Dr. Leidy Churchman

Biography

Leidy Churchman is a researcher at Harvard University, focusing on the intricate processes of gene regulation. Her work investigates the layers of gene regulation and aims to provide an integrative view of how genes are controlled. This research utilizes both experimental and computational approaches to probe various steps of gene expression, including transcription and translation. Churchman has made significant contributions through innovative methods such as long-read chromatin fiber sequencing (Fiber-seq), which provides insights into RNA polymerases within their native chromatin context. Her findings have demonstrated the complex coordination and anti-coordination of Pol II and Pol III genes and the role of insulators in gene expression regulation. Additionally, she has explored mitochondrial DNA packaging, uncovering its distinct compaction mechanisms compared to the nuclear genome, highlighting the regulatory role of nucleoid-associated proteins like TFAM.

Research Interests