Stanford University · EngineeringDunn Adhesion Lab
Alexander R Dunn · Stanford, California
Research Focus
Dr. Alexander Dunn's lab at Stanford University investigates the molecular mechanisms that allow cells to adhere and respond to force, which is crucial for maintaining the integrity of tissues. The research focuses on cellular adhesion complexes, particularly proteins involved in junctions that are essential for tissue function and development. By understanding these mechanisms, the lab aims to uncover insights into developmental processes and diseases such as cancer and heart disease.
cell adhesionadhesion complexesmechanotransductionplanar cell polarityembryonic developmenttight junctionsadherens junctionsbiophysical assayscancer metastasistissue repair
Research Aims
5AIM 01Explore how protein interactions at adhesion complexes respond to mechanical forces.
AIM 02Investigate the role of key junction proteins in tissue organization during development.
AIM 03Determine the mechanisms of planar cell polarity in Drosophila models.
AIM 04Analyze how mechanical load influences the dynamics of tight junctions.
AIM 05Elucidate the relationship between junctional protein behavior and tissue integrity.
Skills the Lab Values
single-molecule biophysicsquantitative imagingDrosophila geneticscell cultureprotein purificationmicroscopyimmunoblottingmechanical testingdata analysismolecular cloning
Output against the department
Publications235top 38% of dept.105th of 278
this lab
most publishedleast published
Citations7.5ktop 49% of dept.135th of 278
this lab
most citedleast cited
Career totals from OpenAlex, compared against labs that share a department. A department spans everything from one paper to tens of thousands, so bar heights are on a log scale — otherwise the largest lab would flatten every other bar to a line.