Jesse R. Dixon, M.D., Ph.D.

Research

My lab will explore how the breakage of chromosomes can lead to changes in gene regulation and genome architecture. DNA in the nucleus is organized into structured loops and domains that facilitate the proper regulation of gene activity. However, the mechanisms by which alterations in this organization can lead to disease remain less clear. Although certain chromosomal translocations, which occur when portions of a chromosome break and reattach to a different chromosome, have long been associated with cancer, I have observed that many structural changes have little or no impact on the function of nearby genes. Now, using a combination of cutting-edge methods in cell and molecular genetics, coupled with tools I developed for studying 3D chromosomal architecture, we will trigger complex chromosomal rearrangements and assess whether particular DNA sequences are more sensitive to breakage by this process and determine why rearrangements alter the activity of some genes but not others. My work could lead to therapeutic interventions that target structural DNA damage, known to be involved in cancer and congenital conditions.