Howe, LeAnn

Professor
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Faculty of Medicine

CIHR Post-Doctoral Fellow, Pennsylvania State University, 2003
University of Victoria, 1998, PhD
University of Victoria, 1992, BSc

Office: Life Sciences Centre, 5509
Office Phone: 604–822–6297
Lab Phone: 604–822–3427
E-mail: ljhowe@mail.ubc.ca
Website: http://meg.lsi.ubc.ca/current-membership/dr-leann-howe/

Research Interest

In multicellular organisms, the unique transcriptional program executed by each cell determines cellular identity. Indeed aberrant gene expression is a causal factor in many common human diseases, including cancer. While the availability of appropriate transcriptional activators or repressors determines whether a gene is transcribed, alteration of chromatin structure plays an important role in maintaining gene expression states. Chromatin is a nucleoprotein structure, consisting of DNA, histones, and non-histone proteins, which packages DNA in the eukaryotic nucleus. Our research uses a combination of molecular biology and bioinformatics to study the roles played by histones, histone chaperones, histone variants, and histone post-translational modifications in preserving active gene expression patterns. 

Publications

Comprehensive List

Selected Publications