Genome Function

Thematic program focuses on understanding the mechanisms cells use to access the information in their genomes to grow and develop, to respond to the environment, to safeguard their genetic information, and how errors in these processes can lead to genetic disease.  The program includes study of DNA sequence and genetic variation, chromatin dynamics, gene regulation, epigenetic modification and inheritance, nuclear organization, and genome stability.   Investigators use a variety of established and cutting-edge approaches to interrogate genome function in multiple organisms including flies, mice, and humans.   Our interests include: 1) fine-scale mapping of non-coding genetic variation that affects enhancer function to determine the mechanisms by which disease-associated alleles induce atherosclerosis and hypertension,  2) examining how chromatin compaction alters nuclear shape and gene expression in laminopathies such as Emery-Driefuss Muscular Dystrophy and Hutchinson Gilford Progeria Syndrome, and 3) understanding how epigenetic changes cause hyper-mutation and chromosome damage, pushing healthy cells toward a cancer disease state.