Basic Research
Basic research is the foundation of scientific discovery. At UC Davis Health, our Department of Dermatology uses basic research to uncover the mechanisms behind skin conditions, laying the groundwork for new diagnostics, therapies and preventive strategies. By bridging laboratory discoveries with clinical insights, we move science forward to improve patient care now and in the future.
Our Basic Research Faculty
Meet the researchers advancing dermatologic discovery. Our basic research faculty study the fundamental biology of skin, uncover disease mechanisms and translate laboratory findings into pathways that lead to improved diagnostics and treatments.
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Roslyn Rivkah Isseroff, M.D. Distinguished Professor Research interests — Keratinocyte differentiation, migration and wound healing, signal transduction, bioengineered tissue replacement and toxicology of the skin |
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Yoshihiro Izumiya, Ph.D. Professor/Professor in Residence Research interests — Gene regulation of viruses such as Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus |
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Emanual Maverakis, M.D. Professor in Residence Research interests — Immunotherapies for melanoma, T cell-mediated skin diseases, the murine models of autoimmunity and clinical trials for melanoma and autoimmunity |
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William J. Murphy, Ph.D. |
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Yoshikazu Takada, M.D., Ph.D. Professor Research interests — Integrins, cellular processes that promote inflammation and understanding how integrin-binding results in pro-inflammatory signals |
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Min Zhao, M.D., Ph.D. Professor Research interests — Control of directed cell motility and directed cell division, the role played by small physiological electrical fields in wound healing and the development and regeneration of many tissues |
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Athena Soulika, Ph.D. Professor in Residence Research interests — The role of local immune responses in the healing process following tissue injury and the characterization of immune responses initiated locally in the skin after burn injury |
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Professor of Clinical Dermatology and Vice Chair of Academic Affairs Research interests — Genetic alterations in skin tumors and familial skin diseases |
