Epigenetic Regulation of Innate Immunity
Our lab’s overarching research interest is in understanding the development of our innate immune system and how loss of its regulation leads to disease, particularly in the context of an ever-changing environment. Epigenetic processes lie at the nexus of gene-environment interaction. The epigenome, encompassing higher order chromatin organization, covalent modifications of the DNA or histone proteins packaging the DNA, collectively enables precise regulation of accessibility and usage of genetic material. Epigenetic “writers” and “erasers” modify histones which serve as docking platforms for epigenetic “readers” to interpret and recruit appropriate transcriptional machinery to facilitate or prevent gene expression. Dysregulated epigenetic enzymes and aberrant chromatin landscapes are sentinel events appreciated in cancer and therapeutic interventions targeting these proteins have recently received a lot of attention; however, our understanding of their contribution in immune-mediated disorders (such as asthma, inflammatory bowel disease, systemic lupus erythematosus) remains fairly limited and the potential for therapeutic intervention remains untapped. Our lab uses primary immune cells and in vivo mouse models to study how disruption of epigenetic regulators lead to loss of proper immune function and homeostasis.
Orthopedic retrospective chart review
Chart review of patients that have undergone minimally invasive foot and ankle fusion procedures and looking at the different fusion rates with different surgical biologic augments
Small Animal Radiology
Projects will vary. They will mainly include data collection, spreadsheet management and manuscript preparation (based on students' desires and availability).
Genetic risk factors of epilepsies and Friedreich's ataxia
My research is on the circuit basis of Friedreich's ataxia and genetic epilepsies. We use research techniques ranging from basic molecular approaches to computation to dissect the pathological mechanisms by which genetic mutations lead to those disorders.
Predicting Pregnancy Complications
Our research program aims to identify causes of placental dysfunction that contribute to pregnancy complications.
Gastroenterology (Internal Medicine): Patient-oriented clinical research in adults with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD)
Patient-oriented clinical research in adults with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD).
Researching Cognitive Dysfunction Following Traumatic Brain Injury
My long-term research goals are to understand the mechanisms underlying cognitive dysfunction following traumatic brain injury (TBI) and to develop neuromodulation therapies for patients and veterans with TBI.
Brain tumor model characterization
We are characterizing humanized mouse models for the study of immunotherapy in glioblastoma, the most common adult malignant brain tumor. Using patient hematopoietic stem cells, we are able to establish a human immune system in an immunodeficient mouse. Tumor implantation then allows for the study of tumor-immune system interactions and therapeutics.
Developmental biology and genetic underpinnings of craniofacial development
The mission of our lab is to make a positive impact in science, in our team members and for patients everywhere. Our research program focuses on understanding the developmental biology and genetic underpinnings of craniofacial development. We are particularly interested in translating fundamental discoveries to clinical impact. Current projects include investigations of transcription factors important in regulating embryonic epithelial biology and neural crest differentiation, and the clinical malformations associated with this biology. We utilize the state-of-art approaches of genomics and cell biology in zebrafish, mouse and human iPSC models to mechanistically analyze these topics.