Dr. Vishwanath Iyer

Biography

Vishwanath Iyer is a Professor in the Department of Molecular Biosciences at the University of Texas, specializing in understanding gene expression regulated by the eukaryotic genome in both normal and disease states. His research focuses on how cells respond to physiological and developmental cues, particularly through large-scale transcriptional reprogramming that alters the expression of hundreds to thousands of genes within the genome. The sweeping changes in gene expression are critical for the development of various diseases, including cancer, and are often driven by both normal and abnormal genetic variations among individuals. Iyer's work encompasses several areas including transcriptional regulatory networks in yeast, the role of chromatin structure in transcriptional regulation, and the regulatory networks that govern human cell proliferation. His laboratory utilizes human cell models of tumors and yeast systems to explore global gene regulation, employing genomic and molecular experimental methods that rely heavily on deep sequencing and computational analyses. Through his research, he aims to dissect the regulatory mechanisms that contribute to transcriptional variability and epigenetic changes in diseases.

Research Interests