Research
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The Roh lab investigates how epigenetic mechanisms, including chromatin organization and nuclear architecture, regulate cellular functions in response to metabolic signals, aiming to advance disease treatment and improve human health.
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Epigenetics in MetabolismAdipocytes, which play a central role in nutrient and energy homeostasis, are directly linked to metabolic diseases such as obesity and diabetes. Our research has demonstrated that adipocytes have a remarkable ability to remodel their epigenetic landscape in response to physiological and environmental cues. These epigenetic changes are critical for regulating adipocyte function, thereby influencing systemic energy balance and nutrient metabolism.
We are currently conducting research on epigenetics in metabolism with two main focuses on adipose tissue: 1. Temperature-Responsive Adipocyte Reprogramming: We investigate how adipocytes transition between white, brown, and beige states in response to temperature changes. Our focus is on uncovering the epigenetic mechanisms driving this reprogramming, aiming to use these insights to enhance energy metabolism and improve metabolic health. 2. Adipocyte Remodeling in Obesity: We recently discovered that adipocytes undergo profound cellular and chromatin remodeling during obesity. Our work seeks to understand the regulatory mechanisms behind these changes and their impact on adipose tissue function and systemic energy metabolism. |
Epigenomics TechniquesWe have previously developed a new transgenic mouse, called NuTRAP, which allows for cell type-specific transcriptomic and epigenomic analysis in vivo. NuTRAP mice has led us to the discovery of epigenomic plasticity of adipocytes.
We continue to employ our NuTRAP mice to elucidate epigenetic remodeling underlying adipocyte plasticity. In addition to RNA-seq and ChIP-seq, we are working with NuTRAP for cutting-edge epigenomic profiling techniques, such as ATAC-seq, and CUT&Tag. We hope to extend to the methods for higher-order chromatin conformation and nuclear architecture analysis. We also work on single cell & nucleus sequencing analysis. We aim to identify cellular heterogeneity in adipose tissues and to address cellular plasticity and population dynamics in response to physiological and environmental cues. |
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Energy & Nutrient HomeostasisWe are expanding our research to identify novel mechanisms for treating obesity and metabolic syndrome. This includes exploring diverse molecular pathways that regulate energy and nutrient metabolism and assessing their potential for therapeutic applications. In addition to adipose tissue, we are broadening our scope to include other metabolic tissues such as the brain, liver and muscle. To advance these projects, we are collaborating with investigators across campus to foster interdisciplinary research.
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