Boston University · BiochemistryLau Genomics Lab
Nelson C Lau · Boston, Massachusetts
Research Focus
The Lau Lab at Boston University Medical Campus studies how transposable elements, which are pieces of DNA that can move around in the genome, affect aging and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. They focus on the natural RNA interference (RNAi) system that helps to silence these elements and maintain genomic stability, particularly when they're activated during aging. The lab conducts research using genetic and genomic techniques, particularly in the Drosophila model, to explore the mechanisms by which transposable element RNAs are regulated in humans and their potential impact on diseases.
Transposable ElementsNeurodegenerationRNA InterferenceAgingDrosophilaSmall RNAGenome StabilityAlzheimer's DiseaseParkinson's DiseaseGene Regulation
Research Aims
4AIM 01Investigate chromatin states linked to elevated transposable element expression in aging.
AIM 02Test genetic interventions that modify RNAi regulation of transposable elements.
AIM 03Characterize the small RNA landscape of transposable elements in the human brain during development and aging.
AIM 04Assess the impact of transposable element small RNAs on neurodegenerative diseases.
Skills the Lab Values
RNA sequencingCRISPRDrosophila geneticscell culturebiochemical assaysgenomic analysischromatin profilingbioinformaticssmall RNA analysisgene expression studies
Output against the department
Publications121bottom 33% of dept.270th of 402
this lab
most publishedleast published
Citations16ktop 29% of dept.115th 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.