Dr. Shelley Berger

Biography

Shelley L. Berger is a University Professor in the Department of Cell and Developmental Biology at the Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania. She completed her B.S. in Biology and Ph.D. in Cell and Molecular Biology at the University of Michigan. Berger’s research focuses extensively on epigenetics and its role in chromatin structure and function. She has made significant contributions to the understanding of how post-translational modifications of histones impact genomic regulation and transcriptional processes. Her work has elucidated the mechanisms of histone modification and identified critical enzymes involved in the regulation of chromatin. Specifically, she has explored the relationship between histone modifications and tumor suppressor functions, particularly those related to p53 regulation. Berger is actively investigating the importance of persistent chromatin modifications in cellular function and their implications in cancer, aging, and behavior. Her lab collaborates with various personnel including post-doctoral researchers, graduate students, and undergraduate students, fostering a rich academic environment for inquiry and discovery.

Research Interests