Joshua D Wythe

Joshua D. Wythe is an Associate Professor in the Department of Cell and Developmental Biology at the University of Virginia School of Medicine. His research focuses on the molecular and genetic mechanisms underlying cardiovascular development and cerebrovascular pathologies, with a particular emphasis on endothelial cell differentiation and brain vascular diseases such as arteriovenous malformations and glioblastoma. He leads the Wythe Lab, which utilizes zebrafish and mouse models combined with bioinformatics, functional genomics, and 3D imaging to investigate blood vessel formation and dysfunction.

• BA in History, Miami University
• BS in Botany, Miami University
• PhD in Oncological Sciences / Cardiovascular Development, University of Utah School of Medicine
• Postdoctoral Fellowship in Cardiovascular Development and Disease, University of California, San Francisco

Dr. Wythe's research interests span cardiovascular biology, developmental biology, transcriptional regulation, and translational science. His lab investigates how transcriptional networks govern endothelial plasticity, the role of RAS/MEK/ERK signaling in brain arteriovenous malformations, and novel therapeutic targets in glioblastoma. The work integrates molecular genetics, imaging, and bioinformatics to understand both normal vascular development and pathological conditions.

The recent publications reflect a strong trend in vascular development, disease modeling, and technological innovation. Key themes include transcriptional control of endothelial identity, signaling pathways in vascular malformations, and advanced imaging techniques for 3D tissue visualization. The research spans from basic developmental mechanisms to translational applications in brain cancers and cerebrovascular disorders.

Dr. Wythe actively mentors graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and undergraduates, fostering a collaborative and interdisciplinary research environment. His lab is currently recruiting researchers with expertise in developmental biology, genomics, bioinformatics, and imaging. Funding supports multiple projects aimed at uncovering transcriptional regulators essential for cardiovascular function and disease.

The Wythe Lab is equipped to conduct cutting-edge research using genetically modified animal models, single-cell analyses, and advanced microscopy. The team develops and shares resources such as FishNET for zebrafish colony management and EZ Clear for tissue clearing, contributing to the broader scientific community.