Joseph M. Metzger, Ph.D.

Joseph M. Metzger (metzgerj@umn.edu) is Professor and Chair of Integrative Biology and Physiology at the University of Minnesota Medicine School. Following graduate studies at Marquette University and postdoctoral training at the University of Wisconsin, Dr. Metzger commenced his tenure-track Assistant Professor career at the University of Michigan. At Michigan, he was director of the Center for Integrative Genomics and Professor and Associate Chair of the Dept. of Molecule and Integrative Physiology.

In 2008, Dr. Metzger was appointed as the Maurice B. Visscher Land-Grant Endowed Chair of Physiology and Professor and inaugural Chair of the Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology at the University of Minnesota Medical School. The Metzger lab seeks mechanistic insights into heart and muscle function with the aim of ultimately translating findings to new therapeutic modalities for remediation of acquired and inherited cardiac and muscle diseases. His laboratory has forwarded a number of advances including molecular development of a cardiac “Guardian Angel” for the ischemic and failing heart and a chemical-based “Molecular Band-Aid” for dystrophic cardiomyopathy in muscular dystrophy. Dr. Metzger has trained numerous students and fellows, 22 of which have advanced to tenure-track faculty positions at leading academic medical centers across the country.

The Metzger lab is a dynamic and interactive biomedical research group that spans from graduate students to postdoctoral and clinical fellows, and includes undergraduates, visiting professors and research associates. Lab expertise ranges from physiologists, bioengineers, cardiologists, surgeons, and molecular and cellular biologists. The lab welcomes new investigators from diverse academic backgrounds who share the ultimate goal of translating basic science insights into potential clinical therapies for disease.

Selected recent selected publications include: