Michael Lodato, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor
Ph.D.: 2012, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Postdoctoral research: Harvard Medical School
Office:	UMass Chan Medical School 364 Plantation Street, LRB-615 Worcester, MA 01605
Phone:	774-455-6602
Email:	Michael.Lodato@umassmed.edu

Research

Our laboratory focuses on the rates, causes, and consequences of somatic mutations in the human brain. The genome is under relentless attack by environmental and endogenous mutagens. This onslaught sometimes results in somatic mutation, which results in neighboring cells in an organ like the human brain having distinct genotypes, and raises the possibility that genetic information is lost in cells of the body as we age. Indeed, our work has shown that somatic mutations accumulate in post-mitotic human neurons during aging, sometimes affecting genes critical for neuronal function.

Somatic mutations are ultra-rare and cannot be studied using standard genomic analysis. Work in our lab involves applying cutting-edge single-cell genomic techniques pioneered by us and other groups to new questions in the field of somatic mutation, as well as innovating new technologies to allow us and the rest of the field to continue to study this process.

For more information about our lab, please visit our lab website.

Click here for a complete list of published work

Rotation Projects

Rotations are available in this laboratory. Projects will revolve around studying somatic mutations in the normal brain, in the diseased brain, and outside of the brain using single-cell genomics. Please contact Dr. Lodato for details.

Positions Available

Wet-lab and Bioinformatic postdoctoral fellow positions are available for candidates with recent Ph.D. or M.D./Ph.D. degrees in Molecular Biology, Neuroscience, Genetics, Genomics, Cell Biology, or related fields. They should be highly motivated, have a strong desire to learn, and excellent communication skills. Applicants should send their CV, summary of previous research and the name of three references to Dr. Michael Lodato.

• Lab Technician/Research Assistant positions are available for candidates with a recent Bachelor’s degree in biology or a related field. Candidates with experience in molecular biology techniques such as DNA isolation, PCR, gel electrophoresis, or with mammalian cell culture are especially encouraged to apply. Send a CV and Cover Letter to Dr. Lodato.