Jacob Kirkland, Ph.D., RPL1
Elucidating pBAF-complex functions by chemical genetics and epigenome editing
Our DNA is packed inside cells in a highly organized way that helps control which genes are turned on or off—an essential part of how cells grow, change, and stay healthy. This project studies a group of protein machines, called chromatin regulators, that manage this DNA organization, particularly a group known as pBAF, which may play a unique role in development and disease. Since problems in chromatin regulation are linked to cancer, neurological disorders, and developmental conditions, this research could pave the way for future treatments by showing how these regulators work and what happens when they malfunction.
Rafal Donczew, Ph.D., RPL2
Mechanisms of recruitment and roles of the BET family chromatin readers in transcription initiation
Precise control of gene transcription is necessary for normal cell development. Dysregulated transcription contribute to the emergence and progression of cancer and other human diseases. Our proposed work will define the principles of regulation of transcription by proteins from the BET family and their partner factors.
Elizabeth Finn, Ph.D., RPL3
Mapping heterochromatin organization with high-throughput imaging
Most of your genome is repetitive or viral in origin and must be kept silent to ensure genome stability, ensure healthy offspring, and prevent cancer. Silent genome regions spatially cluster within the nucleus, and this clustering enables their silencing, but how silent regions fit together within clusters varies between cells and even between chromosomes within a cell. We will use quantitative imaging to clarify the sources of this variability and its regulation, in the hopes of developing new paradigms for prevention and treatment of developmental disorders and cancer.
Jaya Krishnan, Ph.D., RPL4
Unraveling Metabolic Resilience: A Genomic Exploration Using Astyanax mexicanus Cavefish
Metabolic syndrome poses a significant health burden globally, necessitating innovative approaches for therapeutic discovery. This project aims to unravel the genetic basis of metabolic resilience using the unique Astyanax mexicanus cavefish system, a powerful model for studying evolutionary adaptations to metabolic challenges. The Astyanax system, featuring both river and cave-dwelling morphotypes, provides a unique opportunity to investigate how organisms adapt to metabolic syndrome-like conditions. By investigating metabolic resilience and hyperglycemia in early developmental stages, the project aims to contribute to a deeper understanding of metabolic disorders and potentially identify novel therapeutic targets.
