Dr. Richard Festenstein

Biography

Professor Festenstein studies the epigenetic mechanisms that influence how individual cells make decisions to switch genes 'on' and 'off' during development and how specific cell types 'remember' these decisions through cell division. His research includes the investigation of factors that affect gene expression and how these genes are situated on mammalian chromosomes, particularly in relation to a phenomenon known as Position Effect Variegation (PEV) identified in fruit flies. Festenstein's group has identified DNA sequences that can promote the overcoming of gene silencing, demonstrating that the extent of gene inactivation is dependent on the packaging of DNA by proteins. His research explores the hypothesis that these epigenetic factors play a significant role in human diseases, particularly in cases where abnormally large DNA triplet repeats trigger gene silencing. He has conducted preclinical and clinical studies focused on Friedreich's ataxia, showing that nicotinamide can restore expression levels of the Frataxin gene in patients. Recent collaborations have also led to the development of machine-learning technologies to improve outcome measures for this condition. Festenstein is an associate at the Medical Research Council's London Institute of Medical Sciences and holds an honorary consultant position at the Imperial College Health Care Trust.

Research Interests

Experience