Jerome Lacroix

Jerome Lacroix, PhD, is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biomedical Sciences at the College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific, Western University of Health Sciences. His research focuses on mechanosensitive ion channels and their role in cellular mechanotransduction. Key techniques include protein engineering, patch-clamp electrophysiology, and focused ultrasound applications. He leads the Lacroix Laboratory, which develops biotechnologies to visualize mechanical forces on cells and stimulate neurons non-invasively.

Education:

• PhD in Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Nice-Sophia Antipolis (2006)
• MSc in Cell and Molecular Pharmacology and Biology, University of Nice-Sophia Antipolis (2002)
• BSc in Cell Biology and Physiology, École Normale Supérieure de Lyon (2001)

Research Interests:

• Mechanosensitive ion channel gating mechanisms
• Development of acoustic stimulation tools for neurons
• Biophysical studies of PIEZO1 and PIEZO2 channels

Grants:

• R01 GM130834 (2019-2023): Principal Investigator
• R21 NS101384-01A1 (2018-2019): Principal Investigator

Professional Activities:

• Committee roles: GCBS Research Representative, MSMS Curriculum Committee
• Organizations: Faculty of F1000 (since 2013), The Biophysical Society (since 2007)

Laboratory: The Lacroix Laboratory emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, combining biophysics, engineering, and molecular biology to advance mechanotransduction research and translational applications.