Dr. Mitchell Lazar

Biography

Mitchell Lazar is the Willard Rhoda Ware Professor at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. He conducts research on the transcriptional regulation of metabolism, particularly focusing on the role of nuclear receptors (NRs). His laboratory investigates how NRs can function as potent transcriptional repressors in the absence of their ligands, binding to DNA and recruiting corepressor complexes that include chromatin-modulating enzymes like histone deacetylase 3. Lazar explores tissue-specific physiological roles of these corepressor complexes by integrating genomic, genetic, proteomic, bioinformatic, and metabolic phenotyping approaches. A key component of his research is the nuclear receptor Rev-erb alpha, which coordinates metabolism with biological rhythms and plays a significant role in circadian regulation. Additionally, he studies PPAR gamma, a master regulator of adipocyte differentiation, which has potent antidiabetic activity and links obesity with diabetes. His research encompasses both genetic and molecular factors affecting metabolism in mice and humans, contributing significantly to understanding metabolic diseases.

Research Interests