Keith Mostov

Keith Mostov, MD, PhD, is a Professor at the University of California San Francisco leading the Mostov Lab. His research focuses on epithelial organ formation and regeneration, specifically investigating how shape, structure, and size of epithelial tubes are determined during development and how this knowledge can drive regenerative therapies for damaged organs.

His educational background includes:

• B.A. in Biology from University of Chicago (1976)
• Rhodes Scholar in Physiology at New College, Oxford (1976-77)
• Ph.D. in Cell Biology from Rockefeller University (1983)
• M.D. from Cornell University Medical College (1984)

Dr. Mostov's work centers on epithelial morphogenesis, with particular emphasis on tube size regulation in organs like the kidney and digestive system. His lab discovered key genes controlling small intestine length, revealing signaling pathways that could enable regeneration of intestinal length in conditions like short bowel syndrome. Research employs mammalian models to study crypt-villus dynamics, stem cell behavior, and mechanical forces in development.

Analysis of his recent publications shows consistent focus on cell polarity determinants (PI(3,4)P2, Par3), cytoskeletal regulators (RhoGEF, ROCK), and signaling pathways (Hedgehog, cAMP/PKA) in epithelial tube formation. His work bridges developmental biology, cell mechanics, and regenerative medicine, with implications for congenital disorders and organ repair.

His scientific contributions are recognized by prestigious awards:

• Rhodes Scholar (1976)
• Searle Scholar (1989)
• Cancer Research Institute Investigator Award (1990)
• American Heart Association Established Investigator (2002-2012)
• NIAID MERIT Award (2017)
• ASCB Lifetime Achievement Fellow

As principal investigator, Dr. Mostov mentors graduate students and postdocs while securing major grants like the NIAID MERIT Award. His lab maintains extensive collaborations across cell biology and regenerative medicine fields, with research supported by sustained NIH funding reflecting scientific impact.

The Mostov Lab operates as a multidisciplinary team using advanced imaging, molecular genetics, and organoid models to study epithelial morphogenesis. Current work explores mechanical forces in tube elongation, exosome trafficking in polarity establishment, and signaling crosstalk in regeneration.