What genetic and epigenetic programs drive a stem cell to commit to a lineage — and can those programs be rewritten? How do tissues know when to grow, when to stop, and how to pattern themselves in space? And, when those programs are disrupted by disease or injury, how do we restore them?
At JAX, we approach these questions across developmental biology, stem cell biology, reproductive biology, and regenerative medicine. We dissect the architecture of pluripotency and lineage commitment, interrogate somatic stem cell populations across tissues and disease states, investigate germ cell development, and probe the mechanisms of tissue repair and regeneration. We pair this science with the platforms to translate it: humanized mouse models, patient-derived iPSC platforms, biomimetic tissue engineering, and single-cell, spatial and computational approaches. Together, we are a collaborative community uniting diverse expertise toward our shared goal of improving human health.
"At most institutions, fundamental discovery and the platforms to translate it exist in separate worlds – at JAX, they are in the same world, and that integration is what will make this group transformative."
– Jennifer Trowbridge, Ph.D. | Chair of Stem Cells & Developmental Biology, JAX Professor and Dattels Family Chair
principal investigators across three JAX campuses
postdoctoral fellows and graduate students
in active NIH funding
By rapidly testing hundreds of thousands of DNA sequences, scientists have identified specific genetic variations that contribute to blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, and more.
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To better understand diseases that develop toward the end of life, Lauren Kuffler looks at the beginning.
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By pairing stem cell technology with genetic diversity, JAX researchers uncover why identical mutations can lead to severe disease in some—and no symptoms in others.
Functional dissection of complex trait variants at single-nucleotide resolution. Nature. (2026).
Leveraging tissue-resident memory T cells for non-invasive immune monitoring via microneedle skin patches. Nature. (2026).
Epigenetic reactivation of the tumor suppressor ZBTB7A by KDM4 inhibition in human acute myeloid leukemia. Science Translational Medicine. (2026)
Improving rigor and reproducibility through implementation of the ISSCR standards for human stem cell use in research. Stem Cell Reports. (2026).
GPR156 is required in sensory hair cells for proper auditory and vestibular function. Scientific Reports. (2026).
Work with us
As our research into stem cell and developmental biology advances, new opportunities to engage, collaborate and contribute will emerge. Contact us to connect and engage.
Launched in 2025, the JAX-NYSCF Collaborative brings together The Jackson Laboratory (JAX) and the New York Stem Cell Foundation (NYSCF) in a new partnerships designed to move discovery from insight.
