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, 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
-
(Keehan LA, Ono-Minagi H, Hadhud M, Rips J, Hinds DM, Fischer AJ, Bartlett JA, McCray PB, Qawasmi N, Nathan N, Louvrier C, Desroziers T, Damme M, Griese M, Wegner DJ, Cole FS, Wambach JA, Wheeler MT, Burbelo PD, Bonner DE, Undiagnosed Diseases Network, Bernstein JA, Chiorini JA, Breuer O, Milla C.) Genet Med. 2026 Apr;28(4):102531 PMID: 41653023 PMCID: PMC13078123 SCOPUS ID: 2-s2.0-105032104322 02/07/2026
-
Mutant KRAS Heterogeneity Shapes Nuclear Architecture During Pancreatic Cancer Initiation.
(Pollin G, Mathison AJ, Leverence EN, De Assuncao TM, Iovanna J, Hong JC, Zimmermann MT, Urrutia R, Lomberk G.) Epigenomes. 2026 Mar 10;10(1) PMID: 41892368 PMCID: PMC13025234 SCOPUS ID: 2-s2.0-105034413893 03/27/2026
-
(Dzikowski M, Pollin G, Gunia V, Butler S, Enkhtuul B, Gavina Chavez J, Zimmermann MT, Mathison A, Urrutia R, Lomberk G.) Front Cell Dev Biol. 2026;14:1748541 PMID: 41890907 PMCID: PMC13013501 SCOPUS ID: 2-s2.0-105033634422 03/27/2026
-
(Wagenknecht JB, Haque N, Jorge SD, Ratnasinghe BD, Urrutia R, Gahl WA, Ziegler SG, Zimmermann MT.) International Journal of Molecular Sciences. February 2026;27(4) SCOPUS ID: 2-s2.0-105031531543 02/01/2026
-
(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
-
(Veluri R, Pollin G, Wagenknecht JB, Urrutia R, Zimmermann MT.) NAR Genom Bioinform. 2025 Dec;7(4):lqaf178 PMID: 41347230 PMCID: PMC12673850 12/05/2025
-
(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
-
(Dong X, Haque N, Wagenknecht JB, Zimmermann MT.) Endocr Connect. 2025 Oct 01;14(10) PMID: 41175859 PMCID: PMC12579490 11/02/2025
-
(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
-
(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
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.