The research conducted by NIAMS investigators and clinicians spans many fields of science. Often, however, our scientists share research interests, goals, and techniques. Below, we invite you to explore our laboratories, which are grouped according to several major scientific focus areas. An alphabetical list of all laboratories is also available.
Autoimmunity
Juvenile Myositis Pathogenesis and Therapeutics Unit
Led by Dr. Hanna Kim, this unit studies juvenile myositis, including juvenile dermatomyositis, by comprehensively evaluating patients to better understand disease pathogenesis and conducting early phase clinical trials to evaluate new treatments.
Laboratory of Molecular Immunogenetics, Genomics and Immunity Section
The lab investigates immune cell processes, and how they impact autoimmune and other inflammatory diseases.
Lupus Clinical Trials Unit
Led by Dr. Sarfaraz Hasni, the unit studies the natural history and pathogenesis of lupus and involved in designing and conducting early phase clinical trials.
Systemic Autoimmunity Branch
Led by Dr. Mariana Kaplan, the branch studies autoimmune diseases, like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, seeking treatments and improved outcomes.
Translational Genetics and Genomics Section
Led by Dr. Michael Ombrello, the section uses genomic approaches to understand the underlying factors of autoinflammatory and rheumatic diseases.
Vasculitis Translational Research Program
Led by Dr. Peter Grayson, the program studies systemic vasculitis by evaluating patients with the disease through comprehensive research initiatives.Biomedical Engineering and Biophysics
Laboratory of Structural Cell Biology
Led by Dr. Naoko Mizuno, the Laboratory of Structural Cell Biology aims to understand the molecular mechanisms governing specialized cell shapes, such as those of neurons, activated immune cells or platelets and certain cancer cells.Cancer Biology
Cutaneous Development and Carcinogenesis Section
Led by Dr. Isaac Brownell, the Cutaneous Development and Carcinogenesis Section studies the signaling pathways such as Hedgehog signaling that regulate the development and maintenance of normal skin and the changes in these signals that occur during the formation of skin cancerLaboratory of Molecular Immunogenetics, Genomics and Immunity Section
The lab investigates immune cell processes, and how they impact autoimmune and other inflammatory diseases.
Laboratory of Skin Biology
Dr. Maria I. Morasso is an Emeritus Investigator and is no longer conducting active research on the processes of epidermal differentiation, skin barrier formation and wound healing.Cell Biology
Clinical and Investigative Orthopedics Surgery Unit
Led by Dr. Timothy Bhattacharyya, the unit investigates orthopedic conditions, including femur fractures and hip infections, and related treatments.Laboratory of Molecular Immunogenetics, Genomics and Immunity Section
The lab investigates immune cell processes, and how they impact autoimmune and other inflammatory diseases.
Laboratory of Muscle Stem Cells and Gene Regulation
Led by Dr. Vittorio Sartorelli, the lab studies mechanisms that regulate specification, differentiation, and regeneration of skeletal muscle cells.Laboratory of Structural Cell Biology
Led by Dr. Naoko Mizuno, the Laboratory of Structural Cell Biology aims to understand the molecular mechanisms governing specialized cell shapes, such as those of neurons, activated immune cells or platelets and certain cancer cells.
Lymphocyte Signaling Unit
Led by Dr. Tasha Morrison, the Lymphocyte Signaling Unit studies molecular processes that control immune cell development and function.Molecular Immunology and Inflammation Branch
Led by Dr. John O’Shea, the branch investigates how T cells play a role in both immune defense and development of immune-mediated diseases.
Pediatric Translational Research Branch
Led by Dr. Robert Colbert, the branch studies Spondyloarthritis, particularly early-onset Ankylosing Spondylitis and spinal development in children.Systemic Autoimmunity Branch
Led by Dr. Mariana Kaplan, the branch studies autoimmune diseases, like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, seeking treatments and improved outcomes.Chromosome Biology
Laboratory of Molecular Immunogenetics, Genomics and Immunity Section
The lab investigates immune cell processes, and how they impact autoimmune and other inflammatory diseases.Laboratory of Muscle Stem Cells and Gene Regulation
Led by Dr. Vittorio Sartorelli, the lab studies mechanisms that regulate specification, differentiation, and regeneration of skeletal muscle cells.Lymphocyte Signaling Unit
Led by Dr. Tasha Morrison, the Lymphocyte Signaling Unit studies molecular processes that control immune cell development and function.Molecular Immunology and Inflammation Branch
Led by Dr. John O’Shea, the branch investigates how T cells play a role in both immune defense and development of immune-mediated diseases.Clinical Research
Clinical Care and Research
Clinical Care and Research at NIAMS is located at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) campus in Bethesda, Maryland, comprises several programs of research focused on rheumatological health in minority and underserved populations. Medical experts in the fields of autoimmunity, arthritis, lupus, and other rheumatological diseases conduct research focused on the evaluation, diagnosis, standard of care, and disease management of underserved patients from the local community (Maryland, Virginia, and District of Columbia).
Cutaneous Leukocyte Biology Section
Led by Keisuke (Chris) Nagao, the section investigates cellular and molecular mechanisms that regulate immunological and structural homeostasis in the skin.
Cutaneous Microbiome and Inflammation Section
Led by Heidi Kong, the section uses genomics to study the skin microbes in healthy individuals and patients with skin diseases and to expand our understanding of host-microbe interactions.
Dermatology Consultation Service
The Dermatology Consultation Service at the NIH Clinical Center evaluates patients with a variety of rare diseases with cutaneous manifestations. In addition, patients who experience adverse reactions to experimental therapeutic agents or manifest unrelated skin conditions while at the NIH are evaluated and treated. Dermatology Branch clinical fellows, fellows from other NIH Institutes, and visiting dermatology residents from around the country receive training on the Dermatology consult service.
Functional Immunogenomics Section
The Functional Immunogenomics Unit applies cutting-edge genomic technologies to the solution of medically important questions related to the immune system. A major focus is on the molecular dissection of the immunoregulatory effects of glucocorticoids.Juvenile Myositis Pathogenesis and Therapeutics Unit
Led by Dr. Hanna Kim, this unit studies juvenile myositis, including juvenile dermatomyositis, by comprehensively evaluating patients to better understand disease pathogenesis and conducting early phase clinical trials to evaluate new treatments.Lupus Clinical Trials Unit
Led by Dr. Sarfaraz Hasni, the unit studies the natural history and pathogenesis of lupus and involved in designing and conducting early phase clinical trials.Molecular Immunology and Inflammation Branch
Led by Dr. John O’Shea, the branch investigates how T cells play a role in both immune defense and development of immune-mediated diseases.
Muscle Disease Section
Led by Dr. Andrew Mammen, the unit researches human muscle diseases, as well the basic biology of skeletal muscle regeneration.Pediatric Translational Research Branch
Led by Dr. Robert Colbert, the branch studies Spondyloarthritis, particularly early-onset Ankylosing Spondylitis and spinal development in children.Systemic Autoimmunity Branch
Led by Dr. Mariana Kaplan, the branch studies autoimmune diseases, like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, seeking treatments and improved outcomes.Vasculitis Translational Research Program
Led by Dr. Peter Grayson, the program studies systemic vasculitis by evaluating patients with the disease through comprehensive research initiatives.Computational Biology
Cutaneous Development and Carcinogenesis Section
Led by Dr. Isaac Brownell, the Cutaneous Development and Carcinogenesis Section studies the signaling pathways such as Hedgehog signaling that regulate the development and maintenance of normal skin and the changes in these signals that occur during the formation of skin cancerCutaneous Leukocyte Biology Section
Led by Keisuke (Chris) Nagao, the section investigates cellular and molecular mechanisms that regulate immunological and structural homeostasis in the skin.Cutaneous Microbiome and Inflammation Section
Led by Heidi Kong, the section uses genomics to study the skin microbes in healthy individuals and patients with skin diseases and to expand our understanding of host-microbe interactions.Functional Immunogenomics Section
The Functional Immunogenomics Unit applies cutting-edge genomic technologies to the solution of medically important questions related to the immune system. A major focus is on the molecular dissection of the immunoregulatory effects of glucocorticoids.Juvenile Myositis Pathogenesis and Therapeutics Unit
Led by Dr. Hanna Kim, this unit studies juvenile myositis, including juvenile dermatomyositis, by comprehensively evaluating patients to better understand disease pathogenesis and conducting early phase clinical trials to evaluate new treatments.Laboratory of Muscle Stem Cells and Gene Regulation
Led by Dr. Vittorio Sartorelli, the lab studies mechanisms that regulate specification, differentiation, and regeneration of skeletal muscle cells.Molecular Immunology and Inflammation Branch
Led by Dr. John O’Shea, the branch investigates how T cells play a role in both immune defense and development of immune-mediated diseases.Vasculitis Translational Research Program
Led by Dr. Peter Grayson, the program studies systemic vasculitis by evaluating patients with the disease through comprehensive research initiatives.Developmental Biology
Laboratory of Muscle Stem Cells and Gene Regulation
Led by Dr. Vittorio Sartorelli, the lab studies mechanisms that regulate specification, differentiation, and regeneration of skeletal muscle cells.Laboratory of Skin Biology
Dr. Maria I. Morasso is an Emeritus Investigator and is no longer conducting active research on the processes of epidermal differentiation, skin barrier formation and wound healing.
Muscle Energetics Laboratory
The focus of Dr. Glancy’s muscle energetics research program is to determine how mitochondria are optimized within muscle cells to help maintain energy homeostasis during the large change in energy demand caused by muscle contraction.Epidemiology
Clinical and Investigative Orthopedics Surgery Unit
Led by Dr. Timothy Bhattacharyya, the unit investigates orthopedic conditions, including femur fractures and hip infections, and related treatments.
Lupus Genomics and Global Health Disparities Unit
Dr. Lewandowski leads a team of scientists studying systemic lupus erythematosus patients in populations around the globe. Her research focuses on genetic drivers of severe disease and inflammation in cohorts worldwide.Vasculitis Translational Research Program
Led by Dr. Peter Grayson, the program studies systemic vasculitis by evaluating patients with the disease through comprehensive research initiatives.Genetics and Genomics
Clinical and Investigative Orthopedics Surgery Unit
Led by Dr. Timothy Bhattacharyya, the unit investigates orthopedic conditions, including femur fractures and hip infections, and related treatments.Cutaneous Microbiome and Inflammation Section
Led by Heidi Kong, the section uses genomics to study the skin microbes in healthy individuals and patients with skin diseases and to expand our understanding of host-microbe interactions.Functional Immunogenomics Section
The Functional Immunogenomics Unit applies cutting-edge genomic technologies to the solution of medically important questions related to the immune system. A major focus is on the molecular dissection of the immunoregulatory effects of glucocorticoids.Laboratory of Molecular Immunogenetics, Genomics and Immunity Section
The lab investigates immune cell processes, and how they impact autoimmune and other inflammatory diseases.Laboratory of Muscle Stem Cells and Gene Regulation
Led by Dr. Vittorio Sartorelli, the lab studies mechanisms that regulate specification, differentiation, and regeneration of skeletal muscle cells.Laboratory of Skin Biology
Dr. Maria I. Morasso is an Emeritus Investigator and is no longer conducting active research on the processes of epidermal differentiation, skin barrier formation and wound healing.Lupus Genomics and Global Health Disparities Unit
Dr. Lewandowski leads a team of scientists studying systemic lupus erythematosus patients in populations around the globe. Her research focuses on genetic drivers of severe disease and inflammation in cohorts worldwide.
Lymphocyte Transcriptional Regulation Unit
The Transcriptional Regulation of Lymphocytes Unit focuses on the mechanisms behind T Cell specification. We integrate several next-generation sequencing techniques, such as RNAseq, to look at differential gene expression and ATACseq, to investigate T cell specification at both the transcriptional and epigenetic levels.Molecular Immunology and Inflammation Branch
Led by Dr. John O’Shea, the branch investigates how T cells play a role in both immune defense and development of immune-mediated diseases.Pediatric Translational Research Branch
Led by Dr. Robert Colbert, the branch studies Spondyloarthritis, particularly early-onset Ankylosing Spondylitis and spinal development in children.
RNA Molecular Biology Laboratory
Led by Dr. Markus Hafner, the laboratory studies the makeup of ribonucleoproteins (RNPs) involved in cellular RNA transport and control of RNA stability.Translational Genetics and Genomics Section
Led by Dr. Michael Ombrello, the section uses genomic approaches to understand the underlying factors of autoinflammatory and rheumatic diseases.Vasculitis Translational Research Program
Led by Dr. Peter Grayson, the program studies systemic vasculitis by evaluating patients with the disease through comprehensive research initiatives.Health Disparities
Lupus Genomics and Global Health Disparities Unit
Dr. Lewandowski leads a team of scientists studying systemic lupus erythematosus patients in populations around the globe. Her research focuses on genetic drivers of severe disease and inflammation in cohorts worldwide.Immunology
Cutaneous Leukocyte Biology Section
Led by Keisuke (Chris) Nagao, the section investigates cellular and molecular mechanisms that regulate immunological and structural homeostasis in the skin.Dermatology Consultation Service
The Dermatology Consultation Service at the NIH Clinical Center evaluates patients with a variety of rare diseases with cutaneous manifestations. In addition, patients who experience adverse reactions to experimental therapeutic agents or manifest unrelated skin conditions while at the NIH are evaluated and treated. Dermatology Branch clinical fellows, fellows from other NIH Institutes, and visiting dermatology residents from around the country receive training on the Dermatology consult service.Functional Immunogenomics Section
The Functional Immunogenomics Unit applies cutting-edge genomic technologies to the solution of medically important questions related to the immune system. A major focus is on the molecular dissection of the immunoregulatory effects of glucocorticoids.Juvenile Myositis Pathogenesis and Therapeutics Unit
Led by Dr. Hanna Kim, this unit studies juvenile myositis, including juvenile dermatomyositis, by comprehensively evaluating patients to better understand disease pathogenesis and conducting early phase clinical trials to evaluate new treatments.Laboratory of Molecular Immunogenetics, Genomics and Immunity Section
The lab investigates immune cell processes, and how they impact autoimmune and other inflammatory diseases.Lupus Clinical Trials Unit
Led by Dr. Sarfaraz Hasni, the unit studies the natural history and pathogenesis of lupus and involved in designing and conducting early phase clinical trials.Lupus Genomics and Global Health Disparities Unit
Dr. Lewandowski leads a team of scientists studying systemic lupus erythematosus patients in populations around the globe. Her research focuses on genetic drivers of severe disease and inflammation in cohorts worldwide.Lymphocyte Signaling Unit
Led by Dr. Tasha Morrison, the Lymphocyte Signaling Unit studies molecular processes that control immune cell development and function.Lymphocyte Transcriptional Regulation Unit
The Transcriptional Regulation of Lymphocytes Unit focuses on the mechanisms behind T Cell specification. We integrate several next-generation sequencing techniques, such as RNAseq, to look at differential gene expression and ATACseq, to investigate T cell specification at both the transcriptional and epigenetic levels.Molecular Immunology and Inflammation Branch
Led by Dr. John O’Shea, the branch investigates how T cells play a role in both immune defense and development of immune-mediated diseases.Muscle Disease Section
Led by Dr. Andrew Mammen, the unit researches human muscle diseases, as well the basic biology of skeletal muscle regeneration.Pediatric Translational Research Branch
Led by Dr. Robert Colbert, the branch studies Spondyloarthritis, particularly early-onset Ankylosing Spondylitis and spinal development in children.
Protein Expression Laboratory
Led by Paul Wingfield, Ph.D., the Protein Expression Laboratory supports NIH research projects by analyzing and providing HIV proteins to their researchers and scientists.Systemic Autoimmunity Branch
Led by Dr. Mariana Kaplan, the branch studies autoimmune diseases, like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, seeking treatments and improved outcomes.Vasculitis Translational Research Program
Led by Dr. Peter Grayson, the program studies systemic vasculitis by evaluating patients with the disease through comprehensive research initiatives.Microbiology and Infectious Diseases
Cutaneous Leukocyte Biology Section
Led by Keisuke (Chris) Nagao, the section investigates cellular and molecular mechanisms that regulate immunological and structural homeostasis in the skin.Cutaneous Microbiome and Inflammation Section
Led by Heidi Kong, the section uses genomics to study the skin microbes in healthy individuals and patients with skin diseases and to expand our understanding of host-microbe interactions.Lymphocyte Transcriptional Regulation Unit
The Transcriptional Regulation of Lymphocytes Unit focuses on the mechanisms behind T Cell specification. We integrate several next-generation sequencing techniques, such as RNAseq, to look at differential gene expression and ATACseq, to investigate T cell specification at both the transcriptional and epigenetic levels.Protein Expression Laboratory
Led by Paul Wingfield, Ph.D., the Protein Expression Laboratory supports NIH research projects by analyzing and providing HIV proteins to their researchers and scientists.Molecular Biology and Biochemistry
Clinical and Investigative Orthopedics Surgery Unit
Led by Dr. Timothy Bhattacharyya, the unit investigates orthopedic conditions, including femur fractures and hip infections, and related treatments.Laboratory of Skin Biology
Dr. Maria I. Morasso is an Emeritus Investigator and is no longer conducting active research on the processes of epidermal differentiation, skin barrier formation and wound healing.Laboratory of Structural Cell Biology
Led by Dr. Naoko Mizuno, the Laboratory of Structural Cell Biology aims to understand the molecular mechanisms governing specialized cell shapes, such as those of neurons, activated immune cells or platelets and certain cancer cells.Lymphocyte Signaling Unit
Led by Dr. Tasha Morrison, the Lymphocyte Signaling Unit studies molecular processes that control immune cell development and function.Lymphocyte Transcriptional Regulation Unit
The Transcriptional Regulation of Lymphocytes Unit focuses on the mechanisms behind T Cell specification. We integrate several next-generation sequencing techniques, such as RNAseq, to look at differential gene expression and ATACseq, to investigate T cell specification at both the transcriptional and epigenetic levels.Muscle Energetics Laboratory
The focus of Dr. Glancy’s muscle energetics research program is to determine how mitochondria are optimized within muscle cells to help maintain energy homeostasis during the large change in energy demand caused by muscle contraction.Pediatric Translational Research Branch
Led by Dr. Robert Colbert, the branch studies Spondyloarthritis, particularly early-onset Ankylosing Spondylitis and spinal development in children.Protein Expression Laboratory
Led by Paul Wingfield, Ph.D., the Protein Expression Laboratory supports NIH research projects by analyzing and providing HIV proteins to their researchers and scientists.RNA Molecular Biology Laboratory
Led by Dr. Markus Hafner, the laboratory studies the makeup of ribonucleoproteins (RNPs) involved in cellular RNA transport and control of RNA stability.Systemic Autoimmunity Branch
Led by Dr. Mariana Kaplan, the branch studies autoimmune diseases, like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, seeking treatments and improved outcomes.Muscle Biology
Juvenile Myositis Pathogenesis and Therapeutics Unit
Led by Dr. Hanna Kim, this unit studies juvenile myositis, including juvenile dermatomyositis, by comprehensively evaluating patients to better understand disease pathogenesis and conducting early phase clinical trials to evaluate new treatments.Laboratory of Muscle Stem Cells and Gene Regulation
Led by Dr. Vittorio Sartorelli, the lab studies mechanisms that regulate specification, differentiation, and regeneration of skeletal muscle cells.Muscle Disease Section
Led by Dr. Andrew Mammen, the unit researches human muscle diseases, as well the basic biology of skeletal muscle regeneration.Neuroscience
Laboratory of Structural Cell Biology
Led by Dr. Naoko Mizuno, the Laboratory of Structural Cell Biology aims to understand the molecular mechanisms governing specialized cell shapes, such as those of neurons, activated immune cells or platelets and certain cancer cells.RNA Biology
RNA Molecular Biology Laboratory
Led by Dr. Markus Hafner, the laboratory studies the makeup of ribonucleoproteins (RNPs) involved in cellular RNA transport and control of RNA stability.Skin Biology
Cutaneous Development and Carcinogenesis Section
Led by Dr. Isaac Brownell, the Cutaneous Development and Carcinogenesis Section studies the signaling pathways such as Hedgehog signaling that regulate the development and maintenance of normal skin and the changes in these signals that occur during the formation of skin cancerCutaneous Leukocyte Biology Section
Led by Keisuke (Chris) Nagao, the section investigates cellular and molecular mechanisms that regulate immunological and structural homeostasis in the skin.Cutaneous Microbiome and Inflammation Section
Led by Heidi Kong, the section uses genomics to study the skin microbes in healthy individuals and patients with skin diseases and to expand our understanding of host-microbe interactions.Dermatology Consultation Service
The Dermatology Consultation Service at the NIH Clinical Center evaluates patients with a variety of rare diseases with cutaneous manifestations. In addition, patients who experience adverse reactions to experimental therapeutic agents or manifest unrelated skin conditions while at the NIH are evaluated and treated. Dermatology Branch clinical fellows, fellows from other NIH Institutes, and visiting dermatology residents from around the country receive training on the Dermatology consult service.Laboratory of Skin Biology
Dr. Maria I. Morasso is an Emeritus Investigator and is no longer conducting active research on the processes of epidermal differentiation, skin barrier formation and wound healing.Stem Cell Biology
Clinical and Investigative Orthopedics Surgery Unit
Led by Dr. Timothy Bhattacharyya, the unit investigates orthopedic conditions, including femur fractures and hip infections, and related treatments.Laboratory of Muscle Stem Cells and Gene Regulation
Led by Dr. Vittorio Sartorelli, the lab studies mechanisms that regulate specification, differentiation, and regeneration of skeletal muscle cells.Pediatric Translational Research Branch
Led by Dr. Robert Colbert, the branch studies Spondyloarthritis, particularly early-onset Ankylosing Spondylitis and spinal development in children.Laboratory of Structural Cell Biology
Led by Dr. Naoko Mizuno, the Laboratory of Structural Cell Biology aims to understand the molecular mechanisms governing specialized cell shapes, such as those of neurons, activated immune cells or platelets and certain cancer cells.Systems Biology
Functional Immunogenomics Section
The Functional Immunogenomics Unit applies cutting-edge genomic technologies to the solution of medically important questions related to the immune system. A major focus is on the molecular dissection of the immunoregulatory effects of glucocorticoids.Muscle Energetics Laboratory
The focus of Dr. Glancy’s muscle energetics research program is to determine how mitochondria are optimized within muscle cells to help maintain energy homeostasis during the large change in energy demand caused by muscle contraction.RNA Molecular Biology Laboratory
Led by Dr. Markus Hafner, the laboratory studies the makeup of ribonucleoproteins (RNPs) involved in cellular RNA transport and control of RNA stability.Systemic Autoimmunity Branch
Led by Dr. Mariana Kaplan, the branch studies autoimmune diseases, like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, seeking treatments and improved outcomes.Virology
Cutaneous Leukocyte Biology Section
Led by Keisuke (Chris) Nagao, the section investigates cellular and molecular mechanisms that regulate immunological and structural homeostasis in the skin.