Kenneth Yamada, M.D., Ph.D.

Dr. Kenneth Yamada’s research focuses on discovering novel mechanisms and regulators of cell interactions with the extracellular matrix and their roles in craniofacial development and disease. Understanding the underlying mechanisms of these fundamental processes can provide new approaches to tissue regeneration and therapy for diseases such as cancer. Dr. Yamada’s group explores how coordination between the three-dimensional (3D) extracellular matrix of connective tissue or basement membranes, integrins, signal transduction, and cytoskeleton mediates or regulates key biological processes – cell adhesion, migration, matrix remodeling, tissue morphogenesis, and cancer cell invasion. Dr. Yamada’s research emphasizes the characterization of the dynamic movements of cells and their extracellular matrix as tissues are remodeled in 3D in real time. The biological systems studied include human primary cells migrating in 3D, human tumor cells and tissues, and mouse organ development (salivary glands, lungs, and kidneys). Dr. Yamada also emphasizes training and mentoring the next generation of scientists.