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Thomas P Zwaka, MD, PhD
img_Thomas P Zwaka
PROFESSOR | Cell, Developmental & Regenerative Biology
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Research Topics
Apoptosis/Cell Death, Cell Biology, Developmental Biology, Embryology, Epigenetics, Gene Regulation, Gene Therapy, Stem Cells, Tissue Engineering, Transcription Factors, Transcriptional Activation and Repression
Multi-Disciplinary Training Area
Development Regeneration and Stem Cells [DRS]
Quantum biology
In this project we explore non-classical (quantum physical) properties of early embryonic cells and neurons. The idea is that the current view that cells organize activities (like signal transduction or subcellular communication) via random walks among the staggering range of possibilities is incredibly unlikely. We propose instead a quantum mechanics-based relationship between molecular assemblies and elements of cell behavior. We are currently testing the prediction that cells harbor highly specialized structures that act in a quantum-computer like fashion to orchestrate cell function at a higher level.
Cell competition: Protection of early embryogenesis and pluripotent stem cells against genetic parasites through a primitive immune system
Retrotransposons can seriously damage the genome of the nascent embryo and cause sporadic diseases and infertility. Here we will explore a new sensing mechanism that involves early embryonic cells “sniffing” one another for endogenous retroviruses and the removal of cells that failed to silence their genetic parasites. Our line of investigation will provide new targets for genetic diagnosis and interventions targeting pregnancy loss, birth defects and childlessness.
Molecular control of stem cells
This project seeks to clarify the molecular function Ronin, a member of the THAP (Thanatos-associated domain-containing apoptosis-associated proteins) gene family, and its biochemical role in specific cell types as they change fates. We propose that Ronin (and other THAPs) mediate promoter-promoter interactions to regulate gene transcription in a cell type-specific manner.
Developing new models for Parkinson’s disease
We have discovered methods to enhance the self-organizing properties of differentiating pluripotent cells to promote the proper development of mid-brain structures. Ultimately, we are creating patient-specific ex vivo models of PD using the methods we are developing to generate midbrain organoids from patient iPSCs. This will allow us to get a handle on the factors relevant to each individual’s unique manifestation of the disease. We are also conducting parallel screens in this system for neuroprotective small molecules.

MD PhD, University of Ulm

Postdoctoral, University of Wisconsin, Madison

70
Publications

Selected Publications

Generation of human pluripotent stem cell lines (WAe009-A) with THAP11<sub>F80L</sub> cobalamin disorder-associated mutation. Yiren Qin, Carlos Godoy-Parejo, Marta Skowronska, Angela Verma, Marion Dejosez, Thomas P. Zwaka. Stem Cell Research

Correction to: Discovery of SARS-CoV-2 antiviral drugs through large-scale compound repurposing (Nature, (2020), 586, 7827, (113-119), 10.1038/s41586-020-2577-1). Laura Riva, Shuofeng Yuan, Xin Yin, Laura Martin-Sancho, Naoko Matsunaga, Lars Pache, Sebastian Burgstaller-Muehlbacher, Paul D. De Jesus, Peter Teriete, Mitchell V. Hull, Max W. Chang, Jasper Fuk Woo Chan, Jianli Cao, Vincent Kwok Man Poon, Kristina M. Herbert, Kuoyuan Cheng, Tu Trinh H. Nguyen, Andrey Rubanov, Yuan Pu, Courtney Nguyen, Angela Choi, Raveen Rathnasinghe, Michael Schotsaert, Lisa Miorin, Marion Dejosez, Thomas P. Zwaka, Ko Yung Sit, Luis Martinez-Sobrido, Wen Chun Liu, Kris M. White, Mackenzie E. Chapman, Emma K. Lendy, Richard J. Glynne, Randy Albrecht, Eytan Ruppin, Andrew D. Mesecar, Jeffrey R. Johnson, Christopher Benner, Ren Sun, Peter G. Schultz, Andrew I. Su, Adolfo García-Sastre, Arnab K. Chatterjee, Kwok Yung Yuen, Sumit K. Chanda. Nature

Enabling equitable and affordable access to novel therapeutics for pandemic preparedness and response via creative intellectual property agreements. Ed J. Griffen, Pascale Boulet, Randy Albrecht, Ali Akbar, Isabella Amick, Jasmin Cara Aschenbrenner, Blake H. Balcomb, Haim Barr, Harish Battu, Jared Benjamin, Jesse Bloom, Melissa Boby, Matt Bogyo, Daniel Bolon, Pascale Boulet, Ariana Brenner Clerkin, Richard Cadagan, Eda Capkin, Maria Castellanos, Anu V Chandran, Shiyu Chen, John Chodera, Daniel Cole, David Cousins, Sara Cuadrado, Andre Schutzer de Godoy, Adeeba Dhalech, Randy Diaz, Maria DiPoto, Jennifer Doherty, David Dotson, Sarah Duggan, Matthew Evans, Michael Fairhead, Gwendolyn Fate, Daren Fearon, Oleg Federov, Matteo Ferla, Lucas Ferreira, Kate Fieseler, Mihajlo Filep, Daniel Flores, Julia Flynn, Laurent Fraisse, Gabizon Ronen, Barien Gad, Adolfo Garcia-Sastre, Kris White, Thomas Zwaka, Adolfo García-Sastre. Wellcome Open Research

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Physicians and scientists on the faculty of the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai often interact with pharmaceutical, device, biotechnology companies, and other outside entities to improve patient care, develop new therapies and achieve scientific breakthroughs. In order to promote an ethical and transparent environment for conducting research, providing clinical care and teaching, Mount Sinai requires that salaried faculty inform the School of their outside financial relationships.

Dr. Zwaka has not yet completed reporting of Industry relationships.

Mount Sinai's faculty policies relating to faculty collaboration with industry are posted on our website. Patients may wish to ask their physician about the activities they perform for companies.