hPSCs as a model to probe the logic of human cell fate
We apply precision gene editing and large-scale CRISPR screening in human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) to explore mechanisms underlying human development. Specifically, we are interrogating the protein-coding regulators of pancreatic development and β cell function. The pathways that regulate these processes can be exploited for therapeutics to prevent and reverse diseases such as type 1 and type 2 diabetes. In a second, closely related area, we are developing approaches to discover developmental enhancers, and to understand the epigenetic regulation of noncoding regulatory elements with a focus on DNA methylation.
Research
What we work on
Our lab combines genome-scale CRISPR screening, functional and computational genomics in hPSCs to dissect the regulatory logic of cell fate decisions in development and disease.
Pancreatic Development & β Cell Biology
We study the transcriptional and epigenetic programs that drive pancreatic lineage commitment and β cell maturation, using hPSC differentiation as a tractable human model.
Genome-Scale CRISPR Screening
We develop and apply large-scale CRISPRi and knockout screens to systematically identify genes and regulatory elements controlling cell identity across developmental transitions.
Epigenetic Regulation & DNA Methylation
We investigate how noncoding regulatory elements — particularly DNA methylation valleys and developmental enhancers — are established and maintained to control gene expression.
Publications
Selected work
Recent publications from the lab.
Developmental Cell
Stem Cell Reports
Nature Communications
Announcements
News & updates
Recent awards, fellowships, and milestones from the lab.
New paper: Human pancreatic progenitor organoids define genetic and epigenetic barriers to early PDAC transformation. Developmental Cell. Publication
New paper: Functional chromatin signatures premark future lineage-specific enhancers. Cell Genomics. Publication
Denis Torre awarded the Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation Fellowship. Fellowship
Tamara Casteels receives the Emerald Foundation Postdoctoral Fellowship. Fellowship
Pallavi Mohapatra receives the Kaufman Family Postdoctoral Fellowship in Pediatric Cancer. Fellowship