Gregory J. Pazour, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, University of Massachusetts Medical School
Education:
1991 Ph.D. Biochemistry University of Minnesota
1986 B.S. Chemistry, South Dakota State University
1986 B.S. Biology, South Dakota State University
Professional Experience:
2006- Associate Professor of Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School
2002-2006 Assistant Professor of Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School
1999-2002 Research Assistant Professor of Cell Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School
1997-1999 Instructor of Cell Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical Center
1991-1997 Postdoctoral Research Associate, Worcester Foundation for Biomedical Research
Topic: New Roles for an Ancient Organelle: Ciliary Defects Cause Cystic Kidney Disease and Structural Birth Defects
Dr. Pazour obtained his Ph.D at University of Minnesota and did his postdoctoral work at UMASSMedicalCenter, and is now an associate Professor at UMASS. The goal of his research is to understand the function of the primary cilium in mammalian development and also in tissue homeostasis and the development of disease. A key finding of his postdoctoral work established that the Tg737 polycystic kidney disease gene encoded IFT88 and is required for ciliary assembly in both Chlamydomonas and mouse (Pazour et al. 2000 J Cell Biol). This was the first demonstration of a ciliary defect in polycystic kidney disease and helped to usher in the modern era of primary cilia research. Since becoming an independent investigator, his group has transitioned to mouse and mammalian cell culture to study cilia. He has focused on understanding the processes by which ciliary membrane proteins are sorted and delivered to the ciliary membrane and the role that cilia play in the development of complex organs like the kidney, eye, heart and pancreas. Among the honors he has received include Bensley Award in Cell Biology from the American Association of Anatomists, Keith R. Porter Fellow, and Molecular Biology of the Cell Paper of the Year.
Venue: Room143, New Biology Building, THU
Time: Mar. 5 (Tuesday), 2013; 16:30
Host: Prof. Junmin Pan
