Catherine Polera DO

Abstract Here, we construct genome-scale maps of R-loops, three-stranded nucleic acid structures comprised of a DNA/RNA hybrid and a displaced single strand of DNA, in both proliferative and differentiated zones of the human prenatal brain. We show that R-loops are abundant in the progenitor-rich germinal matrix and preferentially form at gene promoters slated for upregulated expression at later stages of differentiation, including numerous neurodevelopmental risk genes.

Cover Photo by Catherine Do Houston has a reputation. We’re always building something, fixing something and/or planning something. As the fourth most populous city in the country, this place runs on the hustle and bustle. And if you’ve ever sat in traffic on I-45 at 4:37 p.m. (peak rush hour), you know exactly what that feels like. Red brake lights for miles. Constant merging. Everyone is inching forward like they’ve got somewhere urgent to be.

Abstract CTCF-mediated chromatin folding plays a key role in gene regulation, however the mechanisms controlling chromatin organization across cell states are not fully elucidated.