The deposition and removal of DNA and histone modifications depends on the availability of specific metabolites, suggesting that cellular metabolic pathways may dynamically regulate chromatin modifications and gene expression. However, whether changes in metabolic flux can influence cell fate decisions is poorly understood. Dr. Finley’s research focuses on understanding how cell type-specific metabolic profiles contribute to the establishment and regulation of cell identity. In her seminar, Dr. Finley will present recent work illustrating how the metabolic wiring of embryonic stem cells promotes an open chromatin landscape and the maintenance of pluripotency. These results reveal that intracellular metabolic pathways play a mechanistic role in the transcriptional and epigenetic state of stem cells.

For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.