Our lab investigates the mechanisms that activate or silence genes. As cells divide during development, changes in gene expression provide each cell type with a specific identity and function. In a similar sense, when the gene expression patterns of normal adult cells change inappropriately, the cell identity also changes, and this can lead to carcinogenesis. We utilize the zebrafish model in combination with mammalian cell lines to investigate how epigenetic marks control gene expression patterns to drive cell state transitions. This work relies on classic genetics and developmental biology methods, new DNA sequencing technologies, and bioinformatics applications. Interests: Regulation of vertebrate gene transcription in vivo; Epigenetics and chromatin; Zebrafish genetics and genomics; Developmental cell state transitions; Bioinformatics