UWMUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison · Biochemistry
The Epigenetic Metabolliance
John M Denu · Madison, Wisconsin
Research Focus
Dr. John M. Denu's lab at the University of Wisconsin-Madison focuses on understanding how cellular metabolism influences the epigenome, the layer of regulation above our DNA. By studying how enzymes modify proteins and how these modifications are affected by nutrition and environmental signals, the lab aims to uncover the intricate mechanisms connecting metabolism and gene expression, ultimately seeking insights into disease causes and potential drug developments.
epigeneticsmetabolismprotein modificationsgene expressioncell signaling
Research Aims
5AIM 01Investigate how metabolic changes influence protein acetylation and gene expression.
AIM 02Understand the regulation of NAD+-dependent deacetylases and their role in chromatin modifications.
AIM 03Explore the mechanisms by which cells interpret environmental signals via their epigenetic state.
AIM 04Examine the dynamics of post-translational modifications in response to dietary changes and cellular signaling.
AIM 05Develop foundational insights for drug development targeting epigenetic enzymes.
Skills the Lab Values
biochemistry techniquescell cultureanimal modelsgenetic engineeringenzymatic assays
Output against the department
Publications320top 19% of dept.76th of 402
this lab
most publishedleast published
Citations30ktop 12% of dept.48th of 402
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.