Key research themes
1. How do histone modifications regulate chromatin remodeling and transcriptional dynamics?
This research area focuses on the diverse post-translational modifications (PTMs) of histones — such as acetylation, methylation, and their crosstalk — and how they influence chromatin structure and function. Histone modifications serve as molecular signals that recruit or modulate the activities of chromatin remodeling complexes, thereby altering nucleosome positioning, chromatin accessibility, and ultimately gene expression. Understanding the specificity, recruitment mechanisms, and functional consequences of these histone marks is pivotal for connecting epigenetic regulation to transcriptional control and other DNA-templated processes.
2. What are the structural bases and mechanisms of chromatin remodeling complexes in nucleosome manipulation?
This theme encompasses studies elucidating the architecture, molecular components, and mechanistic functions of ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling complexes such as SWI/SNF family members (e.g., BAF), INO80-C, SWR-C, RSC, and CHD family remodelers. These complexes reposition, evict, or restructure nucleosomes to regulate DNA accessibility. Understanding their multidomain organization, nucleosome engagement, ATPase activation, and interactions with histone variants unveils how remodeling activities are precisely targeted and regulated to control chromatin architecture and gene expression.
3. How does higher-order and dynamic chromatin architecture influence genome function and cellular identity?
This theme explores the spatial organization of chromatin at scales beyond nucleosomes, including loops, topologically associating domains (TADs), and compartments, and how these structures modulate gene expression, genome stability, and cell fate. Integrating genome-wide chromatin conformation capture techniques with live-cell imaging and modeling, this research elucidates chromatin remodeling during differentiation, cell cycle progression, DNA damage response, and transcriptional reprogramming.