Dan McKay

Dan McKay is an Associate Professor in the Departments of Biology and Genetics at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine. His research focuses on understanding how genomic information is regulated during development, particularly in Drosophila melanogaster. His lab employs cutting-edge genomic techniques such as ATAC-seq, CUT&RUN, and CRISPR to study transcription factor activity and histone modifications. He leads the McKay Lab, which investigates mechanisms controlling cell fate maintenance and developmental timing, with implications for diseases linked to cell identity defects.

McKay’s academic background includes training in genetics and molecular biology, though specific educational details are not explicitly stated in the provided texts. He holds leadership roles, including serving as Director of Graduate Studies in Genetics and Molecular Biology. His research has been recognized with prestigious awards, including the NIH R35 MIRA Award (2019) for his work on developmental gene regulation.

Key research themes include chromatin accessibility dynamics, Polycomb group protein interactions, and the role of histone variants in transcriptional regulation. His publications emphasize interdisciplinary approaches, integrating genomics, biochemistry, and genetics. Collaborations span multiple labs, as evidenced by frequent co-authorships in high-impact journals.

McKay mentors graduate students like Oscar Arroyo (Gilliam Fellow) and Spencer Nystrom, whose work addresses epigenetic regulation and developmental processes. His research has led to methodological advancements, such as optimized tissue dissociation protocols for chromatin profiling in Drosophila. Future directions include exploring how chromatin architecture shapes developmental decisions and disease mechanisms.