Ricardo A. Feldman

Dr. Ricardo A. Feldman is a Professor in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Maryland School of Medicine (UMSOM) and a founding member of The Center for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine.

Education:

• PhD, Cell Biology, New York University School of Medicine
• Post-doctoral training, Rockefeller University (Dr. Hidesaburo Hanafusa lab)
• Research at National Cancer Institute (Dr. Doug Lowy lab)

Research Focus: Dr. Feldman’s laboratory utilizes human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) to model lysosomal storage disorders (particularly Gaucher disease and Parkinson’s disease), investigating mechanisms of sphingolipid imbalance, lysosomal dysfunction, and Wnt/β-catenin signaling disruptions. Key discoveries include:

• GCase deficiency impairing lysosomal biogenesis via TFEB downregulation
• Wnt signaling defects causing neurodevelopmental and osteoblast abnormalities
• Novel therapeutic strategies using enzyme replacement and Wnt activation

Publications: His recent work (2012-present) focuses on iPSC-based modeling of Gaucher/Parkinson’s pathologies, while earlier contributions (2002-2010) explored hematopoietic stem cell niches, tyrosine kinase signaling in differentiation, and oncogene mechanisms. Research consistently bridges molecular mechanisms with translational applications.

Laboratory: Specializes in iPSC differentiation, 3D organoids, molecular genetics, and in vivo imaging for regenerative medicine and drug discovery.