Research

RESEARCH FOCUS

To understand the complex functional interplay between transcription factors and 3D chromatin architecture and the impact on cell fate decisions, such as reprogramming, differentiation or tumorigenesis.

APPROACH

We use high-throughput sequencing techniques such as 4C-Seq, HiC, HiChIP, ChIP-seq and RNA-seq and integrative computational analysis to dissect regulatory mechanisms of cell type-specific gene expression programs. We also employ advanced CRISPR/(d)Cas9-based genetic and epigenetic approaches for functional validation.

PROJECTS

• Delineating the mechanisms of cell fate inheritance after cell division.

• Dissecting the nature, role and major driving forces of 3D chromatin reorganization during cell fate transitions.

• Defining critical proteins and regulatory elements that control epigenetic stability of genomic imprinting.

July 2020: Our research on 3D regulatory hubs in early developmental decisions is funded by an R01 from NIGMS. So excited to dive into the organizational principles and the functional impact of these hubs!!! So many reasons to celebrate finally in person! Let's sail!

May 2020: Dylan is selected for the T32 Training Grant in Developmental & Stem Cell Biology. So many reasons to celebrate!

March 2020: Laurianne is awarded a fellowship from the Lymphoma Research Foundation  for her efforts to dissect the stem-like properties of Germinal Center B cells and their implications in lymphoma. In addition, she obtained a Core Facility seed grant  from the Cornell Center for Immunology! We are so proud of you!!!

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September 2019: Effie presents at the CSHL Stem Cell Biology meeting

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September 2019: Our paper on 3D-enhancer rewiring during reprogramming is out in Nature Cell Biology. Great work everyone!

Link for commentary: here 

July 2019: Boaz is awarded an MTOR T32 training grant for his project on mechanisms of imprinting maintenance. Congratulations!!!

June 2019: Farewell lunch and rowing at Central Park for Dafne! We miss you already!

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May 2019: Effie presents at the EMBO 3D genome workshop at Kyllini. Magical place and incredible audience!

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March 2019: Bobbie is awarded an NIH F30 Fellowship from the National Institute for Child Health & Human Development (NICHD) for her work on Mitotic Bookmarking. Congrats Bobbie!