Headshot of John Matt Velkey

Education

PH.D. University of Michigan; M.S. University of Mississippi; B.S. Millsaps College;  

Research Focus

  • Embryonic stem cell models of nervous system development (O'Shea lab)

    • Basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factors such as Neurogenin-1 (Ngn1) are known to be involved in patterning and differentiation of neurons in the forebrain and spinal cord in the cnetral nervous system and are expressed in developing neurons of sensory ganglia in the peripheral nervous system. We've developed an ES cell line in which we can induce expression of Ngn1 by with doxycycline resulting in robust neuronal differentiation. Using this cell line, we can further investigate the role of Ngn1 in the specification of particular neuronal subtypes in the presence or absence of known growth factors and morphogens. Given the relative ease with which these cells can be induced to differentiate into neurons, the system is also potentially useful as a means to study the more general mechanisms of neuronal differentiation.

    Teaching Responsibilities

    Medical Histology Content Director
    Graduate Histology Course Director
    Dental Histology
    Medical Embryology
    Principles of Development
    EmbryologyCourse Director Starting Fall 2009




    Publications

    Representative Publications