“I study the fundamental mechanisms of cell death because, ironically, cell death is key to life.” – Don Newmeyer, Ph.D.

Dr. Newmeyer is currently an Associate Member of LIAI's Cellular Immunology division, and has served on the LIAI faculty since 1994. Dr. Newmeyer's research focuses on the functioning of apoptosis, or programmed cell death, and the role of mitochondria during the process.

Dr. Newmeyer received his B.S. in physics and his M.S. in mathematics from Drexel University in 1976. In 1980, he received an M.S. in biophysics from the University of Rochester, followed by his Ph.D. in biophysics in 1983. That same year, Dr. Newmeyer began his postdoctoral work at the Biocenter of the University of Basel in Basel, Switzerland. In 1985, he returned to the U.S. to begin a postdoctoral fellowship with the University of California, San Diego in its Biology Department. From 1989 to 1994, Dr. Newmeyer worked as an assistant staff scientist at the La Jolla Cancer Research Institute.

Dr. Newmeyer received the Newcomen Award for Excellence in Chemistry and Physics from Drexel University in 1976.

Cells in the body can undergo a process of suicide, called programmed cell death or apoptosis. This process is important for the normal development of the body plan in embryos, as well as for maintaining the size of adult organs and regulating the normal function of the immune system. Furthermore, a number of diseases, including cancer, AIDS, and autoimmune disorders, involve the improper control of this cell death process.

The Newmeyer laboratory is investigating the detailed mechanisms of programmed cell death that operate inside the cell. In particular, the team is examining how mitochondria-the "energy factory" in the cell- play a critical role in the apoptotic cell death program. A basic understanding of this process will likely suggest new approaches for the treatment of diseases that involve the inappropriate death or survival of certain types of cells.