chroMetab is a curiosity-driven group of scientists fundamentally interested in how cellular metabolism affects cell fate
- Why do different cells wire their metabolism differently?
- Do changes in metabolic pathway drive changes in cell state?
- Do these metabolic changes allow cells to differentiate, become malignant, change potency?
- How do transcription factor programs influence metabolic outputs and vice versa?
We focus on how intracellular metabolism intersects with epigenetics in normal physiology, regulating cell fate and chromatin integrity. We also have an interest in understanding how changes in metabolism can impact cancer biology and lead to therapeutic vulnerabilities.
Changes in metabolic state can drive cell identity through one of three paradigms (see below).
We are particularly interested in how chromatin-modifying enzymes sense cellular metabolism to enable or impair expression programs that are sensitive to chromatin modifications like histone acetylation and methylation (direct sensor). For a glimpse of some of this work have a look at our recent publication in Molecular Cell. One of our primary projects involves looking at hypoxia in the colon might drive differentiation of stem cells and the implications of this with regards to colorectal cancer and inflammatory bowel disease.
Recently, we have also started exploring the possibility that some metabolites might impact chromatin structure and function by directly binding to chromatin. This thinking led us to the study of polyamines, abundant cellular metabolites whose cell biological roles are poorly understood. In the first manuscript and pre-print coming from our lab, we’ve found that polyamines can alter the accessibility of histone tails, thus influencing cellular differentiation and reprogramming. You can check out this work here.
To learn more about our lab philosophy read an interview with Juanma Schvartzman in the same issue of Molecular Cell.
Bringing together different ideas (e.g. metabolism and epigenetics) is one of our core values. This extends to creating a diverse environment where individuals of many backgrounds bring different perspectives, approaches and life-stories to advance our goals.
We are recruiting at all levels! If you are interested in post-doctoral or lab technician positions apply here.
For PhD positions, students apply to a graduate program at Columbia University. You can apply to a number of programs in the Columbia University School of Arts & Sciences including:
- Integrated Program in Cellular, Molecular, and Biomedical Studies
- Genetics and Development
- Pathobiology and Mechanisms of Disease
- Nutritional and Metabolic Biology
We also welcome visiting international PhD students and postdoctoral fellows. Contact us to hear more.