Dr. Mitzi Kuroda

Biography

Mitzi Kuroda is a Professor in the Department of Genetics at Harvard Medical School. Her research focuses on chromatin organization and epigenetic gene regulation, particularly in the context of health and disease. Her lab studies epigenetic regulators using a combination of genetics, genomics, and proteomics. Notably, Kuroda's work includes the examination of Polycomb and Trithorax groups in both flies and humans, as well as chromatin-associated fusion oncoproteins such as BRD4-NUT and MOZ-TIF2 in human cancers. A significant aspect of her research is the understanding of the interactions between regulatory factors and additional proteins and RNAs associated with chromatin. She has adapted crosslinking approaches to facilitate the study of fragmented chromatin while preserving key protein interactions. Recent proteomic analyses led to the proposal of a model for Polycomb Repressive Complex 1 being involved in the formation of 'bivalent' protein complexes that are poised for transcriptional activation during development. Kuroda is currently exploring parallels between Drosophila and mammalian development, contributing valuable insights into the mechanisms underlying epigenetic regulation.

Research Interests

Experience