Peter Rugg-Gunn

Dr. Peter Rugg-Gunn is a Group Leader at the Cambridge Stem Cell Institute and Head of Public Engagement at the Babraham Institute. His research focuses on the epigenetic regulation of pluripotency and early human development, investigating how chromatin organization, transcription factors, and non-coding RNA interact to shape cellular identity. Key areas include stem cell-based embryo models, heterochromatin dynamics, and age-related epigenetic changes in neural progenitors.

• Research Themes: Epigenetic programming in human embryogenesis, stem cell differentiation, and regenerative medicine applications
• Techniques: Single-cell multi-omics, promoter interactome mapping, chemical reprogramming protocols

His work has influenced ISSCR guidelines for stem cell-based embryo models and revealed species-specific differences in X chromosome inactivation mechanisms. Current projects explore chromatin-based lineage barriers and epigenetic stability in human pluripotent stem cells.