Our research focuses on the roles of Wnt signaling and transcriptional and epigenetic regulatory mechanisms in development, regeneration, stem cell and aging of epithelial tissues of the skin, oral cavity and olfactory sytem and  ectodermal appendages such as hair follicles and skin glands. Understanding these mechanisms is critical for developing new therapies to improve skin grafting procedures, treat hair loss conditions, ameliorate taste and smell dysfunction, and promote healthy aging.

In previous work, we identified Wnt/beta-catenin signaling as a key pathway required for initiating the formation of ectodermal appendages from multipotent cells in mammalian embryos, and in controlling development and patterning of haired versus hairy skin. By analyzing genetic mouse models and tissues from human patients carrying mutations in the WNT10A gene, we showed that Wnt signaling plays a crucial role in regulating the functions of a wide variety of adult epithelial stem cells, as well as in controlling specialized differentiation programs in palmoplantar skin. We also identified critical functions for epigenetic regulators including micro-RNAs and chromatin modifiers in skin development and regeneration.

Our current research aims to:

• Understand why skin develops distinct  characteristics in different body regions, and how this pre-disposes us to region-specific skin conditions and diseases.
• Delineate transcriptional and epigenetic mechanisms that control the activity of skin stem cells.
• Uncover mechanisms underlying age-related dysfunction of sweat glands and Meibomianglands (specialized glands in the eyelid that prevent evaporation of tears).
• Determine why COVID-19 disease causes loss of taste and/or smell in some individuals.

The Millar lab is part of the Department of Stem Cell, Biology and Regenerative Medicine; the Department of Oncological Sciences; and the Department of Dermatology. Dr. Millar is also a faculty member of the Development, Regeneration and Stem Cells (DRS) graduate program.

Links

Dr. Millar lecture SID 2017

Department of Oncological Sciences

Center for Epithelial Biology and Regeneration

Dr. Millar speaking on stem cell research at the 2025 Aspen Ideas Festival

Dr. Millar speaking on panel about healthspan at the 2025 Aspen Ideas Festival

Current projects in the lab include:

1. Determining the mechanisms that underlie the formation and maintenance of hairy versus hairless skin and regulate hair patterning

2. Delineating the functions of histone deacetylase chromatin modifiers in skin development, stem cells, and cancer

3. Identifying pioneer transcription factors that control development and stem cell activity in the skin

4.Using novel genetic mouse models to uncover the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in loss of taste and smell in COVID-19 disease

We are actively seeking graduate students and postdoctoral fellows to join our group!

If you are interested in a rotation project or position in the Millar lab please contact Dr. Millar at sarah.millar@mssm.edu.