Samuelson Lab

About

The Samuelson lab identifies and studies breast cancer susceptibility genes using experimental organisms and human samples. Genetic variation in susceptibility genes is likely regulatory in nature; therefore, our mechanistic studies focus primarily on transcriptional regulation and gene product function. Our approaches include genetics, genomics, proteomics, genetic engineering, bioimaging, and molecular biology. In addition to understanding breast cancer development, we anticipate that the long-term translational impact of our research will be in the areas of breast cancer prevention and diagnostics.

The Samuelson lab is also involved in other collaborative research projects aimed at better understanding other complex diseases, including male factor infertility and lupus nephritis.

Key Research Areas

  • Genetic and environmental susceptibility to breast cancer
  • Molecular mechanisms of male infertility
  • Serum biomarkers of active lupus nephritis.

Current Projects

  • Characterization of MIER3 as a breast cancer susceptibility gene
  • Determining the mechanistic role of MIER3 in spermatogenesis
  • Identification of novel serum biomarkers and immunoglobulin profiles associated with active lupus nephritis 

Team

David J. Samuelson PhD, ORCID, MyNCBI

Recent Publications

  • Duderstadt EL and Samuelson DJ. A method for quantitative spatial gene expression analysis of mammary gland tissue morphological changes associated with reproductive and developmental toxicity. Reproductive Toxicology, 140:109179, 2026, ISSN 0890-6238, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.reprotox.2026.109179. PMID: 41643753
  • Sanders J, Kalbfleisch TS, Le S, Xu X, Cummins TD, Powell DW, Samuelson DJ. Identification and functional analysis of Rattus norvegicus Mammary carcinoma susceptibility 1b (Mcs1b) nominated variants. Mammalian Genome. 2025 Dec;36(4):1081-1097. doi: 10.1007/s00335-025-10157-5. Epub 2025 Sep 19. PMID: 40973823.
  • Duderstadt EL and Samuelson DJ. Rat Mammary carcinoma susceptibility 3 (Mcs3) pleiotropy, socioenvironmental interaction, and comparative genomics with orthologous human 15q25.1-25.2. G3 Genes|Genomes|Genetics. 13(1) 2023, jkac288, doi: 10.1093/g3journal/jkac288. PMID: 36315068

 

Samuelson Lab

Biochemistry & Molecular Genetics

Website about

Phone

502-852-7797

Location

HSC-A Building, Room 715