Research Interests
Key words: Developmental genomics
Research in the lab focuses on how a single genome gives rise to a variety of cell types and body parts during development. We use Drosophila as a model organism to investigate (1) how transcription factors access DNA to regulate complex patterns of gene expression, and (2) how post-translational modification of histones contributes to maintenance of gene expression programs over time. We combine a range of approaches, including genomics (CUT&RUN, ATAC-seq, RNA-seq), genetics (transgenesis, CRISPR), microscopy, and biochemistry to address both of these questions. Defects in cell fate specification and maintenance of cell identity occur in most human diseases. A mechanistic understanding of normal development will shed light on how these processes go awry in disease.
Mentor Training:
- Bias 101
- Faculty Mentoring Workshop for Biomedical Researchers
- REI Racial Equity Workshop Phase 1
- Safe Zone
- TEAM ADVANCE
Training Program Affiliations:
- Bioinformatics and Computational Biology
- Biology
- Genetics and Molecular Biology
Publications
Dan McKay in UNC Genetics News
November 7, 2022
Department of Genetics Publications for October 23rd – November 5th, 2022
Department of Genetics faculty, postdocs, students and collaborators published 19 papers during October 23rd – November 5th, 2022.
October 10, 2022
Department of Genetics Publications for September 25th – October 8th, 2022
Department of Genetics faculty, postdocs, students and collaborators published 10 papers during September 25th – October 8th, 2022.
April 25, 2022
Department of Genetics Publications April 10th – 23rd, 2022
Department of Genetics faculty, postdocs, students and collaborators published 18 papers during April 10th – 23rd, 2022.
October 4, 2021
Department of Genetics Publications September 19th – October 2nd 2021
Department of Genetics faculty, postdocs, students and collaborators published 14 papers during September 19th – October 2nd 2021.
June 28, 2021
Department of Genetics Publications for June 13-26, 2021
Department of Genetics faculty, postdocs, students and collaborators published twenty one papers during June 13-26, 2021.
May 20, 2021
Tuesday – GMB Defense: Spencer Nystrom
GMB Curriculum Student Defense GMB Curriculum Student Defense: Spencer Nystrom, student of Dan McKay. Presented in partial satisfaction of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. This student defense will be broadcast via Zoom. Link will be provided through UNC Curriculum in Genetics and Molecular Biology emails. Contact jcornett@email.unc.edu for meeting link if …
December 30, 2020
Wednesday – Department of Genetics Colloquium: Spencer Nystrom & Aatish Thennavan
UNC Department of Genetics Research Colloquium The UNC Department of Genetics Research Colloquium welcomes Spencer Nystrom, Genetics and Molecular Biology Graduate Student in the Dan McKay Lab, and Aatish Thennavan, Graduate Student in the Chuck Perou Lab, on Wednesday, January 13, 2021. Spencer Nystrom Regulation of Developmental Timing by Chromatin Accessibility Aatish Thennavan Molecular analysis …
October 5, 2020
Department of Genetics Publications for September 20 – October 3, 2020
Department of Genetics faculty, postdocs, students and collaborators published seven papers during Sept. 20 – Oct. 3, 2020.
August 21, 2020
#BlackinGenetics Attracts National Attention
GMB student Alexis Stutzman and Markia Smith start a movement.
June 15, 2020
Department of Genetics Publications for May 31 – June 13, 2020
Department of Genetics faculty, postdocs, students and collaborators published eleven papers during May 31 – June 13, 2020.
