Timothy L. Downing, Biophysical Regulation of Cell Fate, from ECM to Nuclear Chromatin

Abstract: The Downing lab investigates the intricate biophysical interactions between cells and their environment, elucidating their role in modulating adult cell behavior and phenotypic transitions via epigenetic regulation of gene expression. Leveraging diverse genome-scale sequencing techniques, we decipher mechanisms underlying cell fate transitions mediated through dynamic regulation of nuclear chromatin and heterogeneous gene activity. Our research endeavors aim to engineer molecular tools and biomaterials to synthetically modulate the epigenome, enhancing control over cell fate and behavior. In this seminar presentation, I will focus on how signaling pathways governing cell-cell and cell-ECM communication contribute to observed fate transitions during the acquisition of stemness phenotypes and lineage plasticity, particularly in iPSC reprogramming and cancer contexts.