Marine Biomedical Research
The Marine Biomedical Research Program is dedicated to utilizing marine organisms as laboratory animal models and sources of material in basic research.
The ultimate goal of this program is to use results from these studies to contribute to a better understanding of health problems in higher animals, including humans, and/or to benefit the wild populations of the particular organism studied. A major research effort in the program is directed at understanding why sharks and their skate and ray relatives have a low incidence of disease.
Current projects focus on the following topics:
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Characterization of cellular immune function in elasmobranchs.
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Identification of immune regulatory factors.
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Reproduction and embryonic development.
Mote Marine Laboratory has been a leader in marine research since it was founded in 1955. Today, we incorporate public outreach as a key part of our mission. Mote is an independent nonprofit organization and has seven centers for marine research, the public Mote Aquarium and an Education Division specializing in public programs for all ages.
