Research Interests
- epigenetic control by long noncoding RNAs, genomics, stem cells, cancer, human genetic disorders
Research Synopsis
The Calabrese lab seeks to make fundamental discoveries in genomics that unlock new innovations in medicine and biotechnology. Our current focus is on understanding how non-catalytic RNAs (lncRNAs) regulate gene expression inside of the nucleus. For reasons that remain unclear, mammalian genomes are pervasively transcribed. However, evidence suggests that prior to export from the nucleus, RNA coordinates a multitude of gene regulatory events that are essential for normal human health and homeostasis. We are working to delineate the relationships between sequence, structure, and function in regulatory RNAs, as well as the mechanisms that regulatory RNAs employ to control molecular events within the context of the chromatin environment. Given the centrality of gene regulation in human health and disease, we expect that successful completion of our research objectives will lead to the discovery of etiologies and therapeutic opportunities in many settings.
Motivated graduate students and post-doctoral fellows interested in joining the group are encouraged to contact Dr. Calabrese via email.
