Scott Barolo, Ph.D.

Transcriptional enhancers are the primary processors and integrators of patterning information during embryonic development. The Barolo lab focuses on enhancers that are directly regulated by major cell signaling pathways, such Hedgehog, Wnt, Notch, MAPK, and BMP. We use genetic, biochemical, transgenic, biochemical, evolutionary, and computational approaches to study these DNA sequences (also called cis-regulatory elements) and the mechanisms by which they control gene expression. We also study specific biochemical/biophysical parameters underlying transcriptional control, such as protein-DNA binding affinity, transcription factor cooperativity, and long-range gene regulation.