Gregory Yochum

Dr. Gregory Yochum is an Associate Professor at Penn State University, affiliated with both the College of Medicine's Department of Molecular and Precision Medicine and Department of Surgery. His research focuses on the molecular mechanisms of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in intestinal homeostasis, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and colorectal cancer (CRC), with a specific emphasis on MYC proto-oncogene regulation through chromatin architecture modifications and long-range DNA loops.

• BS, Bucknell University (1990-1994)
• PhD, University of Utah (1996-2002)
• Postdoctoral Fellowship, Vollum Institute for Advanced Biomedical Research (2002-2009)

Current projects investigate how TCF/β-catenin complexes modulate target gene expression, alongside the role of RNA-binding protein TTP in intestinal barrier function and its implications for ulcerative colitis (UC) and CRC. Collaborations with Dr. Walter Koltun's lab utilize a biobank of 4,500+ patients to explore genetic and environmental factors (e.g., microbiome) in intestinal disease. His work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals through advancements in medical research and education.

Key research outputs include studies on:

• BRD4 inhibition for IBD therapy
• Epigenetic alterations in pediatric IBD
• Metabolic reprogramming in CRC metastasis
• Interferon signaling in bladder cancer
• Microbial consortia in diverticulitis

His lab employs biochemical approaches in CRC cell lines, mouse models, and human tissues to validate findings.