Using novel in vivo conditional deletions in the mouse i’m aiming to understand the molecular mechanisms by which the imprinted insulin-like growth factor 2 (Igf2) gene regulates the normal development of placental vasculature during late gestation;
I’m also studying the epigenetic basis of the so-called “nutritional programming” of adult diseases, a phenomenon by which suboptimal diet during critical periods of development is associated with risk of metabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and obesity in later life. I’m particularly interested in understanding the role of altered promoter-enhancer interactions in this phenomenon.