John McCarrey

John McCarrey is a Professor and the Kleberg Distinguished University Chair in Cellular and Molecular Biology at The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA), where he is also Co-Director of the Institute of Regenerative Medicine. He is affiliated with the Department of Neuroscience, Developmental and Regenerative Biology in the College of Sciences and holds joint appointments with the Department of Cell Systems & Anatomy and the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology at UT Health San Antonio. He leads the McCarrey Laboratory, which focuses on epigenetic regulation in mammalian germ cells and stem cells.

• Ph.D. in Genetics, University of California, Davis
• M.S. in Genetics, University of California, Davis
• B.S. in Animal Science, University of California, Davis

Dr. McCarrey's research centers on epigenetic mechanisms governing germ cell and stem cell function, including epigenomic reprogramming, genomic imprinting, and transgenerational epigenetic inheritance. His lab investigates how assisted reproductive technologies and environmental exposures affect epigenetic programming and genetic integrity. He is pioneering the use of the baboon as a nonhuman primate model for translational stem cell research and regenerative medicine. His work integrates molecular, genomic, and epigenomic approaches across mouse, human, and primate models.

The recent publications of Dr. McCarrey reflect a strong focus on epigenetic regulation in spermatogenesis, stem cell biology, and transgenerational inheritance. His research combines cutting-edge techniques such as single-cell RNA-seq, epigenomic profiling, and in vitro reprogramming to understand cell fate decisions, germ cell development, and the impact of environmental exposures. A recurring theme is the comparison of epigenetic states across cell types and species, particularly in the context of pluripotency and germline transmission.

• Kleberg Distinguished University Chair in Cellular and Molecular Biology

Dr. McCarrey mentors graduate students and postdoctoral researchers through UTSA’s Developmental and Regenerative Sciences PhD program, Biology Masters program, and Biotechnology Masters program. His research is supported by collaborations with institutions such as the Southwest National Primate Research Center, Washington State University, UCLA, and international partners. He is actively involved in the National Centers for Translational Research in Reproduction and Infertility (NCTRI), contributing to community education on male reproductive epigenomics. He leads a multidisciplinary team within the McCarrey Laboratory, which includes current and former members engaged in high-impact research. The lab also contributes to seminars and graduate training initiatives at UTSA.