About the Lab
The Davidson Lab explores how cells communicate via Wnt signaling—an essential system controlling embryonic development, stem cell behavior, and tissue regeneration. The lab uses advanced molecular tools, including CRISPR/Cas9-edited cells, fluorescently tagged proteins, and real-time NanoBiT/BRET assays, to map how Wnt ligands interact with Frizzled and LRP receptors at physiological levels. A special focus lies in understanding how receptor context and binding dynamics shape downstream cellular responses. In cancer biology, the lab has uncovered how Wnt10b signaling protects against replication stress and chromosomal instability, with implications for genome maintenance and tumor suppression. The team also develops novel delivery platforms like ionizable lipids and synthetic liposomes for therapeutic applications, such as mRNA vaccines and gene therapy. Students with a strong interest in molecular signaling, live-cell imaging, cancer biology, or biophysics will thrive here—especially if they enjoy working at the interface of fundamental biology and translational medicine.