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Student Faculty Collaborate
Michael Zimmermann, PhD

Michael T. Zimmermann, PhD

Director, Computational Structural Genomics Unit and Associate Director, Computational Biology, Linda T. and John A. Mellowes Center for Genomic Sciences and Precision Medicine; Associate Professor, Data Science Institute

Locations

  • Mellowes Center

Research Areas of Interest

  • Chromatin
  • Chromosomal Proteins, Non-Histone
  • Gene Expression Profiling
  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease
  • Genetic Variation
  • Genomics
  • Human Genetics
  • Molecular Dynamics Simulation
  • Multiprotein Complexes
  • Mutation
  • Mutation, Missense
  • Neoplasms

Leadership Positions

  • Assistant Professor of Bioinformatics - Clinical and Translational Science Institute, Ϲ
  • Assistant Professor, Department of Biochemistry, Ϲ
  • Assistant Professor, Department of Surgery, Ϲ
  • Assistant Professor, School of Graduate Studies Administration, Ϲ
  • Director, Computational Structural Genomics Unit, Linda T. and John A. Mellowes Center for Genomic Sciences and Precision Medicine
  • Ϲ Program and Course Director, Joint Program in Bioinformatics between Marquette University and Ϲ
  • Ϲ Research Computing Center, Faculty Advisory Committee; Chair (elected, 2022-2024), Co-Chair (elected, 2020-2022), and Member (2020-Present)
  • Strategic Steering Committee, Data Science Institute, Ϲ
  • Visiting Assistant Professor – Department of Mathematics, Marquette University

Research Interests

  • Rare and undiagnosed genetic diseases of children and adults
  • Mechanistic understanding of chromatinopathies, defined as human diseases driven by alteration of epigenetic enzymes and the dysregulation of chromatin organization and
    regulation, with a specific focus on the human BAF complex – a SWI/SNF family chromatin remodeling enzyme
  • Molecular modeling and protein complex prediction for interpreting mechanisms of human diseases (spanning heritable, non-heritable, and cancer)
  • Translating our approaches from rare disease and rare cancers to our Community-Oriented and Genomics-Informed research program. In this new program, “Everyone is
    oof-One.” That is, as datasets grow, we are identifying that everyone has unique and distinct genetic differences. New approaches are needed to better understand the health
    relevance of N-of-one variation.
  • Our lab stands at the forefront of biomedical innovation, fusing cutting-edge genomics with advanced computational modeling to unlock the secrets of human health and disease. We've pioneered novel approaches to understanding cancer biology, immune system function, and rare genetic disorders, leading to breakthroughs in personalized medicine research. Our team has identified crucial genetic variants driving rare diseases, providing hope to families worldwide, developed powerful computational tools for analyzing complex biological data, and uncovered new mechanisms in cancer development. Through our multidisciplinary approach, we're not just advancing scientific knowledge - we're paving the way for more precise diagnostics and targeted therapies that promise to transform patient care across a spectrum of conditions.

Publications

  • (Stewart R, Ezell KM, Bell DS, Corner B, McMinn A, Cogan JD, Hamid R, Rives L, Phillips JA 3rd, Paddu N, Srivastava G, Marom R, Ladha FA, Soler-Alfonso C, Franciskovich R, Koziura M, Pruthi S, Richard G, Sheedy CB, Undiagnosed Diseases Network, Cassini T.) Am J Med Genet A. 2026 Jan;200(1):205-214 PMID: 40838347 SCOPUS ID: 2-s2.0-105013894374 08/21/2025

  • (Furuta Y, Ezell KM, Hamid R, Cogan JD, Cassini TA, Rives L, McMinn A, Shah S, Peltier AC, Layfield S, Fletcher RS, Tedder ML, Louie RJ, Lee JA, Kerkhof J, Rzasa J, Sadikovic B, Al Mamun A, Sheehan JH, Moth CW, Meiler J, Vawter-Lee M, Mendoza-Sengco PM, Holzen JB, Pruthi S, Phillips JA 3rd, Tinker RJ, Undiagnosed Diseases Network.) Mol Genet Genomic Med. 2025 Dec;13(12):e70165 PMID: 41407309 PMCID: PMC12711360 SCOPUS ID: 2-s2.0-105025171807 12/18/2025

  • (Pinto E Vairo F, Zimmermann MT, Wagenknecht J, Jorge SD, Tian S, Vierkant RA, Luehrs AC, Milech de Assunção T, Mathison A, Atwal PS, Cao Y, Allen AM, Klee EW, Urrutia R, Lazaridis KN.) Hepatology. 2025 Dec 01;82(6):1512-1522 PMID: 39879586 SCOPUS ID: 2-s2.0-85217105777 01/29/2025

  • (Cooperstein IB, Marwaha S, Ward A, Kobren SN, Carter JN, Undiagnosed Diseases Network, Wheeler MT, Marth GT.) Genome Med. 2025 Oct 21;17(1):127 PMID: 41121346 PMCID: PMC12539062 SCOPUS ID: 2-s2.0-105019725183 10/22/2025

  • (Kobren SN, Moldovan MA, Reimers R, Traviglia D, Li X, Barnum D, Veit A, Corona RI, Carvalho Neto GV, Willett J, Berselli M, Ronchetti W, Nelson SF, Martinez-Agosto JA, Sherwood R, Krier J, Kohane IS, Undiagnosed Diseases Network, Sunyaev SR.) Nat Commun. 2025 Aug 07;16(1):7267 PMID: 40770127 PMCID: PMC12328722 SCOPUS ID: 2-s2.0-105013076026 08/07/2025

  • (Fazal S, Dashnow H, Dohrn MF, Raposo J, Hiatt L, Danzi MC, Xu IRL, Toro C, Adams DR, Usdin K, Hayward B, Kobren SN, Sunyaev SR, Spillmann RC, Shashi V, Rebelo A, Bademci G, Undiagnosed Diseases Network, Tekin M, Quinlan AR, Zuchner S.) Genet Med. 2025 Aug;27(8):101462 PMID: 40417743 PMCID: PMC12318663 SCOPUS ID: 2-s2.0-105009588600 05/26/2025

  • (Veluri R, Pollin G, Wagenknecht JB, Urrutia R, Zimmermann MT.) bioRxiv. 2025 Feb 05 PMID: 39974886 PMCID: PMC11838408 02/20/2025

  • (Thouvenel CD, Tipton CM, Yamazaki Y, Zhang TT, Rylaarsdam S, Hom JR, Snead C, Zhu C, Li QZ, Lee YN, Kawai T, Haque N, Zimmermann MT, Ponnan SM, Jackson SW, James RG, Sanz I, Notarangelo LD, Torgerson TR, Ochs HD, Rawlings DJ, Allenspach EJ.) J Clin Immunol. 2025 Jan 15;45(1):66 PMID: 39812873 PMCID: PMC11735530 SCOPUS ID: 2-s2.0-85217272111 01/15/2025

  • (Veluri R, Pollin G, Wagenknecht JB, Urrutia R, Zimmermann MT.) Nar Genomics and Bioinformatics. 1 December 2025;7(4) SCOPUS ID: 2-s2.0-105023888502 12/01/2025

  • (Dong X, Haque N, Wagenknecht JB, Zimmermann MT.) Endocrine Connections. October 2025;14(10) SCOPUS ID: 2-s2.0-105021958230 10/01/2025

  • (Dong J, Zimmermann MT, Haque N, Arsang-Jang S, Saber W, Gai X, Urrutia R.) Transplantation Reports. February 2025;10(1) SCOPUS ID: 2-s2.0-85215105221 02/01/2025

  • (DeVoe E, Reddi HV, Taylor BW, Stachowiak S, Geurts JL, George B, Shaker R, Urrutia R, Zimmermann MT.) J Comput Biol. 2025 Jan;32(1):89-103 PMID: 39659251 PMCID: PMC11839515 SCOPUS ID: 2-s2.0-85215145104 12/11/2024

Recruitment and Collaboration

  • Join us in decoding the human genome to revolutionize medicine! Our lab is at the cutting edge of genetic research, using advanced computational techniques and
    innovative biological approaches to unravel the mysteries of human health and disease. We seek passionate collaborators and brilliant minds to help translate genetic data
    into life-changing medical breakthroughs. Whether you're a computational or molecular biology expert or data wizard, there's a place for you in our diverse team. Together,
    we can pioneer new diagnostic tools, develop mechanistic insights down to the one-of-a-kind genetic variations, and pave the way for truly personalized medicine. Don't just
    watch the future of healthcare unfold—help us create it. Join our mission to transform genetic codes into better lives for patients worldwide!

  • Our lab's groundbreaking research is reshaping the landscape of modern medicine and genetics. By unraveling the intricate relationships between genes, diseases, and
    drug responses, we're paving the way for a future where medical treatment is tailored to each individual's genetic profile. Our discoveries shed light on the molecular
    mechanisms behind various cancers and rare genetic disorders, leading to more accurate diagnoses and empowering research towards targeted therapies. The
    computational tools we've developed are improving our ability to predict disease risks and treatment outcomes. Our cancer genomics research advances precision oncology
    while our findings offer new hope and potential treatment avenues for patients with rare diseases. By bridging the gap between computational analysis and biological
    research, we're pushing the boundaries of scientific knowledge and training the next generation of interdisciplinary biomedical researchers. Ultimately, our work aims to
    translate complex genetic data into practical, life-changing improvements in patient care, bringing us closer to a future where personalized medicine is the norm.