James T. Elder

James T. Elder is a Professor at the University of Michigan Medical School, where he holds the Kirk D. Wuepper Professorship of Molecular Genetic Dermatology. His research focuses on the molecular genetics of skin diseases, particularly psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, using advanced genetic linkage and association techniques.

• Education: MD and PhD in Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry from Yale University
• Postdoctoral Training: Internal Medicine Internship, Dermatology Residency, and Research Fellowship at the University of Washington
• Senior Research Fellowship: University of Michigan

Dr. Elder’s laboratory investigates:

• Genetic mechanisms underlying psoriasis susceptibility outside the MHC
• Role of the EGF receptor in wound healing and carcinogenesis
• Somatic mutations in melanocytic nevi and melanomas
• Use of scRNA-seq and spatial sequencing to dissect inflammatory processes in psoriasis
• Pharmacogenetic insights for TNF signaling in psoriasis

Recent publications highlight his work in genome-wide association studies (GWAS), lncRNA profiling, and 3D genome analysis using tools like Loopsim. His lab is a global leader in understanding the intersection of genetics and immune activation in skin diseases.

Scientific contributions include:

• Discovery of HLA-Cw6 as the PSORS1 disease allele in 2006
• Advancing psoriasis susceptibility gene mapping
• Developing computational methods for chromosome conformation analysis

Dr. Elder is affiliated with the Center for Cell Plasticity and Organ Design, where he integrates molecular biology and genetics to explore skin disease mechanisms.