Saint Louis University (SLU)
My research interest is to understand how transcription is deregulated in human diseases. There are two main projects in the lab. The first is to study the transcriptional mechanisms of leukemia fusion proteins, including AML1-ETO and E2A-Pbx1. These fusion proteins are generated by chromosomal translocations and they function as leukemogenic transcription factors. Our recent studies have revealed novel mechanisms by which these fusion proteins deregulate gene transcription. These studies have suggested novel strategies to inactivate the fusion proteins to treat acute myeloid and lymphoblastic leukemias. Another project in the lab is to understand how co-repressors and co-activators regulate transcription by interacting with transcription factors, including PPARgamma, and by regulating chromatin structure and the basal transcription machinery. These studies have the potential to develop new therapies to treat inflammatory and metabolic diseases.