Jeanne Lawrence

Jeanne Lawrence is Professor and Leo P. and Theresa M. LaChance Chair in Medical Research at UMass Chan Medical School, with joint appointments in Neurology and Pediatrics. Her research bridges fundamental epigenetics and chromosome biology with translational applications for Down syndrome.

Affiliation: Departments of Neurology and Pediatrics, NeuroNexus Institute

Research Focus: Her lab investigates nuclear organization, non-coding RNA functions (especially XIST), and repeat genome biology. Pioneering work demonstrated XIST RNA's role in chromosome-wide silencing, leading to innovative chromosome therapy approaches for trisomy 21.

Key Achievements:

• Developed first-in-field chromosome silencing technology for Down syndrome using XIST
• Discovered architectural roles for repeat RNAs in nuclear organization
• Characterized nuclear reorganization in cellular senescence and cancer

Recent publications explore cytogenetic band organization, therapeutic XIST applications, and early chromatin remodeling in chromosome silencing. Work increasingly translates basic discoveries into preclinical models for chromosome disorders.

Lab utilizes human stem cells, organoids, and mouse models to study trisomy correction and neurodevelopmental impacts. Current projects include optimizing XIST delivery systems and investigating repeat genome functions in nuclear architecture.