Gary J Fisher, PhD

portrait of Gary Fisher
Harry Helfman Professor of Molecular Dermatology and Professor of Dermatology
Medical School
University of Michigan–Ann Arbor
Dermatology
1301 E Catherine, Med Sci I R6447
Ann Arbor, MI 48109
[email protected]
Available to mentor
Gary J Fisher, PhD
portrait of Gary Fisher
Professor
  • About
  • Qualifications
  • Center Memberships
  • Research Overview
  • Recent Publications
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  • About

    Gary J. Fisher is the Harry Helfman Professor of Molecular Dermatology in the Department of Dermatology at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor and Director of the Photoaging and Aging Research Program. He received his PhD from Cornell University in 1980 and received his postdoctoral training at Washington University in the Departments of Biological Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine.

    Dr. Fisher is mentor to junior faculty in translational research and to post-doctoral fellows, medical (at all levels) and diversity students in laboratory science. Also Dr. Fisher directs the basic science core curriculum course, which is taught to all residents in the Dermatology Department. Dr. Fisher has been a guest lecturer at NIH workshops and continuing education conferences for medical students and nurses alike.

    Dr. Fisher has received recognition as an inventor and by the dean for achievements in clinical and basic science research. He is associate editor for the Journal for Investigative Dermatology and Journal of Dermatological Science. In addition, he is a reviewer for several scholarly journals and is an invited speaker at major scientific meetings in the United States, Europe and Asia. Dr. Fisher is the author of over a hundred published papers.

    Dr. Fisher's research studies the molecular mechanisms of sun-induced premature skin aging and the molecular mechanisms of chronological skin aging focusing on four major areas: procollagen biosynthesis, collagen degradation, signal transduction, and inflammation. Dr. Fisher's laboratory works with the Clinical Research Unit (CRU), Cosmetic Laser Surgery Unit and Cutaneous Surgery and Oncology Unit. His additional current interests include mechanisms of protein phosphatases and stem cells in aging human skin.

    Qualifications

    • Postdoc Fellow
      Washington University in St. Louis, St Louis, United States
      1980 - 1985
      Postdoctoral Research
    • PhD
      Cornell University, Ithaca, United States
      1974 - 1980

    Center Memberships

    • Center Member
      Rogel Cancer Center

    Research Overview

    Photobiology
    Photoaging

    Recent Publications

    See All Publications
    • Journal Article
      Feasibility and effectiveness of a multimodal exercise intervention on physical activity and physical functions in low-income older adults
      Chen W, Fisher G, Cui Y, Baalawi H, Larson JL. Geriatric Nursing, 2026 Sep 1; 72: DOI:10.1016/j.gerinurse.2026.104160
    • Journal Article
      Fibroblast-Specific Deletion of Yap/Taz Impairs Mouse Postnatal Dermal Development by Diminishing Collagenous Matrix.
      Ermilov AN, Kim AJ, Hansen KC, McCabe M, Kim JY, Qin Z, Zhang Z, He T, Guo C, Voorhees JJ, Fisher GJ, Quan T. J Invest Dermatol, 2026 Jun 18; DOI:10.1016/j.jid.2026.05.034
      PMID: 42314933
    • Preprint
      Fibroblast-specific Deletion of Yap/Taz Impairs Mouse Postnatal Dermal Development by Suppressing Collagen Production and Deposition.
      Alexandre , Kim AJ, Hansen KC, McCabe M, Kim JY, Qin Z, Zhang Z, He T, Guo C, Voorhees JJ, Fisher GJ, Quan T. 2026 Jan 22; DOI:10.64898/2026.01.19.700422
      PMID: 41648482
    • Journal Article
      Advances in graft-versus-host disease: emerging therapeutic strategies, biomarker discoveries, and innovative treatment approaches
      Cui Y, Gau CC, Wang CW, Chen CB, Chung WH, Fisher GJ, Choi SW. Frontiers in Immunology, 2026 Jan 1; 17: 1816067 DOI:10.3389/fimmu.2026.1816067
      PMID: 42367753
    • Proceeding / Abstract / Poster
      239 A Transcriptomic Atlas of Healthy Human Skin Links Regional Identity to Inflammatory Disease
      Marella S, Bogle R, Fox J, Tsoi L, Xing X, Zhang H, Dey P, Gu Y, Kirma J, Sarkar M, van Drongelen V, Klein B, Fisher G, Kozlow J, Harms P, Gallagher K, Naik S, Rebecca V, Andersen B, Nakamura M, Kahlenberg JM, Modlin R, Billi A, Gudjonsson J. Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2025 Nov 11; 145 (11): e68 DOI:10.1016/j.jid.2025.09.243
    • Journal Article
      Integrin α11β1 as a Key Collagen Receptor in Human Skin Dermis: Insight into Fibroblast Function and Skin Dermal Aging
      Quan T, Qin Z, He T, Fisher GJ. Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2025 Oct 1; 145 (10): 2449 - 2463. DOI:10.1016/j.jid.2025.03.006
      PMID: 40139564
    • Proceeding / Abstract / Poster
      0967 Injection of cross-linked hyaluronic acid dermal filler into sun-exposed forearm skin of early middle-aged persons stimulates collagen expression in dermal fibroblast
      Ermilov A, Nakamura M, Hauptman M, Thomas R, Orringer J, Wang F, Fisher GJ. Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2025 May 17; 145 (8): s167 - s167. DOI:10.1016/j.jid.2025.06.983
    • Proceeding / Abstract / Poster
      Injection of cross-linked hyaluronic acid dermal filler into sun-exposed forearm skin of early middle-aged persons stimulates collagen expression in dermal fibroblast
      Ermilov A, Nakamura M, Hauptman M, Thomas R, Orringer J, Wang F, Fisher G. Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2025 May 8; 145 (8): DOI:10.1016/j.jid.2025.06.983