Dr. W. Sam Fagg is an Assistant Professor and Distinguished University Chair of Transplant Surgery at the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), Dr. Fagg directs a lab that is investigating systems-level evidence, down to specific gene/nucleotide sequences that can influence gene expression changes during development and disease.
Through diverse experimental approaches combining genomics, molecular genetics, computation and cell biology, his group’s discoveries have shed light on new strategies to enhance tissue repair.
After receiving his PhD under eminent molecular biologist Dr. Manny Ares at UC Santa Cruz, investigating alternative splicing regulation, Dr. Fagg continued his work into understanding how regulated RNA processing can influence cell fate decisions. His ambitious research has expanded into numerous areas of high medical need – spanning development/stem cell differentiation, heart and liver disease, and regenerative medicine.
Dr. Fagg’s research vision makes him an expert voice to support Merkaris’ mission to deliver transformative medicines.