PhD
Professor, Biology
UNC-Chapel Hill
Cancer Genetics Research Program
Area of Interest
The research in our laboratory centers on foundational mechanisms that regulate eukaryotic gene expression. In particular, we are interested in roles played by histone residues and their post-translational modifications (PTMs) in the transmission of genetic and epigenetic information required for proper metazoan development and genome function. We have developed innovative model systems to study gene expression control. Crucially, these models allow direct interrogation of specific amino acid residues present within conserved genes and multi-gene families. For example, we can now directly study the biological function of histone PTMs by changing the acceptor residue to one that cannot be appropriately modified and then replacing all wild-type copies of that histone gene with mutant ones. Hence, for the first time in any multicellular eukaryote, we can now directly determine the extent to which a given histone residue contributes to cell fate and organismal development. We employ genome-wide techniques together with molecular genetics and biochemistry to identify cellular pathways and binding partners that are dysregulated by missense mutations in histone tail residues. We compare and contrast them with mutations in chromatin modifying enzymes (i.e. readers, writers, erasers) to gain a clearer picture of the factors governing metazoan gene expression and organismal development. Our studies are expected to provide fundamental knowledge, elucidating epigenetic mechanisms important in human cancers and other disorders. Using this powerful genetic platform, we also expect to identify factors and mechanisms that enable a specific chromatin mark or enzyme complex to modulate the expression of an individual transcript, scattered groups of genes or even an entire chromosome.
Awards and Honors
- Journal of Cell Biology Lectureship, Deutsche Gesellschaft fr Zellbiologie, 2001
- Faculty Mentorship Award, Case Genetics Student Colloquium, 1996, 2006
- American Cancer Society Junior Faculty Research Award, 1995-1998
- March of Dimes Basil O’Connor Scholar Award, 1995-1997
- Damon Runyon Cancer Research Fund Postdoctoral Fellow, 1991-1993
- University of California Systemwide Biotechnology Training Stipend, 1987-1989
- NIH Cell and Molecular Biology Predoctoral Training Stipend, 1987-1988
