Our research mission
Epigenetics refers to chemical modifications that dictate how cells use the genetic information stored within our DNA. Changes to these modifications can determine how cells respond to developmental or environmental signals by affecting gene expression levels. Important problems that we are tackling include:
How do cells regulate epigenetics?
How do epigenetic changes facilitate adaptation to stress?
How do epigenetic changes occur during aging?
Epigenetic regulation by RNA translation factors
Epigenetics controls RNA production from DNA. RNA translation, on the other hand, controls polypeptide production from RNAs. Recently, we discovered that they might be regulated by a common set of multifunctional proteins. We are actively investigating how a set of traditionally “translation regulating factors” may have novel roles in epigenetic gene repression.
Epigenetic responses to stress
Stress is something that all life must deal with. There is growing appreciation that epigenetics play major roles in how cells sense and cope with environmental stressors, many of which are completely foreign and appear at unexpected times. We are using yeast to model how living things tweak their epigenetic circuits to make it through stress.
Epigenetic rewiring during aging
As we age, there are drastic epigenetic changes that occur. We neither understand why they happen nor which changes cause aging. Through our own work and collaborations, we are actively investigating the long-term relationship between epigenetics and aging.
Our program is made possible by generous funding from:
Michigan State University
National Science Foundation (NSF)
MSU+HFH Partnership
