Thomas E. Dever

Dr. Thomas E. Dever is a Principal Investigator and head of the Section on Protein Biosynthesis at the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in Bethesda, Maryland. His research focuses on the molecular mechanisms of eukaryotic protein synthesis, particularly translational regulation through initiation and elongation factors.

Dr. Dever earned his B.S. in Chemistry from Gannon University in 1984 and his Ph.D. in Biochemistry from Case Western Reserve University in 1990. He completed postdoctoral training in the NICHD under Dr. Alan Hinnebusch before establishing his own lab in 1994.

His research interests center on translational control mechanisms, including the role of GTPases (eIF2, eIF5B, eEF2), regulation of translation initiation via eIF2α phosphorylation, the function of the hypusine-modified factor eIF5A, and how mutations in translation factors lead to human diseases such as MEHMO syndrome. His lab employs molecular genetic, biochemical, and structural approaches, often in collaboration with leading structural biologists.

Analysis of his recent publications reveals a sustained focus on the structural and functional characterization of translation factors, ribosome dynamics, regulatory mechanisms involving upstream open reading frames (uORFs), and the pathophysiological consequences of translational dysregulation. His work bridges basic molecular mechanisms with human genetic disease.

Dr. Dever is an elected fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Sciences (AAAS) and the American Academy of Microbiology (AAM), recognizing his significant contributions to science.

He mentors a team of researchers, including staff scientists, research fellows, graduate students, and technicians, indicating an active role in training and scientific leadership. His lab continues to publish high-impact research, demonstrating ongoing scientific productivity.

His laboratory investigates fundamental aspects of protein synthesis, with a particular emphasis on the Section on Protein Biosynthesis, where mechanistic insights are translated into understanding human disease.