Robert Burgess, Ph.D.
Professor
Studies the molecular mechanisms of synapse formation, development and maintenance in peripheral neuromuscular junctions and retina.
The Burgess lab seeks to understand the molecular mechanisms of synapse formation and maintenance at two sites in the nervous system: the peripheral neuromuscular junction and the retina. In all of these studies, we are addressing basic molecular mechanisms, but these basic mechanisms have relevance to human neuromuscular and neurodevelopmental disorders. Our continued research on the genetics underlying these disorders, and our continuing effort to identify new genes involved in these processes, will increase our understanding of the molecules required to form and maintain synaptic connectivity in the nervous system.
Education and experience
Education
11/96 - 08/01
Postdoctoral fellow, neurobiology
Washington University, St. Louis, MO
11/96
Ph.D., neurosciences
Stanford University, Stanford, CA
6/90
B.S., biochemistry/physiology
Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI
Experience
2014-present
Professor, The Jackson Laboratory,
Bar Harbor, ME
2011-present
Associate Professor of Medicine, Tufts University School of Medicine,
Boston, MA
2007-2014
Associate Professor, The Jackson Laboratory,
Bar Harbor, ME
2001-2007
Assistant Professor, The Jackson Laboratory,
Bar Harbor, ME
Fellowships, Honors, and Accomplishments
1989
Phi Beta Kappa
1990
Outstanding Undergraduate Award,
Michigan State University Department of Biochemistry
1990
Undergraduate Research Fellowship,
Michigan State University Honors College
1990-1993
Predoctoral Fellowship, National Science Foundation
1994-1996
Predoctoral Fellowship, National Institute of Mental Health
-
Research HighlightMay 18, 2023Implementing gene therapies for rare diseases
A new consortium will positively impact rare disease patients and families and is a powerful and gratifying next step for those gene therapies that have shown so much promise in preclinical experiments. -
Research HighlightSeptember 03, 2021Researching cellular stress in tRNA synthetase-associated peripheral neuropathies
JAX Professor Robert Burgess, Ph.D., investigates the genetic and molecular mechanisms underlying peripheral nerve degeneration in CMT, and his new findings may advance cutting edge genetic treatments for this and other rare disease. -
Featured ArticleJune 01, 2021Next-Gen Genetics
Scientists at The Jackson Laboratory (JAX) discussed the dramatic changes that have taken place in the field of genetics over the past three decades – and how those advancements are allowing us to change the course of diseases that have a genetic basis. -
Press ReleaseOctober 09, 2018'Nonstick' molecule enables correct neural development
DSCAM interacts with other cell adhesion molecules to prevent their running amok.
-
Search MagazineDecember 08, 2021The translator: Rob Burgess is working to bring basic research to the clinic
From mouse model to gene therapy, Rob Burgess is working to translate basic research to the clinic. -
Featured ArticleJuly 29, 2021Exposing the genetics of ALS
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. As of now, there is no known cure, but researchers at The Jackson Laboratory (JAX) and elsewhere are undaunted and hard at work. -
Research HighlightOctober 20, 2020Exploring autoimmune neuritis associated with type 1 diabetes
New JAX research brings significant elements of immunology and neurodegeneration research into play. -
Research HighlightMarch 21, 2018Transport problems in Charcot-Marie-Tooth type 2
New research provides an intriguing therapy target for some forms of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 2.