Innovation

With a focus on the molecular and physical basis for epigenetic phenomena, we distinguish ourselves among epigenetic research efforts, and provide innovative technologies to move the field forward. Cutting edge technologies will include a.) AFM, cryoEM, or single molecule technologies to explore the structural changes of epigenetic modifications, b.) developing and utilizing high-throughput MS analysis to discover new modifications, map epigenetic marks and quantify biologically relevant changes. c.) developing combinatory chemistries on different platforms to create epigenetic peptide libraries that can be screened by protein code writers and readers. d.) developing technologies to create engineered nucleosomes and chromatin fibers, etc. e.) developing computation models that integrate diverse sets of epigenetic information (such as genome-wide transcriptional arrays, DNA methylation, histone modifications, and epidemiology) f.) developing computational models for epigenetic based alteration in chromatin structure.

A WID theme in epigenetics is a perfect fit with existing and future research efforts, including stem cell biology, translational studies (Institute for Clinical and Translational Research) within the Medical school, development of new MS technologies (Josh Coon, Chemistry), biomarker and diagnostic analyses (Molecular diagnostics lab and the human proteomics program), and synergy with DNA-based array technologies from the Laboratory of Genetics and the Biotechnology Center. Moreover, information and computational sciences will be essential for data analysis and development of new models for understanding epigenetic mechanisms.  Information technology (namely, computational epigenetics) may reside within co-existing WID themes or from close interdisciplinary efforts from relevant campus-wide faculty.