University in 1985 and completed postdoctoral training at the California Institute of Technology. He joined the University of Notre Dame faculty in 1988, rising through the ranks to full Professor by 2000. He has directed zebrafish and stem cell research facilities at Notre Dame since the mid-1990s.

His research explores how Müller glia in zebrafish dedifferentiate and regenerate retinal neurons after injury, a process absent in humans. Key areas include retinal development, neuronal regeneration, stem cell reprogramming, and signaling pathways such as Notch, TNFα, Sox2, Ascl1a, Stat3, Hippo-Yap, and NF-kB. His lab uses transcriptomics and epigenomics to identify conserved and species-specific mechanisms across zebrafish, chick, and mouse models.

The recent publications highlight a strong emphasis on Müller glia reprogramming, live-cell imaging, gene editing, and interkinetic nuclear migration. These works collectively advance the understanding of regenerative neurobiology and offer potential pathways to induce regeneration in mammalian systems.

Dr. Hyde collaborates with leading institutions including Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Ohio State University, and University of Florida. His lab has received sustained funding, as evidenced by long-term projects and facility leadership, although specific grants are not listed.

He has mentored numerous trainees and contributed significantly to the field through publications and facility development. His team operates the University of Notre Dame Zebrafish Research Facility, supporting cutting-edge research in developmental and regenerative biology.