Ophir Klein

Ophir Klein is Professor of Orofacial Sciences and Pediatrics at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), where he serves as Chief of the Division of Medical Genetics, Chair of the Division of Craniofacial Anomalies, Interim Director of the Institute for Human Genetics, and Director of the Program in Craniofacial Biology. Holding dual distinguished professorships as the Larry L. Hillblom Distinguished Professor in Craniofacial Anomalies and the Charles J. Epstein Professor of Human Genetics, Dr. Klein leads a research program at the intersection of developmental biology, stem cell research, and craniofacial medicine.

Dr. Klein's research focuses on understanding how organs form in developing embryos and regenerate in adults, with particular emphasis on craniofacial and dental development. His laboratory uses the continuously growing rodent incisor as a model system to investigate adult stem cells and their potential for regenerating dental and craniofacial tissues. Additional research areas include gastrointestinal tract regeneration and the role of signaling pathways in development, homeostasis, and cancer. His work bridges fundamental developmental mechanisms with translational applications for treating congenital anomalies and developing regenerative therapies.

Analysis of Dr. Klein's recent publications reveals a strong focus on intestinal stem cell biology, craniofacial development, and tissue engineering approaches. His research increasingly integrates advanced technologies including single-cell analysis, organoid models, and computational morphometrics to understand developmental processes and their implications for regenerative medicine. The work demonstrates a progression from basic developmental mechanisms toward translational applications in tissue engineering and regenerative therapies.

• 2021 Elected member, Association of American Physicians
• 2018 Elected member, National Academy of Medicine
• 2016 Inaugural Sustaining Outstanding Achievement in Research (SOAR) R35 Award
• 2015 E. Mead Johnson Award, Society for Pediatric Research
• 2014 Fellow, American Association for the Advancement of Science
• 2013 Outstanding Faculty Mentorship Award, UCSF Graduate Students' Association
• 2010 New Innovator Award, National Institutes of Health

Dr. Klein has secured substantial research funding as Principal Investigator on numerous NIH grants including R01, R35, and UH3/UG3 projects, as well as awards from The Kenneth Rainin Foundation and the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine. His laboratory has trained numerous graduate students and postdoctoral fellows, with several receiving national awards for their research. Current projects focus on understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms of intestinal regeneration, craniofacial development, and dental stem cell biology, with applications for treating congenital anomalies and developing regenerative therapies. The Klein lab collaborates extensively with clinicians and researchers across UCSF and other institutions to translate basic discoveries into clinical applications.