Dominique R. Alfandari

Dominique R. Alfandari is a Professor of Developmental Biology in the Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. His research focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms regulating cranial neural crest cell migration during vertebrate embryogenesis, particularly through the role of ADAM metalloproteases in cell-cell interactions and extracellular matrix remodeling. He holds multiple NIH grants and has contributed significantly to studies on ADAM proteins' roles in cell migration, gene expression regulation, and histone modifications.

Education:

• Ph.D.: University of Pierre & Marie Curie, Paris 6 (1994)
• Postdoctoral Training: University of Virginia, Department of Cell Biology

Research Interests:

• ADAM proteases' regulation of cranial neural crest cell migration
• Role of extracellular matrix remodeling in embryonic development
• Epigenetic mechanisms linking ADAM activity to gene expression
• Monoclonal antibody development for Xenopus proteins

Grants & Awards:

• NIH RO1DE14365 (2001-2006)
• NIH RO1DE16289 (2006-2023)
• NSF 0544015 (2005-2008)
• Multiple NIH R24 and RO1 grants

Labs & Collaborations:

• Alfandari Lab at UMass focuses on craniofacial development, ADAM signaling, and epigenetic regulation
• Recent projects include monoclonal antibody production and studies on Histone modifications in neural crest cells