University of Southern California · BiologyDNA Repair and Heterochromatin Research Unit
Irene E Chiolo · Los Angeles, California
Research Focus
Dr. Irene E Chiolo's lab focuses on understanding how cells repair DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) that occur due to various environmental factors and normal cellular processes. Specifically, the lab studies repair mechanisms in a specialized part of the genome called heterochromatin, which is notoriously difficult to work with due to its complex structure. By investigating the movement and organization of repair sites, the lab aims to uncover the molecular machinery that protects the genome from instability, providing insights into cancer development and potential treatments.
DNA repairheterochromatingenomic instabilitycancer etiologyphase separationdouble-strand breaksnuclear architecture
Research Aims
5AIM 01Investigate the mechanisms of DNA double-strand break repair in heterochromatin.
AIM 02Identify the role of nuclear actin filaments in repair site movement.
AIM 03Learn how phase separation contributes to DNA repair dynamics.
AIM 04Elucidate the specific targeting of repair proteins to heterochromatin.
AIM 05Link molecular processes of repair to broader implications in cancer etiology.
Skills the Lab Values
microscopymolecular cloningcell culturefunctional genomicsimmunoprecipitationgenetic analysisbiochemical assayslive-cell imagingCRISPRimmunofluorescence
Output against the department
Publications66bottom 17% of dept.851st of 1,033
this lab
most publishedleast published
Citations3.4kbottom 26% of dept.767th of 1,033
this lab
most citedleast cited
Career totals from OpenAlex, compared against labs that share a department. A department spans everything from one paper to tens of thousands, so bar heights are on a log scale — otherwise the largest lab would flatten every other bar to a line.