Aseem Z. Ansari Lab

The first part of our research involves deciphering the genome using chemical probes, a process that involves understanding how different parts of our genomes are used to give rise to different cell types that in turn coherently interact with each other.

Our laboratory uses a variety of organisms – from simple bacteria to human stem cells – to better understand the machinery that selectively reads and transcribes the genome. Chemical and biological techniques allow us to control selected genes and observe the impact on other genes within a particular cell and on communities of cells. We examine the impact on gene transcripts, cellular proteins and biological function with high-throughput platforms, computational, chemical and biological tools. The resulting data allows us to reassemble the pieces of the puzzle and understand the network of genes that function as regulatory circuits to control cell fate and function.

A breakdown in how the instructions in the genome are deciphered underlies many pediatric diseases. Armed with a deeper understanding of the genome and its control switches, our laboratory works to develop chemical molecules to target malfunctioning switches or replace those that are missing.

This innovative approach is part of the foundation of the emerging field of transcription-targeted therapeutics: to remedy the malfunctioning gene circuits that cause human disease. This treatment approach would allow us to target an array of diseases and conditions – including hormone disorders, cancers, neurodegenerative diseases, and inherited diseases, among others – by facilitating the development of drugs that are precisely tailored to a particular individual and a specific disease.