Molecular Cell Biology

Program affiliation
Molecular Cell Biology
Immunology
Cancer Biology

Research summary
interactions between bone and immune cells in inflammation and cancer

Key words
arthritis, inflammation, cancer, bone metastases, osteoclasts

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 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 affiliation
Molecular Cell Biology

Research summary
Identify novel target pathways for therapeutic treatment of obesity-related diseases including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and fatty liver disease

Key words
diabetes, fatty acid, insulin, cardiovascular disease, fatty liver disease, mitochondria

Program affiliation
Molecular Cell Biology

Research summary
Improve obstetric outcomes for women and their neonates by understanding and targeting mechanisms of dysfunctional uterine contractility

Key words

Program affiliation
Neurosciences
Molecular Genetics and Genomics
Molecular Cell Biology

Research summary
Exploration of functions for neuron-specific regulators of gene expression, leveraging genes and mechanisms implicated in human neurologic disease to point us toward critical pathways in the brain.

Key words
Epigenetics, Neurodevelopment, Rett syndrome, non-CpG DNA methylation, Transcription, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Neurodevelopmental disease

Program affiliation
Neurosciences
Molecular Cell Biology

Research summary
Understand the molecular mechanisms that regulate reactive astrocytes and their neurotoxicity in
neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease, by utilizing a combination of biochemistry, molecular biology, cellular models of inflammation and mouse models of neurodegenerative diseases.

Key words

Program affiliation
Neurosciences
Molecular Cell Biology

Research summary
Cellular and molecular mechanisms of chronic pain, preclinical and translational research

Key words
pain, optogenetics, ion channel, synaptic transmission, signal transduction, electrophysiology, in vivo imaging, genetics

Program affiliation
Molecular Cell Biology

Research summary
Mechanisms of chronic kidney disease progression, treatment options to halt kidney disease progression

Key words