Dr. Matt Michael

Biography

Matt Michael is a Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at USC Dornsife. His research focuses on genome biology, tackling significant problems in gene expression regulation across the entire genome. His lab has made significant discoveries related to the molecular pathways involved in global gene silencing during germline development in C. elegans. Recent findings include the role of the energy-sensing kinase AMPK, which is activated in primordial germ cells (PGCs) under nutrient-deprived conditions, promoting a global chromatin compaction (GCC) event. This GCC leads to genome organization that silences gene expression, which is crucial during the transition of oocytes and spermatocytes entering meiotic prophase. Current projects in his lab investigate the mechanisms of GCC and its relationship with DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) and genome activation. His long-standing interest includes understanding DNA-based signaling pathways that prevent genome destabilization, focusing primarily on ATR kinase and its roles in DSB repair and cellular responses to genomic threats, making significant strides in cancer biology.

Research Interests

Awards