Our lab investigates regulatory DNA elements and non-coding regions of the genome to understand how genes are precisely controlled in different cell types and biological contexts. While these regions do not encode proteins, they play a critical role in determining when, where, and how strongly genes are expressed. We focus on elements such as promoters, enhancers, silencers, and insulators, examining how they interact with transcriptional machinery to regulate gene activity.

A central goal of our research is to understand how variation within non-coding DNA influences gene regulation. Many genetic variants associated with disease lie outside of protein-coding regions, yet their functional effects remain poorly understood. We combine genomic mapping, functional assays, and computational analysis to identify regulatory elements and determine how changes in these regions alter gene expression and cellular behavior.

By characterizing regulatory DNA at a mechanistic level, our work helps bridge the gap between genetic variation and biological outcome. This research provides insight into developmental processes, cell identity, and disease susceptibility, particularly in complex disorders where regulatory dysfunction plays a key role. Our findings contribute to a more complete understanding of the genome and support efforts to interpret non-coding variants in both research and clinical settings.