Neuroscience and Epigenetics Research

Mentor Areas

Our lab works at the intersection of neuroscience and epigenetics. Epigenetics, in its broadest sense, explores how our environment can change the expression of our genes. Epigenetic regulation of transcription is extremely important in neuronal function and contributes to the creation of new memories, our ability to adapt to our environment, and to numerous neurological disorders. We try to understand how the world around us can influence genes expression in our neurons to allow us to learn, adapt, and become the people we are today. 

In the lab we focus on chromatin and its role in neuronal function. Chromatin is the complex of DNA and proteins called histones, which package our DNA into complex structures and control access to our genes. To study histones and how they regulate neuronal function, we combine methods such as microscopy, bioinformatics, biochemistry, behavioral testing, and more. We have multiple areas of research in the lab, all focused on the study of chromatin and how it regulates neuronal function and neurodevelopmental disorders.

Description:

Our lab works on the role of epigenetic regulation in the brain and in neurological disorders. Specifically, we study a set of proteins called histones that function by wrapping up DNA into complex structures to control gene expression. Histone regulation is critical for learning, memory, and neurodevelopment. Ongoing projects include:

The role of histone modifications in regulating how neurons respond to the environment:

Histone proteins can be modified by a huge range of posttranslational modifications including phosphorylation, methylation, ubiquitination, and more. These modifications allow histones to respond to different environmental cues and regulate gene expression accordingly. Particularly exciting are several novel modifications only recently discovered on histone proteins. For reasons we don’t yet understand, some of these histone modifications are particularly highly expressed in the brain. We are exploring their regulation and function in neurons and examining how they allow the brain to adapt to a changing environment and new experiences.

The role of different histone variants in learning and memory:

Histone proteins can come in different ‘flavors’. Often these variant proteins only differ by a few amino acids, yet they can play very different roles in regulating transcription. To study the role of these histone variants in the brain, we are applying the tools of chromatin biology such as biochemistry techniques and genome-wide sequencing to the field of neuroscience. We hope to understand how these subtle changes can drastically alter the ability of a neuron to activate the right genes at the right times and allow the brain to perform complex tasks such as memory storage and learning new skills.

The role of chromatin in neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism:

Recent studies have identified many new genes linked to autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders. Surprisingly, a large number of these genes encode proteins that are involved in epigenetic regulation. However, in most cases we don’t know how these proteins function in the brain or how their loss can lead to neurodevelopmental disorders. We use a combination of cell culture, genome-wide sequencing, bioinformatics, and behavioral testing of animal models to better understand how these disorders occur and, hopefully, how they can be treated.

For all of these research directions, undergraduate projects would include helping to process brain tissue samples, analyzing mouse behavioral testing experiments, generating and analyzing DNA, RNA and protein, and preparing samples for genome-wide sequencing analysis.

Preferred Qualifications

College level biology classes are required. Prior lab experience is preferred.

Project Website

Learn more about the researcher and/or the project here.
Korb Lab