Cole Michael Haynes

Cole Michael Haynes is a Professor in the Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology at UMass Chan Medical School, with additional appointments in the Morningside Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences across multiple departments including Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, Cancer Biology, and the Interdisciplinary Graduate Program. His research program investigates cellular responses to mitochondrial dysfunction, with particular focus on the mitochondrial unfolded protein response (UPRmt) pathway.

• BS in Biology from Truman State University
• PhD in Cell Biology & Biophysics from University of Missouri-Kansas City
• Postdoctoral training with David Ron at NYU School of Medicine
• Established independent lab at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in 2009
• Joined UMass Chan Medical School in 2016

Haynes' research has established fundamental mechanisms of how cells monitor mitochondrial function and adapt transcriptionally through the UPRmt pathway. His work spans from basic mechanisms in C. elegans to mammalian systems, with significant implications for understanding aging, cancer, stem cell maintenance, and host-pathogen interactions. Using both genetic and biochemical approaches, his laboratory has made key discoveries regarding the ATFS-1 transcription factor, mitochondrial-nuclear communication, and the propagation of deleterious mitochondrial genomes. Current research directions include UPRmt signaling mechanisms, the relationship between mitochondrial dysfunction and innate immunity, and the role of mitochondrial stress responses in disease contexts.

Haynes' publication record shows consistent output with 15 recent articles (2022-2025) in high-impact journals including Nature Cell Biology, Cell Reports, and Nature Metabolism. His work demonstrates a clear progression from mechanistic studies of UPRmt activation to broader implications in metabolism, immunity, and disease. The research themes consistently center on mitochondrial proteostasis, stress signaling, and the cellular adaptations to mitochondrial dysfunction across multiple biological contexts.

• 2016 ASBMB Young Investigator Award
• 62nd Mallinckrodt Scholar
• Ellison Medical Foundation Scholar
• Boyer Award
• Glenn Award for Research in Biological Mechanisms of Aging

Haynes actively mentors graduate students and postdoctoral researchers in his laboratory, with current members including Yunguang Du (Research Associate II), Sookyoung Kim (Graduate Student), Avijit Mallick (Post Doctoral Associate), Levi Ali (Graduate Student), and Theresa Ramalho (Post Doctoral Associate). His lab is located in the Lazare Research Building at UMass Chan Medical School. The research program receives funding from multiple sources supporting investigations into mitochondrial stress responses and their implications for human health and disease.