Dr. Jean Schwarzbauer

Biography

Jean E. Schwarzbauer is the Eugene Higgins Professor of Molecular Biology at Princeton University. His research primarily focuses on the regulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) and its role in various cell functions. The ECM is a fibrous, branched network comprised of glycoproteins and proteoglycans that provides critical environmental signals, controlling aspects such as cell morphology, migration, differentiation, and proliferation. Professor Schwarzbauer's studies aim to uncover novel mechanisms governing the assembly of ECM, specifically through the protein fibronectin, which directs the formation of ECM proteins into a definitive matrix. His work is crucial for understanding tissue-specific variations in matrix structure and how these regulate developmental and disease processes. With an educational background that includes a Ph.D. in Molecular Biology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a B.S. in Chemistry from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, his research spans areas of Cell Biology, Development, and Cancer. Ongoing investigations employ RNA-seq experiments to explore ECM-related gene expression changes in response to elevated glucose levels, underlining the relationship between ECM assembly and fibrotic responses that complicate conditions like diabetic nephropathy. Additionally, he is developing novel biomaterials aimed at tissue regeneration and nerve repair.

Research Interests

Experience