Morris-Blanco Lab

Welcome to the

We investigate the roles of epigenetics and mitochondrial properties in stroke pathophysiology.

Our goal is to translate scientific discoveries at the bench to novel treatment strategies for the injured brain in the clinic.

We are part of the Department of Cell and Developmental Biology and the Epigenetics Institute.

Introduction

We investigate the role of epigenetics in stroke pathophysiology. Our laboratory is particularly interested in how epigenetic mechanisms regulate mitochondrial properties and brain damage after stroke. Using experimental models of stroke, we examine the role of DNA modifications as well as epigenomic readers, writers, and erasers in the post-stroke brain with cutting-edge tools. Our research merges neuroscience, genomics, and biochemistry with neurological applications.

Our experimental approach lies at the intersection of mechanistic investigations into brain function and preclinical applications in the diseased brain. Our goal is to translate scientific discoveries at the bench to novel treatment strategies in the clinic.

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Featured News

Nov 21

Sylwia Pietrzak joins the Morris-Blanco lab as our new Research Specialist.

Aug 01

Dr. Kahlilia Morris-Blanco becomes an Assistant Editor for Stroke, the flagship journal of the American Stroke Association.

Mar 02

Dr. Kahlilia Morris-Blanco will join the faculty in the Cell and Developmental Biology Department and Epigenetics Institute at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine.

Jul 01

Dr. Kahlilia Morris-Blanco is awarded a Career Development Award from the American Heart Association that scored in the 1st percentile.

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Our Research Interests

Featured Publications

Morris-Blanco KC, Chokkalla AK, Arruri V, Jeong S, Probelsky SM, Vemuganti R (2022). Epigenetic mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets in stroke. J Cereb Blood Flow Metab. Doi: 10.1177/0271678X221116192. Online ahead of print.

Chokkalla AK, Jeong S, Mehta SL, Davis CK, Morris-Blanco KC, Bathula S, Qureshi SS, Vemuganti R (2022). Cerebroprotective Role of N6-Methyladenosine Demethylase FTO (Fat Mass and Obesity-Associated Protein) After Experimental Stroke. Stroke. doi: 10.1161/STROKEAHA.122.040401. Online ahead of print.

Morris-Blanco KC, Chokkalla AK, Kim T, Bathula S, Bertogliat MJ, Gaillard AB, Vemuganti R (2022). High-dose Vitamin C prevents secondary brain damage after stroke via epigenetic reprogramming of neuroprotective genes. Translational Stroke Research. 13(6):1017-1036.

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