Jonathan Bird

Jonathan Bird is an Associate Professor in the Department of MD-PHARMACOLOGY / THERAPEUTICS at the University of Florida. His research focuses on understanding how myosin molecular motors regulate actin dynamics in inner ear hair cells, particularly investigating the molecular mechanisms underlying hearing loss caused by defects in cytoskeletal systems. The Bird Lab employs multi-disciplinary approaches combining live cell microscopy, biochemical assays, and animal models to study stereocilia maintenance and mechanosensory function.

Teaching includes courses such as

• GMS6551 Fundamentals of Medical Pharmacology and Therapeutics
• PAS5026 Pharmacotherapeutics I
• DEN6262 Principles of Pharmacology
• GMS7979 Advanced Research
• MDU4002 Introduction to Medical Science Seminar

Research interests emphasize gene therapy strategies, high-content screening for drug discovery, and molecular motor dysfunction in diseases. Key projects explore how myosin motors regulate actin-based stereocilia structures critical for sound transduction.

Recent work includes studies on Tmem135 mutations linked to hearing loss, myosin-dependent actin filament nucleation, and large-scale datasets for cochlear hair cell analysis. Active grants from the NIDCD focus on stereocilia biophysics and hair bundle maintenance mechanisms.

Contact information: j.bird@ufl.edu | Business Address: PO Box 100267, Gainesville FL 32610