Lori Pile, Ph.D.
Address
4125 BSB, 5047 Gullen Mall Detroit, MI 48202Office address
4125 BSB, 5047 Gullen Mall
Detroit, MI 48202
Department
Biological Sciences
Laboratory web site
https://s.wayne.edu/pilelaboratory/
Research interests
- Chromatin structure and function
- Regulation of gene expression
- Histone modification in development, cell proliferation and metabolism
- Cancer epigenetics
Research description
Gene expression is regulated in part by the interactions of genomic DNA with the packaging histone proteins. Research in the Pile laboratory is directed toward understanding how genome packaging affects gene expression. Histones undergo a variety of modifications including acetylation, phosphorylation and methylation, which in turn affect the level of packaging. We are currently investigating how the SIN3 histone deacetylase complex functions to repress transcription at the epigenetic level. SIN3 is required for viability of multi-cellular organisms and mutations in components in the complex have been linked to defects in cell cycle progression. Current objectives of the lab are to understand regulatory pathways that affect SIN3 activity and to understand the consequences of SIN3 recruitment at target genes. We are taking a multi-pronged approach to address these questions in the model organism Drosophila melanogaster and in lung cancer. We utilize a combination of biochemical, molecular and genetic techniques to understand the mechanism of SIN3 gene regulation. Data from these studies will help to elucidate the contribution of histone acetylation to signaling cascades that impact cellular decisions critical for proliferation, development and viability. Information gained is critical for the development of new treatments for a variety of human health disorders, including cancer and metabolic disease.
PubMed - my bibliography
Education/training
PhD in Molecular Genetics, Biochemistry and Microbiology (1998): University of Cincinnati Medical School