J. Mauro Calabrese

J. Mauro Calabrese, PhD serves as an Associate Professor and Director of Graduate Studies in the Department of Pharmacology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine. He is also a member of the Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, where his research intersects with cancer biology and epigenetic regulation.

Dr. Calabrese's research program focuses on understanding how non-catalytic RNAs, particularly long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), regulate gene expression within the nucleus. His laboratory investigates the pervasive transcription of mammalian genomes and the mechanisms by which RNA coordinates gene regulatory events essential for human health and homeostasis. His work spans epigenetics, genomics, chromatin biology, and RNA function, with specific interests in Xist-mediated X-chromosome inactivation, Polycomb recruitment, and RNA-protein interactions.

Analysis of Dr. Calabrese's recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on lncRNA function, particularly in chromatin regulation and epigenetic control. His work combines molecular biology, genomics, and computational approaches to understand how RNA sequence and structure relate to function within the chromatin environment. His research has significant implications for understanding human genetic disorders and cancer development.

As Director of Graduate Studies in Pharmacology, Dr. Calabrese mentors numerous students and postdoctoral fellows. The Calabrese lab currently includes researchers such as Shuang, Mickey, Rachel, Elizabeth, Sam, Aki, Quinn, Ryan, and Jackson, as seen in their 2023 lab photo. His laboratory actively seeks motivated graduate students and postdoctoral fellows interested in genomics, epigenetics, chromatin, or RNA biology.