Warren E. Zimmer, PhD

Education and Training

• Baylor College of Medicine, PhD
• Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Postdoctoral Studies

Research Interests

• Development and Differentiation, Mechanisms of Transcription Factor Action
• Zimmer's research interests are directed toward understanding the complex mechanisms that regulate the expression of specific gene sequences in development. He has focused his studies on the factors that influence the smooth muscle component of the developing gastrointestinal tract. It has been shown that smooth muscle cells are predominantly derived from mesodermal precursor cells; however, the factors regulating the selection of the smooth muscle myogenic pathway are not well defined.
• Zimmer has shown that there is a distinct lineage of smooth muscle during development and that the terminal differentiation of these cells requires an upregulation in expression of the trans-factor Serum Response Factor (SRF). This factor is known to work in conjunction with other partner proteins to engage cell-specific transcriptional responses. Current studies in the lab are focused on determining the identity of these partner proteins and showing how they work with SRF to achieve smooth muscle terminal differentiation. He has initiated these experiments looking at the mammalian homologs of the Drosophila bagpipe protein, termed Nkx3.1 and Nkx3.2. The studies utilize molecular and cellular biological techniques in combination with transgenic mouse knockout technologies to directly examine the ability of these factors to influence development.
• Additionally, Zimmer's recent transgenic studies have allowed an investigation of signaling pathways potentially governing smooth muscle cell differentiation. Interestingly, these studies have shown a convergence of pathways upon SRF in smooth muscle, and these pathways may be influential in developing prostate and osteogenesis. He believes that his studies will reveal molecular mechanisms that underlie changes in metabolism growth control in smooth muscle that are associated with the primary physiological responses of these cells in vascular and visceral injury and disease states. In addition, he will gain knowledge of mechanisms that are influential for bone and prostate development and disease, such as prostate cancer.

Awards, Recognition and Service

• Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) Program conferred by National Science Foundation - (Arlington, Virginia, United States)