Carl H. Johnson

Carl H. Johnson, PhD is the Cornelius Vanderbilt Professor of Biological Sciences and Professor of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine. His research focuses on chronobiology, particularly the cellular and molecular mechanisms of biological clocks in organisms from bacteria to mammals.

He holds dual appointments in the departments of Biological Sciences and Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, reflecting his interdisciplinary work. His lab, located in the MCN (Learned Labs), investigates circadian rhythms in cyanobacteria (e.g., the Kai protein system) and mammalian neurobiology, including their implications for sleep disorders like Angelman Syndrome. Key techniques include bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET) for studying protein interactions and circadian rhythms in brain slices.

Research is supported by grants from the National Science Foundation (NSF), National Institutes of Health (NIGMS & NIMH), and others like the Air Force Office of Scientific Research. His work bridges fundamental biology with applied areas such as optimizing biofuel production via cyanobacteria and developing chronotherapeutic strategies.

Lab Website: Biological Clocks Research (URL omitted for formatting).