Thomas A. Cooper

Thomas A. Cooper is a Professor at Baylor College of Medicine, holding joint appointments in Pathology & Immunology, Molecular and Cellular Biology, and Molecular Physiology and Biophysics. He holds the R. Clarence and Irene H. Fulbright Chair in Pathology and the S. Donald Greenberg Chair in Pathology. His research focuses on RNA processing mechanisms, particularly alternative splicing regulation and its role in myotonic dystrophy pathogenesis. Cooper's lab investigates how dysregulated RNA processing leads to neuromuscular diseases and cardiac dysfunction.

Education:

• BS in Biology, Moravian College (1977)
• MD, Temple University School of Medicine (1982)
• Postdoctoral Fellowship, University of California, San Francisco (1982–1986)

Research Interests: Dr. Cooper's work centers on understanding the molecular mechanisms of RNA processing in health and disease. Key areas include:
- Regulation of alternative splicing by CELF and MBNL proteins
- Pathogenesis of myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1), focusing on CUG repeat RNA toxicity
- Developmental regulation of splicing in skeletal muscle and heart
- Therapeutic strategies targeting RNA toxicity and splicing defects

Recent Research Trends: Recent publications highlight advancements in CRISPR-based therapies for cardiac manifestations of DM1, the role of MBNL proteins in compensatory splicing, and the impact of microtubule dynamics on muscle function. Work on CELF1 overexpression and its link to muscle wasting underscores the lab's translational focus in RNA-based diseases.

Awards:

• Michael E. DeBakey Excellence in Research Award (2014, 2018)
• Steinert Award for Myotonic Dystrophy Research (2022)
• NIH and Myotonic Dystrophy Foundation grants

Funding & Grants:

• NIH R01 grants for transcriptome processing in skeletal muscle and DM1 cardiac mechanisms
• NIAMS-funded projects on CUG-repeat RNA complexes and muscle pathogenesis

His lab collaborates on mouse models and CRISPR tools to study disease mechanisms and therapeutic interventions.

Labs & Collaborations: The Cooper Lab fosters interdisciplinary research, training postdocs and graduate students in RNA biology and disease modeling. Collaborations span cardiology, neurology, and molecular genetics, with a focus on translating basic findings into clinical applications.