Julie Secombe

Julie Secombe is a Professor in the Department of Genetics and the Dominick P. Purpura Department of Neuroscience at Albert Einstein College of Medicine. Her research focuses on understanding the roles of KDM5 histone demethylases in gene regulation, neurodevelopmental disorders, and cancer. Her lab uses Drosophila models and human iPSC-derived organoids to study KDM5-mediated processes, particularly how dysregulation of these proteins contributes to intellectual disability and cancer.

Her key research areas include chromatin remodeling, mitochondrial biology, synaptic function, and the molecular mechanisms underlying human genetic disorders. Current projects involve identifying KDM5 target genes, modeling intellectual disability syndromes (e.g., Claes-Jensen syndrome), and investigating transposon activation in aging.

Dr. Secombe’s work bridges basic science and translational research, aiming to uncover therapeutic targets for KDM5-related pathologies. Her lab collaborates widely, integrating genetic, biochemical, and systems biology approaches to dissect epigenetic regulation in health and disease.

She is actively engaged in mentoring trainees and has authored numerous high-impact publications in journals such as Nucleic Acids Research, Development, and Cell Reports. Her research is supported by institutional and collaborative grants focused on epigenetics and neurodevelopmental disorders.