Scott Nichols is an Associate Professor of Evolutionary Cell Biology, in the Department of Biological Sciences.
Specialization(s)
evolution, cell biology, invertebrates
Professional Biography
Dr. Nichols earned his BS in Biological Sciences in Marine Biology at the University of North Carolina, Wilmington, his PhD in Integrative Biology at the University of California, Berkeley, and was an American Cancer Society postdoctoral fellow in Molecular and Cell Biology at the University of California, Berkeley. His research focus is on the molecular foundations of early animal evolution, with particular focus on the cell biology of sponges.
Degree(s)
Ph.D., Integrative Biology, University of California, 2004
BS, Marine Biology, University of North Carolina, 1998
Research
Our research focus is on the earliest events in animal evolution. How did cells first organize into tissues? How did cell and tissue types such as epithelia, muscles and neurons evolve? To address these questions, we study non-traditional animal models with key phylogenetic significance. We focus on sponges, but have keen interest in cnidarians, placozoans and ctenophores. Current projects in the lab include: 1) the evolution of epithelial organization and the origin of cell adhesion/polarity complexes, 2) the evolution of muscle from ancient contractile epithelia, and 3) the evolution of cellular mechanisms for microbial recognition and response. Our research centers around the belief that curiosity-driven, fundamental research is key to innovation and discovery.
Areas of Research
Evolutionary-Cell Biology
Evolutionary-Developmental Biology
Animal Origins
cell adhesion
sponges
Key Projects
Evolution of a Multi-Functional Adhesion Module Necessary for Complex Multicellularity
Nichols, S. A., Roberts, B. W., Richter, D. J., Fairclough, S. R., & King, N. (2012). Origin of metazoan cadherin diversity and the antiquity of the classical cadherin/β-catenin complex. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences USA, 109(32), 13046-13051.
Nichols, S. A., Dirks, W., Pearse, J. S., & King, N. (2006). Early evolution of animal cell signaling and adhesion genes. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences U.S.A., 103(33), 12451-12456.
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