This summer has been a whirlwind of activity in our lab, marked by significant presentations, new team members, and exciting publications. As we continue to explore the frontiers of gene editing and chromatin biology, the contributions of our team members shine through, showcasing both individual and collective efforts in advancing scientific knowledge.
Presentations and Conferences
Leo and Ashley recently showcased our collaborative project with the Wanat lab at the 2025 Society for Neuroscience meeting held in San Diego. Their presentation highlighted the innovative research emerging from our joint efforts, capturing the attention of attendees.
In addition, Ksenia represented our lab at the 2025 Bringing Chemistry to Medicine Symposium at St. Jude, discussing the intersection of chemistry and biology in our ongoing research. Meanwhile, Alexey traveled to St. Louis for the New Investigators in Chromatin meeting, where he shared insights on our latest findings in chromatin dynamics.
Not to be overlooked, Vinson and Maze revived an old cover art for their review in Trends in Neurosciences, which originally graced the K4-Q5 Nature paper. It’s gratifying to see this artwork find its rightful place in Cell Press, embodying our commitment to sustainability in science—#ReduceReuseRecycle!
New Team Members and Collaborations
Our lab welcomed several new faces this summer. Gauri is embarking on her PhD journey at UT Southwestern’s Basic Biomedical Sciences Program, marking a significant milestone in her academic career. Although we bid her farewell in a formal sense, we look forward to staying connected and continuing our collaborative work on the polyamine project.
Wan Song has joined us as a postdoctoral associate, alongside Ashley Miller, who is now pursuing her graduate studies through the Neuroscience PhD program. Additionally, Marzieh Rouzbehani has come on board as a student volunteer. We are excited about the fresh perspectives they bring and look forward to updating our “People” section soon.
Ashley recently attended a Molecular Biology workshop hosted by New England Biolabs at Smith College, while Dustin traveled to Italy for essential bioinformatics training at the Bologna Summer School of Genome Regulation. Both experiences will undoubtedly enhance our lab’s capabilities.
Major Publications and Research Advances
Dustin, Amina, and Cameron have been leading an impressive review titled “Aere perennius: how chromatin fidelity is maintained and lost in disease,” which has now been published in NAR Molecular Medicine. This work explores the mechanisms of epigenetic regulation and their implications in disease, providing a comprehensive overview of current research.
In tandem, this team has analyzed a substantial RNA-Seq dataset generated from mouse embryonic stem cells undergoing 2i conversion, investigating the role of Polycomb proteins. Our findings have now been published in Data in Brief, revealing critical insights into gene expression changes during this process.
The concept of epigenetic memory preserved through cellular divisions and environmental influences is captivating. Our review delves into how chromatin maintains fidelity and the potential dysfunctions that arise in various diseases. The phrase “aere perennius,” meaning “stronger than bronze,” encapsulates the enduring nature of this memory, aligning perfectly with our research focus.
Celebrating Achievements and Future Endeavors
Celebrations are in order as Gauri successfully defended her MS thesis and gained acceptance into the PhD program at UT Southwestern. This accomplishment is a testament to her hard work and dedication. The ASBMB meeting in Chicago added to the joy, showcasing more of our team’s achievements.
We are thrilled to announce that Cameron has made the decision to join The David Rockefeller Graduate Program in Bioscience, making her the only candidate from Texas. This prestigious opportunity reflects her exceptional academic journey, and we couldn’t be prouder.
Amina received an annual departmental award for her research a week after graduation, further solidifying her impact in our lab. She opted for a unique beetle instead of a monetary prize, which we found outside the lab—a quirky reminder of her adventurous spirit.
Ongoing and Future Research
Our efforts to develop an in vivo single-molecule imaging platform for linker histones received funding through the American Cancer Society and Mays Cancer Center at UT Health. This project aims to enhance our understanding of histone dynamics in both wild-type and mutant contexts.
Dustin and Amina’s recent collaboration with the Geyer and Zinn-Justin labs has resulted in documented histone modification changes associated with a unique mutation in the Barrier-to-Autointegration Factor (BAF) protein. This research has now been published, highlighting the power of collaborative science.
In addition, our paper on the dual role of lipids in genome stability and pluripotency is now featured in Protein & Cell. This work uncovers the intricate connections between metabolic regulation and epigenetic mechanisms, showcasing the multifaceted nature of cellular function.
Conclusion
The past few months have been dynamic and productive, illustrating the power of collaboration and innovation in our research endeavors. As we continue to expand our lab and explore new scientific questions, we remain committed to excellence and discovery. With each achievement, we pave the way for future explorations that could redefine our understanding of gene regulation and cellular biology.
- Leo and Ashley presented at the SfN meeting in San Diego.
- Gauri began her PhD journey at UT Southwestern.
- Cameron joined The David Rockefeller Graduate Program.
- Our lab is expanding with new members and exciting collaborations.
- Major publications highlight our ongoing contributions to the field.
Read more → www.chromatin.bio