Dr Paul Hurd
Lecturer
- Room: 5.01B, Fogg building
- Telephone: +44 (0)20 7882 7008
- Email: p.j.hurd("at" sign)qmul.ac.uk
Research interests:
The analysis and elucidation of the biological functions of epigenetic mechanisms at the cellular, whole organism and population level, using both genomic and non-genomic approaches.
Epigenetics, phenotype and the environment
How the environment interacts and alters the epigenome to determine phenotype. Using next-generation sequencing techniques to study the epigenomes and transcriptomes of genetically identical, but phenotypically different, organisms. In particular, non-shared environment effects in human monozygotic twins, such as disease discordance (particularly allergy) and phenotypic, developmental and behavioural differences between genetically identical female honeybees as a result of diet (queen bee vs. worker bee). This work is funded by a grant from the Royal Society.
Ecological epigenetics
The potential for epigenetic mechanisms to control how individual organisms and populations adapt to changing environmental conditions. Using Tetrahymena thermophilia and next-generation sequencing technologies to follow dynamic changes in the epigenome and transcriptome under controlled conditions of nutrient depletion, pollution and climate change (temperature change). This work is funded by a grant from the BBSRC TGAC.
Epigenetic basis of disease
Mechanistic aspects of histone modifications and DNA methylation in the regulation of haematopoietic stem cell differentiation.The post-translational modification of non-histone proteins, in particular the methyl-CpG binding protein MeCP2 and implications for Rett Syndrome in humans.
Post-translational modifications
The identification and characterisation of novel histone modifications. Elucidating the biological function of histone modifications using genomic and non-genomic approaches in a variety of model organisms (humans, bees, Tetrahymena thermophila and yeast). The post-translational modification of non-histone proteins as a regulator of protein function.