My lab uses the specific strengths of two model systems (C.elegans and mice) to reveal the gene regulatory mechanisms that control motor neuron development and function. To reveal such mechanisms we employ novel methodology, such as whole genome sequencing, CRISPR genome editing, ATAC-seq and cell type-specific transcriptome profiling. Our laboratory aims to systematically test whether the function of the gene regulatory factors we discover in C.elegans is conserved across phylogeny using mouse genetics and novel genomic approaches.
A detailed understanding of how the motor neurons develop and function may provide novel entry points into the etiology, diagnosis or treatment of motor neuron disorders, such as spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). From the basic science perspective, our research will reveal novel transcription factors, their targets and the cis-regulatory elements (motifs) through which these factors act. Such decoding of cis-regulatory information is a vital step toward understanding genome function.
Columbia University
Postdoctoral training - Developmental Neurobiology
2016
European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL)
Ph.D. - Developmental Biology
2009
Intrinsic and non-cell-autonomous roles for the neurodevelopmental syndrome-linked transcription factor UNC-3/EBF.
Intrinsic and non-cell-autonomous roles for the neurodevelopmental syndrome-linked transcription factor UNC-3/EBF. Nat Commun. 2026 Aug 11; 17(1).
PMID: 42711312
PBX-dependent and -independent Hox programs establish and maintain motor neuron terminal identity.
PBX-dependent and -independent Hox programs establish and maintain motor neuron terminal identity. Development. 2026 07 01; 153(13).
PMID: 42383485
Continuous negative autoregulation fine-tunes dosage-sensitive transcription factor expression to maintain post-mitotic neuron identity.
Continuous negative autoregulation fine-tunes dosage-sensitive transcription factor expression to maintain post-mitotic neuron identity. bioRxiv. 2026 May 15.
PMID: 42182317
Interlocked transcription factor feedback loops maintain and restore adult touch sensation.
Interlocked transcription factor feedback loops maintain and restore adult touch sensation. Cell Rep. 2026 Apr 17; 45(4):117288.
PMID: 42001418
PBX-dependent and independent Hox programs establish and maintain motor neuron terminal Identity.
PBX-dependent and independent Hox programs establish and maintain motor neuron terminal Identity. bioRxiv. 2025 Dec 26.
PMID: 41497632
Intrinsic and non-cell autonomous roles for a neurodevelopmental syndrome-linked transcription factor.
Intrinsic and non-cell autonomous roles for a neurodevelopmental syndrome-linked transcription factor. bioRxiv. 2025 Dec 25.
PMID: 41509263
Cell type-specific functions of the PBAF chromatin-remodeling complex in neuronal diversification.
Cell type-specific functions of the PBAF chromatin-remodeling complex in neuronal diversification. Nat Commun. 2025 Dec 14; 17(1):741.
PMID: 41390837
Structural basis and functional roles for Toll-like receptor binding to Latrophilin in C.?elegans development.
Structural basis and functional roles for Toll-like receptor binding to Latrophilin in C.?elegans development. Nat Struct Mol Biol. 2025 Sep; 32(9):1683-1696.
PMID: 40588662
Interlocked transcription factor feedback loops maintain and restore touch sensation.
Interlocked transcription factor feedback loops maintain and restore touch sensation. bioRxiv. 2025 May 20.
PMID: 40475441
The Iroquois (Iro/Irx) homeobox genes are conserved Hox targets involved in motor neuron development.
The Iroquois (Iro/Irx) homeobox genes are conserved Hox targets involved in motor neuron development. iScience. 2025 Apr 18; 28(4):112210.
PMID: 40230530
Award for Basic Research in Neurobiology
Whitehall Foundation
2017 - 2019
K99/R00 Pathway to Independence Award
National Institute of Health
2013 - 2018