RESEARCH INTERESTS:
The Capell Lab seeks to understand how epigenetic and epitranscriptomic mechanisms contribute to disease. By combining the incredible accessibility of human skin with the most cutting-edge epigenetic and epitranscriptomic techniques, we aim to identify novel targets to treat disease.

KEYWORDS:
Epigenetics, epitranscriptomics, transcriptional regulation, cancer, aging, cutaneous biology

RESEARCH DETAILS:
Epithelial tissues rely on a highly coordinated balance between self-renewal, proliferation, and differentiation. Epigenetic and epitranscriptomic mechanisms provide this precise control through the regulation of gene enhancers, transcription, and translation in order to establish and maintain cell fate and identity. Disruption of these pathways can lead to a loss of proliferative control, ultimately driving cancer.

Consistent with this, chromatin regulators are amongst the most frequently mutated genes in all of cancer, with an exceptionally high incidence of mutations in cancers of self-renewing epithelial tissues, such as squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). SCC is the most common type of cancer worldwide, affecting numerous epithelial tissues ranging from the skin and eyes to the lung, esophagus, and oropharynx. Despite this, precisely how disruption of epigenetic and epitranscriptomic homeostasis may drive epithelial cancers such as SCC is poorly understood.

In the Capell Lab, we combine cutting-edge epigenetic and epitranscriptomic technologies, human patient samples, primary cells, and mouse models in order to solve several fundamental unanswered questions:

- How is the epigenome and epitranscriptome altered by intrinsic (i.e. aging) and extrinsic (i.e. ultraviolet radiation) environmental influences, and how do these changes contribute to disease?

- How do epigenetic and epitranscriptomic enzymes function in both normal and diseased epithelial tissues, particularly during carcinogenesis?

- Can we target the epigenome and epitranscriptome with precision to treat disease?

Through this, we hope to identify new targets for prevention and treatment of these potentially deadly cancers.

If you would be interested in joining our team, please contact us!

ROTATION PROJECTS:
If you would be interested in discussing potential rotation projects, please contact us (capellb@pennmedicine.upenn.edu).