Research

Listing of Intramural Labs & Branches

Updated September 17, 2007

The NIAMS Intramural Research Program conducts clinical and laboratory research related to arthritis and musculoskeletal and skin diseases. It also conducts basic research in biochemistry, immunology, pathology, histochemistry, chemistry, molecular biology, structural biology, and pharmacology.

Arthritis and Rheumatism Branch — Chief, Paul Plotz, M.D.

The Arthritis and Rheumatism Branch works on basic and clinical aspects of genetic and inflammatory muscle diseases and on basic questions of autoimmunity.
ARB Rat Genetic Database

Autoimmunity Branch — Acting Chief, Paul Plotz, M.D.

Autoimmunity is a central feature of many rheumatic diseases.The Autoimmunity Branch was established to address the cellular and molecular basis of autoimmunity.

Cartilage Biology and Orthopaedics Branch — Chief, Rocky Tuan, Ph.D.

The researchers in the Cartilage Biology and Orthopaedics Branch are using cellular, molecular, and genetic approaches to analyze cartilage development, growth, diseases and aging, as well as applying the emerging technology of mesenchymal stem cell-based tissue engineering for functional cartilage replacement.

Developmental Skin Biology Unit — Unit Leader, Maria Morasso, Ph.D.

The researchers of the Developmental Skin Biology Unit seek to understand the molecular mechanisms that regulate the different stages of epidermal development and differentiation.

Genetics and Genomics Branch — Chief, Daniel Kastner, M.D., Ph.D.

The mission of the Genetics and Genomics Branch (GGB) is to identify and characterize genes that confer susceptibility to rheumatic or inflammatory diseases in man.

Laboratory of Muscle Biology — Chief, Kuan Wang, Ph.D.

The Laboratory of Muscle Biology (LMB) conducts a broad range of research in muscle and structural biology. This research includes the molecular mechanisms of contraction, muscle elasticity and plasticity, the differentiation and assembly of muscle cells, pathobiology of muscle diseases, and the application of radiation, proteomics, and the use of nanotechnology in life sciences.

Laboratory of Muscle Stem Cells and Gene Regulation — Chief, Vittorio Sartorelli, M.D.

We are interested in elucidating the cellular and molecular mechanisms governing proliferation and differentiation of skeletal muscle cells.

Laboratory of Skin Biology — Acting Chief, Alasdair Steven, Ph.D.

How the epidermis and numerous gene products that are made in the epidermis provide this protective barrier is the focus of research by the Laboratory of Skin Biology.

Laboratory of Structural Biology Research — Chief, Alasdair Steven, Ph.D.

The Laboratory of Structural Biology Research seeks to elucidate structure-function-assembly relationships of macromolecular complexes by cryo-electron microscopy integrated with other approaches. Systems currently under study include viruses, cytoskeletal filaments, energy-dependent proteases, and amyloid filaments.

Molecular Immunology and Inflammation Branch — Chief, John O'Shea, M.D.

The MIIB conducts basic and clinical investigations on the molecular mechanisms underlying immune and inflammatory responses in rheumatic and autoimmune diseases.

Office of Science and Technology — Acting Director, Massimo G. Gadina, Ph.D.

The Office of Science and Technology advises the Scientific Director, Lab and Branch Chiefs, and other key officials on collaborative and cooperative activities, training programs and proper use of laboratory animals; and negotiates and facilitates scientific collaborations that involve trans-institute and trans-NIH initiatives and agreements.

Office of the Clinical Director — Clinical Director, Daniel Kastner, M.D., Ph.D.

The Office of the Clinical Director implements innovative clinical research programs that relate to the broad field of rheumatologic, musculoskeletal and skin disorders.
NIAMS/NIH Rheumatology Fellowship Training Program

Office of the Scientific Director — Scientific Director, John O'Shea, M.D.

The Scientific Director serves as the principal advisor to the Director of the NIAMS concerning all ongoing and projected intramural research programs of the NIAMS and is responsible for the development of broad decisions concerning program planning, budget and policy formulation, and resource allocation of the intramural program. The Scientific Director represents the NIAMS in discussions of NIH-wide intramural policies and programs, and serves as a vital member of the senior staff of the Institute.

Protein Expression Laboratory — Chief, Paul Wingfield, Ph.D.

The NIAMS Protein Expression Laboratory supports intramural NIH scientists in studying the structure and function of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) proteins.