Robert E. Braun, Ph.D.

Senior Scientific Advisor to the President/CEO and Janeway Distinguished Chair and Professor of Mammalian Genetics

Bar Harbor, ME

Conducts research to better understand the mechanisms that regulate germline stem cell fate.

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About Robert E. Braun, Ph.D.

Geneticists measure time in generations and celebrate immortality with reproductive success. My lab is driven by a passion to understand the cell biological basis of gamete (sperm and egg) development. We study how germline stem cells balance self-renewal with differentiation. Stem cell self-renewal at the expense of differentiation can cause germ cell tumors while differentiation at the expense of self-renewal can cause sterility. Our long-term goal is to understand the mechanisms that regulate germline stem cell fate. Other research interests include understanding the molecular function of the hormone testosterone in spermatogenesis. Our work has revealed that specialized tight junctions between Sertoli cells, which are integral to the blood/testis barrier, are regulated by testosterone. We are studying how germ cells pass through these tight junctions without compromising barrier function. We are also investigating molecular mechanisms of translational regulation—a major form of gene regulation in both male and female germ cells—during spermatogenesis. We use both forward and reverse genetics to identify the genes involved. Phenotypic analysis includes microscopy, biochemistry and cell physiology.

Education and experience

Education

1986-1990
Postdoctoral fellow
Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA

1985
Ph.D., microbiology and molecular biology
Tufts University School of Medicine, Sackler School of Graduate Biomedical Sciences, Boston, MA

1977
B.A., biology, chemistry and mathematics
University of Colorado, Boulder, CO

Experience

2012-
Professor & Vice President of Research
The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME

2011-
Professor
Tufts University School of Medicine, Sackler School of Graduate Biomedical Sciences, Boston, MA

2008-
Adjunct Professor
University of Maine, Orono, ME

2007-
Affiliate Professor
Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA

2007-2012
Professor, Chair of Research & Associate Director
The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME

2006-2007
Professor
Department of Genome Sciences (formerly Department of Genetics), University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA

2001-2002
Visiting Scientist
The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME

1996-2006
Associate Professor
Department of Genetics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA

1990-1995
Assistant Professor
Department of Genetics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA

1990
Visiting Scientist
Medical Research Council's National Institute for Medical Research, London, England

Grants, honors, and accomplishments

2011
Chair, Mammalian Gametogenesis and Early Embryogenesis, Gordon Conference

1992-1995
March of Dimes Basil O'Connor Scholar

1990
Burroughs Wellcome Fellowship

1985
Tufts University Charlton Award

Selected Publications

View full list of publications

Research Highlight June 28, 2017
What happens when you knock out a gene?

Precisely characterizing the resulting mouse strains is crucial for learning the functions and biological mechanisms of the genes.
- Genetic Tools
- Resource Development and Dissemination
Press Release February 24, 2016
The Jackson Laboratory receives $1.5M gift to create the Janeway Distinguished Chair

Robert Braun, one of the nation's leading reproductive biologists, has been appointed to the endowment established by JAX Trustee Weslie Janeway.
- Reproductive Biology
- Reproductive Disorders
eNews August 19, 2015
Reproductive Fitness Extends Over Multiple Generations

An evolutionary model of reproductive fitness in which maternal antigens that are not genetically passed down to daughter progeny promote fetal tolerance for second-generation offspring sired by males with matched antigen specificity. Further, the role of NIMA and microchimeric maternal cells in pregnancy success may lead to improved assisted reproductive technologies and immune interventions for patients.
The Search Magazine Article October 01, 2012
Inside mammalian reproduction

Doctoral student Benjamin Smith teams up with Robert Braun, Ph.D., to discover specific precursor cell functions.

Research Highlight October 11, 2016
Ultra-high resolution 3-D imaging of whole cells

Scientists have developed and implemented a new microscopy method that allows resolution of three-dimensional structures to 10-20 nm throughout entire cells, in samples up to 10 microns thick.
Press Release June 07, 2016
JAX receives NIH award to train next generation of biologists

Alex Fine is one of eight predoctoral students who are receiving their Ph.D. training in mammalian genetics and genomic medicine in partnership with degree-granting programs at the University of Connecticut Health Center, Tufts University, and The University of Maine.
- Developmental Biology
- Genetics and Genomics
The Search Magazine Article October 01, 2012
R&D frontiers

The Jackson Laboratory's research program into the earliest stages of life has a proud history and a bright future.
The Search Magazine Article December 01, 2009
Driving science

Dr. Robert E. Braun, Ph.D., began his career as truck driver. He soon switched gears and earned a Ph.D. from Tufts. He now researches reproductive biology.