Casey A. Gifford, PhD

Dr. Gifford [HHMI Fellow] aims to identify and define the roles for DNA binding proteins that can manipulate DNA conformation in the nucleus. DNA is maintained in an ordered conformation that contributes to control of gene expression and cellular identity. She will employ next-generation sequencing approaches and human induced pluripotent stem cells to better understand the mechanisms of this process. Her goal is to understand why the loss of function or aberrant expression of these DNA binding proteins leads to cancer.