My lab uses the specific strengths of two model systems (C.elegans and mice) to reveal the gene regulatory mechanisms that control motor neuron development and function. To reveal such mechanisms we employ novel methodology, such as whole genome sequencing, CRISPR genome editing, ATAC-seq and cell type-specific transcriptome profiling. Our laboratory aims to systematically test whether the function of the gene regulatory factors we discover in C.elegans is conserved across phylogeny using mouse genetics and novel genomic approaches.
A detailed understanding of how the motor neurons develop and function may provide novel entry points into the etiology, diagnosis or treatment of motor neuron disorders, such as spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). From the basic science perspective, our research will reveal novel transcription factors, their targets and the cis-regulatory elements (motifs) through which these factors act. Such decoding of cis-regulatory information is a vital step toward understanding genome function.
Columbia University
Postdoctoral training - Developmental Neurobiology
2016
European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL)
Ph.D. - Developmental Biology
2009
Maintenance of neuronal identity in C. elegans and beyond: Lessons from transcription and chromatin factors.
Maintenance of neuronal identity in C. elegans and beyond: Lessons from transcription and chromatin factors. Semin Cell Dev Biol. 2023 Jul 11.
PMID: 37438210
Cell context-dependent CFI-1/ARID3 functions control neuronal terminal differentiation.
Cell context-dependent CFI-1/ARID3 functions control neuronal terminal differentiation. Cell Rep. 2023 03 28; 42(3):112220.
PMID: 36897776
Hox gene functions in the C. elegans nervous system: From early patterning to maintenance of neuronal identity.
Hox gene functions in the C. elegans nervous system: From early patterning to maintenance of neuronal identity. Semin Cell Dev Biol. 2024 Jan-Feb; 152-153:58-69.
PMID: 36496326
Maintenance of neurotransmitter identity by Hox proteins through a homeostatic mechanism.
Maintenance of neurotransmitter identity by Hox proteins through a homeostatic mechanism. Nat Commun. 2022 Oct 15; 13(1):6097.
PMID: 36243871
Widespread employment of conserved C. elegans homeobox genes in neuronal identity specification.
Widespread employment of conserved C. elegans homeobox genes in neuronal identity specification. PLoS Genet. 2022 09; 18(9):e1010372.
PMID: 36178933
Control of spinal motor neuron terminal differentiation through sustained Hoxc8 gene activity.
Control of spinal motor neuron terminal differentiation through sustained Hoxc8 gene activity. Elife. 2022 03 22; 11.
PMID: 35315772
Emerging Roles for Hox Proteins in the Last Steps of Neuronal Development in Worms, Flies, and Mice.
Emerging Roles for Hox Proteins in the Last Steps of Neuronal Development in Worms, Flies, and Mice. Front Neurosci. 2021; 15:801791.
PMID: 35185450
The SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling assemblies BAF and PBAF differentially regulate cell cycle exit and cellular invasion in vivo.
The SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling assemblies BAF and PBAF differentially regulate cell cycle exit and cellular invasion in vivo. PLoS Genet. 2022 01; 18(1):e1009981.
PMID: 34982771
A C. elegans model of C9orf72-associated ALS/FTD uncovers a conserved role for eIF2D in RAN translation.
A C. elegans model of C9orf72-associated ALS/FTD uncovers a conserved role for eIF2D in RAN translation. Nat Commun. 2021 10 15; 12(1):6025.
PMID: 34654821
Transgenic reporter analysis of ChIP-Seq-defined enhancers identifies novel target genes for the terminal selector UNC-3/Collier/Ebf.
Transgenic reporter analysis of ChIP-Seq-defined enhancers identifies novel target genes for the terminal selector UNC-3/Collier/Ebf. MicroPubl Biol. 2021; 2021.
PMID: 34549172
Award for Basic Research in Neurobiology
Whitehall Foundation
2017 - 2019
K99/R00 Pathway to Independence Award
National Institute of Health
2013 - 2018