Jeffrey Milbrandt, MD, PhD

Jeffrey Milbrandt, MD, PhD

Primary Academic Title

James S. McDonnell Professor and Chair, Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine

Research Interest

Our laboratory studies the biological function of the GFL family of neurotrophic factors (GDNF, neurturin, persephin and artemin) that constitute the ligands for the Ret tyrosine kinase receptor, which is mutated in multiple endocrine neoplasia syndromes as well as thyroid cancers. We are characterizing mouse models lacking components of this ligand-receptor family, and we are investigating the downstream signaling events mediated by Ret activation. We are also studying the role of several genes, including Egr1, Nab2, a homeodomain protein Nkx3.1 and the tumor suppressor PTEN, in the development and progression of prostate cancer. We are characterizing mouse models of prostate cancer that we have developed and are using microarray screens and other functional genomics techniques to identify additional gene products that play a role in this disease.

Education

  • 1978: MD, Washington University, St. Louis
  • 1983: PhD, biochemistry, University of Virginia, Charlottesville

Training

  • 1978 - 1980: Resident, pathology, University of Virginia, Charlottsville

Selected Research Publications

Macrophage depletion blocks congenital SARM1-dependent neuropathy.
  • Dingwall CB, Strickland A, Yum SW, [...] Milbrandt J
  • J Clin Invest 2022
Shared TIR enzymatic functions regulate cell death and immunity across the tree of life.
  • Essuman K, Milbrandt J, Dangl JL, Nishimura MT
  • Science 2022
Structural basis of SARM1 activation, substrate recognition, and inhibition by small molecules.
  • Shi Y, Kerry PS, Nanson JD, [...] Milbrandt J, [...] Ve T
  • Mol Cell 2022

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