K.G. Morse (Administrative Assistant) – I provide administrative support for members of the Dong Lab with the goal of allowing them more time to focus on their science.

Joseph Lancman, Ph.D. (postdoc) – I earned my Ph.D. at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in the laboratory of Dr. John Fallon where I studied patterning and morphogenesis of the vertebrate limb. This experience solidified my interests and led me to pursue post-doctoral work that would allow me to explore how developmental genes can impact human health and disease as well as the regenerative potential of vertebrates. Since joining Dr. Dong’s laboratory, my studies helped us to discover the genes required for the specification of progenitors that will go on to form the entire liver and pancreas system. My studies are now focused on the mechanism of induced in vivo lineage conversion. Using this approach, I aim to generate replacement beta-cells, the insulin producing cells lost in diabetics.

Keith Gates, Ph.D. (postdoc) – I received my Ph.D. in Neuroscience from Stony Brook University where I studied the development of embryonic nervous system. My interest in organogenesis and regeneration led to me to this lab. The development of the hepatopancreatic system is a complex process involving the precise coordination of cell lineage specification, proliferation, migration, and differentiation.  My research is centered on how these events are determined through the interactions of signaling pathways and transcriptional networks. I am currently focused on the mechanism of Jagged/Notch signaling in Alagille Sydrome biliary paucity and regeneration. I am also using the fish vertebrate model as a platform investigate Alagille Syndrome disease alleles and Jagged/Notch basic biology and downstream mechanisms.

Keith Gates, Ph.D. (postdoc) – I received my Ph.D. in Neuroscience from Stony Brook University where I studied the development of embryonic nervous system. My interest in organogenesis and regeneration led to me to this lab. The development of the hepatopancreatic system is a complex process involving the precise coordination of cell lineage specification, proliferation, migration, and differentiation.  My research is centered on how these events are determined through the interactions of signaling pathways and transcriptional networks. I am currently focused on the mechanism of Jagged/Notch signaling in Alagille Sydrome biliary paucity and regeneration. I am also using the fish vertebrate model as a platform investigate Alagille Syndrome disease alleles and Jagged/Notch basic biology and downstream mechanisms.

Jonaton Matalonga (postdoc) – I received my Ph.D in Biomedicine at the University of Barcelona, Spain in Dr. Annabel Valledor ‘s lab where we unraveled a novel mechanism displayed by the specific nuclear receptor Liver X Receptor that protects macrophages from intracellular invasive bacteria such as Salmonella Typhimurium.  I recently joined Dr. Dong’s lab to work on projects that would address new therapeutic approaches to human diseases. My aims are to generate replacement cells by reprogramming cells in the body to directly adopt a new lineage identity. Particularly, I am working to determine which types of cells/tissues can be directly lineage reprogrammed into endoderm and further into beta cells. Further, I am translating our discoveries from fish to mammals, both in vitro and in vivo.

Sean Zeng (staff scientist) – I graduated from Vanderbilt University with a Ph.D. degree in the field of  Developmental Genetics and Cell Biology, and studied heart development as a postdoc at UCSD. I am interested in how progenitor cells contribute to organ formation and growth during normal development and regeneration. Employing genetic, transgenic, genome editing, and live imaging techniques in zebrafish, my research uses the cardiac and pancreatic lineages a model system to answer questions regarding the mechanisms of development and disease. I am currently focused on understanding how Jagged mutations contributes to Alagille Syndrome pathologies, including heart and vascular defects. Based on our recent discoveries, we believe that it will be possible to reverse Alagille Syndrome defects,leading us to screen for potential drugs to help cure this disease.

Michelle Edwards (CIRM intern) – I earned my Associates in Science - Biology Allied Health in 2015 and I’m currently pursuing a Bachelor degree in Science – Biology Cal State San Marcos. During my training I became interested in Regenerative Medicine and the development of new treatments against degenerative diseases. To further understand the mechanisms involved, I joined the Dong Lab through the CIRM Bridges to Stem Cell Research Internship in which I am participating in projects involved in cell reprogramming in the context of Diabetes.

Andrew Thomas (CIRM intern) – I received my Ph.D. in Developmental and Cell Biology from the University of California Irvine in the lab of Dr. Steven Gross. I studied regulation of the motor protein kinesin by the signaling kinase CK2 both in vitro and in cells. I determined that kinesin inactivated over time due to a conformational change in the motor domain. This inactivation and structural change was reversed by CK2 in a kinase-independent manner. I also expanded CK2 mediated motor activation to other kinesin family members and implicated the interaction in cancer.

Since joining Dr. Dong’s lab, I am developing new reporter zebrafish lines to measure glucose levels and ROS in diabetic models of zebrafish. In parallel, I am exploring different methods of regeneration to restore glucose homeostasis as alternative treatments for diabetes – from regeneration of beta-cells to regrowth of a new pancreas.