معرفی
Jan Christian is a Professor of Neurobiology and Internal Medicine at the University of Utah, with affiliations in the Hematology/BMT division and the Cancer Center's Cell Response & Regulation program. Utilizing both Xenopus and mouse models, their research investigates Transforming Growth Factor Beta (TGFß) and Bone Morphogenetic Protein (BMP) family signaling mechanisms in embryonic development and adult disease prevention.
- B.S. Southern Oregon University
- Ph.D. University of Washington
Research Focus:
The Christian lab explores two interconnected areas: (1) Functional consequences of point mutations in BMP prodomains causing human birth defects and iron overload, emphasizing their role in ligand folding and dimerization dynamics; (2) Molecular mechanisms of Tril, a transmembrane protein regulating TGFß/BMP signaling during embryogenesis and acting as a Toll-like receptor (Tlr) co-receptor in adult neuroplasticity.
Publication Trends:
Recent work reveals critical BMP heterodimer functions in mammalian development (BMP2/7 and BMP4/7), Tril's dual role in developmental signaling and immune pathways, and novel mechanisms of prodomain mutations affecting human health. Research spans structural biology, signal transduction, and translational applications for birth defect prevention.
