People

Program affiliation
Molecular Genetics and Genomics
Developmental Regenerative and Stem Cell Biology
Molecular Cell Biology

Research summary
Our lab studies how disease-associated histone mutations disrupt chromatin and epigenetic regulation, contributing to developmental disorders, brain inflammation, and cancer. We take a multidisciplinary approach that combines biochemical and genomic assays, molecular genetics, cell biology, and both Drosophila and mouse models to investigate how these mutations impair development and drive tumorigenesis. Current projects focus on neurodevelopmental disorders, cancer-associated histone mutations, chromatin–immune crosstalk, and the discovery of chromatin-associated factors. Through this work, we aim to uncover fundamental mechanisms of chromatin dysregulation and identify new therapeutic targets.

Key words
Chromatin, Epigenetics, Gene Regulation, Cancer, Developmental Disorders, Brain Inflammation

Program: Computational and Systems Biology

Current advisor: Mark A. Watson, MD, PhD

Undergraduate university: Zhengzhou U, 2016

Program: Molecular Microbiology and Microbial Pathogenesis

Graduation Year: 2012

Thesis Advisor: Laurence David Sibley

Thesis Title: Role of the secreted kinase ROP18 in Toxoplasma gondii pathogenesis

Program affiliation
Immunology
Molecular Cell Biology
Molecular Microbiology and Microbial Pathogenesis

Research summary
We are examining the role of the autophagy pathway in the function of the retina and its role in diseases of the eye

Key words
angiogenesis, apoptosis, autophagy, immunology, lymphocyte, tolerance, photoreceptors, vision,

Program affiliation
Cancer Biology
Molecular Cell Biology
Immunology
Molecular Genetics and Genomics

Research summary
We use both mouse models and patient samples of acute myloid leukemia to understand leukemogenesis and to identify novel therapeutic targets.

Key words

Program: Neurosciences

Graduation Year: 2022

Thesis Advisor: Celia M. Santi Grau Perez

Thesis Title: SLO2.1 channels: a new molecular mechanism to regulate uterine excitability.

Program: Immunology

Graduation Year: 2017

Thesis Advisor: Emil R. Unanue

Thesis Title: Characterization and Function of Islet Antigen Presenting Cells during NOD Diabetes

Program: Developmental Regenerative and Stem Cell Biology

Current advisor: Tony Tsai, MD, PhD

Undergraduate university: George Washington University, 2013

Program: Cellular Developmental & Systemic Biology

Graduation Year: 1981

Thesis Advisor: Irving Boime

Thesis Title: "In Vitro Biosynthesis of Bovine Lutropin Alpha and Beta Subunits"

Program: Neurosciences

Graduation Year: 2009

Thesis Advisor: Dora E. Angelaki

Thesis Title: Neural Mechanisms of Multisensory Cue Integration for Self-Motion Perception.