As an undergraduate, I studied the evolution of plant ribosomal RNA genes. As a PI, I remain obsessed with multigene families such as rRNA and histone genes: How are they uniquely targeted and regulated by condensates (the nucleolus and Histone Locus Body)? How do gene families evolve together? How do animals compensate for rapidly changing regulatory sequences, variable numbers of genes, and disparate genomic organization? We are exploring all of these questions and more.

I define the mechanisms controlling embryonic histone gene expression. I have already determined the specific contribution of the pioneering transcription factor Zelda to zygotic histone gene regulation. Currently, I am identifying how HLB factors are recruited to the correct locus in the early embryo, while utilizing long-read sequencing to profile the epigenetic landscape of the repetitive histone locus.

We investigate how nuclear body condensates are regulated when replication-dependent histone and rRNA genes are genetically interspersed, as seen in freshwater snails, rather than separated. By exploring how this unique interspersion impacts regulation, condensate composition, and cellular homeostasis, we aim to uncover how these structures alter in pathological states like cancer to identify potential therapeutic targets.

Using Drosophila melanogaster, I study the interaction networks driving histone locus body (HLB) assembly and function. While both the H3-H4 and H2A-H2B promoters nucleate HLB proteins, we hypothesize they utilize distinct protein and nucleic acid mechanisms. I am currently testing how the length of the GA-repeat cis-acting element on the H3-H4 promoter impacts these specific interactions