Harvard University · ChemistryLiau Epigenetics Lab
Brian Liau · Cambridge, Massachusetts
Research Focus
Brian Liau's lab at Harvard University focuses on understanding how chromatin complexes, which play a crucial role in regulating gene expression, function and are altered in cancer. The lab uses innovative chemical genetic approaches to investigate the mechanisms by which these complexes operate, with a particular emphasis on the enzyme LSD1 and its interactions with other proteins. By exploring these interactions, the lab aims to uncover new strategies for cancer treatment through pharmacological targeting of chromatin complexes.
Chromatin complexesLSD1MedulloblastomaCancer therapyEpigeneticsChemical geneticsTranscription factorsE3 ubiquitin ligaseDrug discoveryGene expression
Research Aims
3AIM 01Investigate the structure and dynamics of the LSD1-GFI1B complex.
AIM 02Elucidate the mechanism of small molecules that degrade LSD1-CoREST.
AIM 03Study how KBTBD4 mutations influence LSD1-CoREST degradation and its effects on medulloblastoma.
Skills the Lab Values
Chemical genomic approachesCell cultureMolecular biology techniquesChIP-seqBiophysical analysisProtein-protein interaction assaysDrug screeningTransfectionGenetic engineeringMouse models
Output against the department
Publications92bottom 20% of dept.173rd of 216
this lab
most publishedleast published
Citations3.9kbottom 26% of dept.159th of 216
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.