Abstract

Histone methylation is dynamically regulated by both methyltransferases and demethylases. This modification is recognized by so called reader proteins, which "interpret" and execute the functions of histone modifications. Together, the enzymes that confer/remove modifications as well as proteins that recognize the modifications play an important role in gene expression regulation, and whose compromised functions are associated with various human diseases. In this presentation, the speaker will discuss his and his group’s recent work on chromatin readers and enhancer regulation.

About the speaker

Prof Yang Shi received his PhD in molecular biology from New York University in 1987 and his postdoctoral training at Princeton University in 1988 – 1991. He joined Harvard Medical School as an Assistant Professor in 1991 and was appointed a Professor of Pathology in 2004. He is currently a Professor of Cell Biology at Harvard Medical School and the Merton Bernfield Professor of Neonatology in the Division of Newborn Medicine at Boston Children's Hospital.

Prof Shi’s research interest focuses on the epigenetic mechanisms that control gene expression and other chromatin template-based nuclear events and how they impact biological processes and human health. He is also interested in studying histone methylation as a steady yet revocable process as well as other components of epigenetic regulatory mechanisms.

Prof Shi was elected a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science in 2011 and awarded the Research Professor Award from the American Cancer Society in 2012. He has been on the advisory board of MD Anderson Cancer Centre since 2013 and of Precision Medicine Research Associates since 2014.

For attendees’ attention

The lecture is free and open to all. Seating is on a first come, first served basis.

HKUST Jockey Club Institute for Advanced Study
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