Publications:73
Thomas P Zwaka, MD, PhD
About Me
Dr. Zwaka’s research focuses on fundamental questions surrounding stem cell biology, including how to reverse the process of differentiation and “re-program” any given cell type into a pluripotent stem cell. Zwaka Lab website: https://www.zwakalab.org/
Language
English
Position
PROFESSOR | Stem Cell Biology And Regenerative Medicine
Research Topics
Apoptosis/Cell Death, Cell Biology, Developmental Biology, Embryology, Epigenetics, Gene Regulation, Gene Therapy, Stem Cells, Tissue Engineering, Transcription Factors, Transcriptional Activation and Repression
Multi-Disciplinary Training Areas
Development Regeneration and Stem Cells [DRS]
Education
MD PhD, University of Ulm
Postdoctoral, University of Wisconsin, Madison
Research
In this project we explore non-classical (quantum physical) properties of early embryonic cells and neurons. The idea is that the current view that cells organize activities (like signal transduction or subcellular communication) via random walks among the staggering range of possibilities is incredibly unlikely. We propose instead a quantum mechanics-based relationship between molecular assemblies and elements of cell behavior. We are currently testing the prediction that cells harbor highly specialized structures that act in a quantum-computer like fashion to orchestrate cell function at a higher level.
Publications
Selected Publications
- Bats as instructive animal models for studying longevity and aging. Lisa Noelle Cooper, Mohammad Y. Ansari, Grace Capshaw, Alex Galazyuk, Amanda M. Lauer, Cynthia F. Moss, Karen E. Sears, Mark Stewart, Emma C. Teeling, Gerald S. Wilkinson, Rachel C. Wilson, Thomas P. Zwaka, Rena Orman. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences
- Abortive infection of bat fibroblasts with SARS-CoV-2. Punam Bisht, Michael D. Gallagher, M. Inmaculada Barrasa, Julie Boucau, Alfred Harding, Marion Déjosez, Carlos Godoy-Parejo, Margaret E. Bisher, Giovanni de Nola, Abigail K.R. Lytton-Jean, Lee Gehrke, Thomas P. Zwaka, Rudolf Jaenisch. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America
- Advancing stem cell technologies for conservation of wildlife biodiversity. Ashlee M. Hutchinson, Ruth Appeltant, Tom Burdon, Qiuye Bao, Rhishikesh Bargaje, Andrea Bodnar, Stuart Chambers, Pierre Comizzoli, Laura Cook, Yoshinori Endo, Bob Harman, Katsuhiko Hayashi, Thomas Hildebrandt, Marisa L. Korody, Uma Lakshmipathy, Jeanne F. Loring, Clara Munger, Alex H.M. Ng, Ben Novak, Manabu Onuma, Sara Ord, Monique Paris, Andrew J. Pask, Francisco Pelegri, Martin Pera, Ryan Phelan, Benyamin Rosental, Oliver A. Ryder, Woranop Sukparangsi, Gareth Sullivan, Nicole Liling Tay, Nikki Traylor-Knowles, Shawn Walker, Antonia Weberling, Deanne J. Whitworth, Suzannah A. Williams, Jessye Wojtusik, Jun Wu, Qi Long Ying, Thomas P. Zwaka, Timo N. Kohler. Development (Cambridge)
Industry Relationships
Physicians and scientists on the faculty of the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai often interact with pharmaceutical, device, biotechnology companies, and other outside entities to improve patient care, develop new therapies and achieve scientific breakthroughs. In order to promote an ethical and transparent environment for conducting research, providing clinical care and teaching, Mount Sinai requires that salaried faculty inform the School of their outside financial relationships.
Below are financial relationships with industry reported by Dr. Zwaka during 2025 and/or 2026. Please note that this information may differ from information posted on corporate sites due to timing or classification differences.
Founder/Co-Founder/Partner
- Paratus Sciences
Mount Sinai’s faculty policies relating to faculty collaboration with industry are posted on our website. Patients may wish to ask their physician about the activities they perform for companies.