Harvard Catalyst Profiles

My research is focused on identifying the factors that regulate self-renewal and differentiation of progenitor/stem cells in the skeleton. Using gene deletion studies, we have recently identified the epigenetic factor, CXXC finger protein 1 (Cfp1), as a critical regulator of the initiation of progenitor cell differentiation during limb development. Cfp1 acts in part thru augmenting cellular signaling. Current projects in the lab focus on identifying the direct targets of Cfp1, defining the mechanism by which it regulates signaling and assessing whether Cfp1 competes with other epigenetic factors at specific chromatin regions to regulate transcription and cellular action. A variety of techniques are currently being used in the lab including qRT-PCR, immunohistochemistry, cell culture, Western blot analysis, and ChIP assays. In addition, whole genome (ChIP-sequencing) and transcriptomic (RNA-sequencing) analyses are underway to further our understanding of Cfp1 action. A potential role for a student would be to perform bioinformatics analysis of our large datasets to identify putative targets and perform subsequent ChIP assays to validate these targets. Additional projects involve altering cellular signaling and/or the chromatin state in progenitor cells to rescue limb development. Prior skills in large dataset analysis, cell culture, and epigenetics are a plus.