William Flavahan, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor
Ph.D.: 2014, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University
Postdoctoral research:  Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School; The Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT
Office:	UMass Chan Medical School 364 Plantation Street, LRB-515 Worcester, MA 01605
Phone:
Email:	William.Flavahan@umassmed.edu

Research

Research in the Flavahan lab focuses on how defects in the molecular structure of the genome, called chromatin, can affect the expression of cancer related genes.  These defects, including changes in repressive histone marks and the three dimensional structure of the genome, can activate genetically intact oncogenes and lead to tumorigenesis.  By understanding these epigenetic mechanisms, we hope to uncover therapeutic vulnerabilities that can lead to advances in patient care.

Click here for a complete list of published work

Rotation Projects

Rotation projects are available on several topics, including:

Project 1: Characterize chromatin states in tumor models with cryptic genetic driver mutations.

Project 2: Develop and optimize epigenome editing tools to interrogate the effects of chromatin alterations on oncogene expression.

Project 3: Develop and utilize assays for isolation of targeted epigenetic elements, such as insulators and enhancers.

Please contact Dr. Flavahan for more detail.

Positions Available

Positions are available for rotation students, postdocs, and technicians.