Bridging Genome Structure and Function: Linking Chromosome Architecture, Chromatin Modifications, and Gene Expression

The Jill Dowen laboratory investigates how cohesin-mediated genome architecture integrates with chromatin regulators to control genome structure and gene expression. We focus on how cohesin-dependent DNA loops, histone modifications, and chromatin associated proteins cooperate to regulate enhancer-promoter communication and transcription. Using biochemical, genomic, and proteomic approaches, we define molecular mechanisms of genome regulation in normal and disease states.