The Poirier lab at Ohio State University focuses on understanding how chromatin structure influences gene expression. They employ a variety of experimental techniques to explore the roles of chromatin regulators, such as histones and transcription factors, in making DNA accessible for transcription. Their research aims to elucidate how specific proteins, known as pioneer transcription factors, navigate complex chromatin environments, and how epigenetic modifications can regulate these processes. By uncovering these molecular mechanisms, the lab hopes to shed light on important aspects of cell differentiation and cancer biology.