Lyle Simmons

Lyle Simmons is Professor in the Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology at the University of Michigan. He directs research on genome maintenance mechanisms in bacteria, using Bacillus subtilis as a model organism. His laboratory investigates DNA repair pathways, nucleic acid modifications, and responses to genomic stress.

Current projects focus on ribonucleotide excision repair, helicase loading mechanisms, and the functional impacts of N6-methyladenosine modifications. The lab employs genetic, biochemical, and single-molecule imaging approaches to study how bacterial cells maintain genome integrity and adapt to DNA damage.

Simmons teaches introductory biology and graduate seminars. His research has revealed fundamental mechanisms in DNA repair that are conserved across biology, providing insights applicable to human health and disease.