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headshot Tom Misteli

Tom Misteli, Ph.D.

  • Center for Cancer Research
  • National Cancer Institute
Head, Cell Biology of Genomes Group

RESEARCH SUMMARY

Tom Misteli is an internationally renowned cell biologist who pioneered the use of imaging approaches to study genomes and gene expression. His laboratory uses cell biological, molecular, biochemical and imaging approaches to uncover fundamental principles of genome architecture and to apply this knowledge to the development of novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for chronic diseases, including cancer and during aging.

Areas of Expertise

Genome biology
Epigenetics

Research

Cell Biology of Genomes

My laboratory explores the cell biology of genomes. 

Defects in genome organization and nuclear architecture are responsible for numerous chronic human diseases including cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and muscular dystrophies and they have been linked to human aging. Genome alterations are often triggered by environmental factors including radiation and nutritional toxins. 

We use molecular techniques in conjunction with live-cell microscopy, and high-throughput screening to understand how genomes are organized in intact cells and how the spatial organization of genomes contributes to their function. Using synthetic biology approaches, we seek to control and correct genome organization to counteract defects that accumulate during chronic disease and aging.

Our studies have provided insights into fundamental biological mechanisms and have established the foundation for novel diagnostic and clinical applications in cancer and premature aging.

Publications

Selected Key Publications

Activation of endoplasmic reticulum stress in premature aging via the inner nuclear membrane protein SUN2

Vidak S, Serebryannyy L, Pegoraro G, Misteli T
Cell Reports. 42: 112534, 2023.
Full-Text Article
[ Journal Article ]

Identification of epigenetic modulators as determinants of nuclear size and shape

Schiber AC, Jevtic P, Pegoraro G, Levy DL, Misteli T
eLIFE. 12: e80653, 2023.
Full-Text Article
[ Journal Article ]

Systematic screening identifies therapeutic antisense oligonucleotides for Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome


Puttaraju M, Jackson M, Klein S, Shilo A, Bennett CF, Gordon L, Rigo F, Misteli T
Nature Medicine. 27: 526-535, 2021.
Full-Text Article
[ Journal Article ]

Extensive Heterogeneity and Intrinsic Variation in Spatial Genome Organization.

Finn EH, Pegoraro G, Brandão HB, Valton AL, Oomen ME, Dekker J, Mirny L, Misteli T.
Cell. 176: 1501-1515, 2019. [ Journal Article ]

Repression of the Antioxidant NRF2 Pathway in Premature Aging

Kubben N, Zhang W, Wang L, Voss TC, Yang J, Qu J, Liu GH, Misteli T
Cell. 165: 1361-1374, 2016. [ Journal Article ]

Alumni

Andria Schibler, Ph.D.
Andria Schibler, Ph.D.
2016 - 2023
Postdoctoral Fellow
Asaf Shilo, Ph.D.
Asaf Shilo, Ph.D.
2016 - 2023
Staff Scientist
Marina Feric Mahynski, Ph.D.
Marina Feric Mahynski, Ph.D.
2016 - 2022
Postdoctoral Fellow
Yasmine Mian
Yasmine Mian
2019 - 2022
Postbaccalaureate Fellow
Elizabeth Finn, Ph.D.
Elizabeth Finn, Ph.D.
2015 -2022
Research Fellow
Josh Carreras
Josh Carreras
2020-2022
Postbaccalaureate Fellow
View All