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Dr. Bernstein’s research focuses on epigenetic gene regulation. His lab studies gene activity controlled by noncoding regulatory elements known as 'enhancers' and the way genes are packaged within chromatin. His work is notable for the discovery of 'bivalent domains', a signature chromatin state consisting of opposing histone modifications that poise master genes for alternate fates. The characterization of bivalent chromatin and associated regulatory factors in stem cells is a key early demonstration of the mechanistic impact of chromatin on mammalian development. Subsequent work as a leader of NIH’s ENCODE consortium revealed vast 'noncoding' portions of the human genome, previously dismissed as 'junk', which contain sequence elements that control gene activity. Dr. Bernstein’s major contributions to cancer epigenetics demonstrated that DNA methylation can activate oncogenes by disrupting genomic insulators, an entirely unexpected discovery given that methylation is closely tied to repression. His findings explain how tumors can sustain potent oncogenic signaling in the absence of canonical mutations. His group has uncovered epigenetic mechanisms that underlie tumor cell self-renewal, drug tolerance, and immune evasion.
Harvard Medical School • Boston, MA
Professor of Pathology and Cell Biology focusing on cancer biology and epigenetics.
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute • Boston, MA
Chair of Cancer Biology, leading research in cancer epigenetics and gene regulation.
Broad Institute • null
Director of Gene Regulation Observatory, leading research on gene activity.
Administered by the Division of Medical Sciences (DMS). GRE is not required and will not be considered for BBS, Immunology, and Neuroscience.