Genomic Regulation

Our lab is dedicated to understanding the molecular mechanisms that regulate gene expression, chromatin state, and genome organization, including:

1. Mechanisms and functions of long non-coding RNA: We are particularly interested in the long non-coding RNA XIST, which is the master regulator of X-chromosome inactivation. We investigate how XIST modulates gene expression and chromatin state across developmental stages in human and mouse models.
2. Transcriptional control of cell fate: By leveraging cellular reprogramming, we study how transcription factors influence gene networks that determine cell fate decisions. Our goal is to uncover the mechanisms by which cells adopt and maintain specific identities, with implications for regenerative medicine and developmental biology.
3. 3D genome architecture and chromatin dynamics: The three-dimensional organization of the genome profoundly influences gene expression. We explore the spatial arrangement of chromatin and its interactions with transcriptional regulation in various cellular contexts, aiming to unravel how these interactions impact cell function and identity.