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Center for Molecular and Human Genetics
Principal Investigator
Phiel Lab
Principal Investigator
My laboratory has two main research interests - Gsk–3-dependent signaling, epigenetics, and the ketogenic diet. We have several projects in the lab that touch on at least one of these areas.
1.) Using Gsk-3-deficient mouse embryonic stem cells, we recently found a direct link between Gsk-3-mediated signaling and DNA methylation at imprinted loci. Our findings have direct implications for understanding the molecular mechanisms of imprinting. Furthermore, our data had broader implications in the areas of neuroscience and diabetes. Aberrant Gsk-3 activity has been implicated in neurological disorders such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and Alzheimer's disease. In addition, Gsk-3 is a key regulator of the insulin signaling pathway, which is directly linked to type II diabetes. By finding that Gsk-3 activity regulates DNA methylation, it may now be possible to better understand how Gsk-3 activity may be involved in the pathogenesis of these disease.
2.) We have a translational research project on understanding the molecular mechanism of the ketogenic diet, which is used effectively in the treatment of pediatric seizures. We have teamed with physicians and nurses in the Division of Neurology at Nationwide Children's Hospital in an effort to unravel the mystery of why severely limiting carbohydrates from a child's diet can have profound effects on seizure reduction. By understanding the mechanism of the ketogenic diet at a fundamental level, we hope to better predict which patients are likely to benefit from the diet, and could some day lead to the development of new treatments for pediatric epilepsy.