Vardhman Rakyan

Vardhman Rakyan serves as Professor of Epigenetics and Deputy Director of Research at the Centre for Genomics and Child Health within the Blizard Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry at Queen Mary University of London. He joined the institution as a Lecturer in 2007 after completing postdoctoral training at the Sanger Institute.

His academic background includes:

• BSc (Hons) Biochemistry from the University of Sydney
• PhD in Epigenetic Inheritance (1999-2002) at the University of Sydney under Prof. Emma Whitelaw
• CJ Martin Postdoctoral Fellowship at the Sanger Institute, Cambridge (2003-2007) with Dr. Stephan Beck

Rakyan's research centers on how overlooked genomic elements—particularly ribosomal DNA (rDNA)—influence mammalian phenotypes through genetic and epigenetic variation. His lab investigates rDNA copy number variation (100-600 copies) and single nucleotide variants in human populations, integrating molecular genomics, computational biology, mouse models, and human cohorts to study gene-environment interactions and epialleles. Key focus areas include epigenetic inheritance mechanisms, the impact of early-life nutrition on rDNA epigenetics, and the role of rDNA variation in aging and complex diseases.

His publication record demonstrates consistent contributions to epigenetics and genomics, with recent work revealing how rDNA genetic variation directly shapes epigenetic states across species and influences lifespan determination. The research bridges fundamental genomic mechanisms with translational applications in human health.

Scientific recognition includes:

• CJ Martin Postdoctoral Fellowship

Rakyan actively mentors students as an MBBS academic advisor and Experimental Pathology Research Project supervisor. His lab operates through collaborative grants supporting genomic studies of rDNA variation, epigenetic inheritance, and gene-environment interactions, though specific grant details remain undisclosed in source materials.

The Rakyan Lab maintains a dynamic research environment with current members, former contributors, and international collaborators focused on uncovering molecular mechanisms of epigenetic regulation in health and disease.