The Role of RNA and Histone Modifications in Gene Silencing
We are interested in characterizing and understanding the processes regulating transcriptional repression and heterochromatin formation. Using a combination of cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM), mass spectrometry and biochemistry, we are looking at how RNA and various histone post translational modifications interact and regulate the activity of gene silencing enzymes. In parallel, we are also visualizing the in situ chromosome architecture and higher order chromatin structures using a combination of cryo-focused ion beam milling (cryo-FIB) and cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET).
RNA mediated PRC2 dimerization published in Science! Read it here.
Lab hosted a half-day tour and demo for community college students as part of the B2B Summer Workshop! See here
Our lab will be at CSHL Epigenetics and Chromatin, ASBMB Transcription meetings this Fall 2024! Talk to us for our on-going research!
Summer Lab Hike. See here
How do chromatin modifier complexes facilitate heterochromatin formation?
How do homologous chromosomes recognize and pair with each other?
Image Credit: Abby Dernberg Lab, UC Berkeley