
Michael T. Zimmermann, PhD
Director, Computational Structural Genomics Unit, Linda T. and John A. Mellowes Center for Genomic Sciences and Precision Medicine; Assistant 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, Medical College of Wisconsin
- Assistant Professor, Department of Biochemistry, Medical College of Wisconsin
- Assistant Professor, Department of Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin
- Assistant Professor, School of Graduate Studies Administration, Medical College of Wisconsin
- Director, Computational Structural Genomics Unit, Linda T. and John A. Mellowes Center for Genomic Sciences and Precision Medicine
- MCW Program and Course Director, Joint Program in Bioinformatics between Marquette University and Medical College of Wisconsin
- MCW 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, Medical College of Wisconsin
- 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
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(Veluri R, Pollin G, Wagenknecht JB, Urrutia R, Zimmermann MT.) bioRxiv. 2025 Feb 05 PMID: 39974886 PMCID: PMC11838408 02/20/2025
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Discovery of a MET -driven monogenic cause of steatotic liver disease.
(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 Jan 29 PMID: 39879586 SCOPUS ID: 2-s2.0-85217105777 01/29/2025
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Hypomorphic RAG2 Deficiency Promotes Selection of Self-Reactive B Cells.
(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
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(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
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(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
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(Pollin G, Chi YI, Mathison AJ, Zimmermann MT, Lomberk G, Urrutia R.) Epigenomics. 2025 Jan;17(1):5-20 PMID: 39632680 PMCID: PMC11703355 SCOPUS ID: 2-s2.0-85210974733 12/05/2024
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Assessing Protein Surface-Based Scoring for Interpreting Genomic Variants.
(Dsouza NR, Haque N, Tripathi S, Zimmermann MT.) Int J Mol Sci. 2024 Nov 08;25(22) PMID: 39596086 PMCID: PMC11594063 SCOPUS ID: 2-s2.0-85210224251 11/27/2024
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(Gong M, Li J, Qin Z, Machado Bressan Wilke MV, Liu Y, Li Q, Liu H, Liang C, Morales-Rosado JA, Cohen ASA, Hughes SS, Sullivan BR, Waddell V, van den Boogaard MH, van Jaarsveld RH, van Binsbergen E, van Gassen KL, Wang T, Hiatt SM, Amaral MD, Kelley WV, Zhao J, Feng W, Ren C, Yu Y, Boczek NJ, Ferber MJ, Lahner C, Elliott S, Ruan Y, Mignot C, Keren B, Xie H, Wang X, Popp B, Zweier C, Piard J, Coubes C, Mau-Them FT, Safraou H, Innes AM, Gauthier J, Michaud JL, Koboldt DC, Sylvie O, Willems M, Tan WH, Cogne B, Rieubland C, Braun D, McLean SD, Platzer K, Zacher P, Oppermann H, Evenepoel L, Blanc P, El Khattabi L, Haque N, Dsouza NR, Zimmermann MT, Urrutia R, Klee EW, Shen Y, Du H, Rappaport L, Liu CM, Chen X.) Am J Hum Genet. 2024 Nov 07;111(11):2392-2410 PMID: 39419027 PMCID: PMC11568763 SCOPUS ID: 2-s2.0-85207372821 10/18/2024
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Mutant KRAS inhibitors enter the scene of precision therapeutics for pancreatic cancer.
(Pollin G, Lomberk GA, Mathison AJ, Zimmermann MT, Urrutia R.) J Gastrointest Oncol. 2024 Aug 31;15(4):1996-2001 PMID: 39279937 PMCID: PMC11399826 09/16/2024
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(Haque N, Wagenknecht JB, Ratnasinghe BD, Zimmermann MT.) PLoS One. 2024;19(11):e0313308 PMID: 39591473 PMCID: PMC11594405 SCOPUS ID: 2-s2.0-85210375728 11/26/2024
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Assessing Protein Surface-Based Scoring for Interpreting Genomic Variants
(Dsouza NR, Haque N, Tripathi S, Zimmermann MT.) International Journal of Molecular Sciences. November 2024;25(22) SCOPUS ID: 2-s2.0-85210224251 11/01/2024
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Mutant KRAS inhibitors enter the scene of precision therapeutics for pancreatic cancer
(Pollin G, Lomberk GA, Mathison AJ, Zimmermann MT, Urrutia R.) Journal of Gastrointestinal Oncology. 31 August 2024;15(4):1996-2001 SCOPUS ID: 2-s2.0-85203321495 08/31/2024
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.