Dr. Cynthia Loomis

Biography

Cynthia Loomis, MD, PhD, is an Assistant Professor with a research focus on the molecular mechanisms underlying skin and limb patterning during embryonic development. Her work investigates how key regulatory molecules specify the fates of individual cells and the overall shapes, sizes, and distributions of organs and structures. Defects in these regulatory genes can lead to serious congenital malformations. Dr. Loomis collaborates with Dr. Alexandra Joyner at NYU School of Medicine to explore the role of Engrailed-1 (En1), a transcription factor crucial for dorsal-ventral patterning of the developing limb and overlying skin. The loss of En1 function results in the absence of ventral limb structures, including palmar features, sweat glands, and sesamoid bones, leading to duplications in dorsal structures. Her recent research indicates that En1 influences palmar/plantar ectoderm differentiation and the formation of epidermal appendages such as hair, glands, and nails. Dr. Loomis aims to use mouse models to further dissect the genetic regulation of skin and limb development.

Research Interests