Our lab studies the molecular mechanisms that underlie epigenetic memory of cell fate decisions. In metazoans, the organization of genomic DNA into chromatin provides an opportunity to tightly regulate DNA accessibility of gene regulatory elements controlling gene expression programs that ultimately define cell identity. In addition, chemical modifications of nucleosomes and DNA can serve as epigenetic signals to promote maintenance of gene expression states through genome replication and cell divisions.​

The dynamic regulation of differential chromatin modification states and their contribution to the epigenetic inheritance of cell identity remains enigmatic. We use synthetic biology approaches, genetics and genomics to manipulate chromatin modifications and study their dynamics and inheritance.