Dr. Gregory Fonseca
Academic title(s):
Assistant Professor, Department of Medicine
Link(s):
Current research:
Transcription factors (TFs) read the DNA language through binding to specific codes within the DNA called DNA binding motifs. However, one TF is insufficient to activate the underlying DNA. Instead, closely spaced combinations of DNA binding motifs must work together. These sets of TFs fit like a lock and key to recruit the necessary transcriptional activation complexes. Our lab studies the intricacies of DNA motif arrangement in mouse and human patients for 2 purposes:
(1) to understand the rules of the DNA language which dictate TF recruitment and DNA activation and,
(2) to define the extracellular inflammation which leads to lung disease such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
Projects:
- Using NfkB family binding to uncover genetic grammar and large transcriptional complex formation
- Studying macrophage transcriptomic and epigenetic responses in mouse models of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis using machine learning
- Developing novel biomarkers of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis from bronchoalveolar derived macrophages
Selected publications:
Research areas:
Fundamental Research
Immunology
Respiratory diseases