Lata Balakrishnan

Lata Balakrishnan is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biology at Indiana University, School of Science. She serves as Director of Graduate Studies and leads research focused on understanding mechanisms of DNA replication, repair, and epigenetic regulation. Her work integrates biochemistry, genetics, and chromatin biology to explore how post-translational modifications (e.g., lysine acetylation) regulate genome integrity.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of North Dakota (2007)
• M.Sc. in Biochemistry, University of Mumbai (2002)
• B.Sc. in Biochemistry and Chemistry, University of Mumbai (2000)

Research Interests: Dr. Balakrishnan investigates the roles of histone modifications (e.g., acetylation) in DNA replication fidelity, base excision repair, and viral epigenetics. Her lab uses SV40 minichromosomes, reconstituted systems, and biochemical assays to study how proteins like Dna2, FEN1, and Pif1 are regulated by acetylation to prevent genomic errors linked to aging and disease.

Recent Research Themes: Her publications highlight studies on:

• Epigenetic regulation of viral transcription and genome packaging
• Acetylation-mediated modulation of DNA repair enzymes (e.g., FEN1, Dna2)
• Interactions between replication machinery and histone modifications
• R-loop resolution via base excision repair

Awards: No specific awards listed in provided texts.

Advising/Grants: As Director of Graduate Studies, she mentors students in molecular biology and biochemistry. Her research is supported by grants focusing on DNA repair mechanisms and genome stability.

Labs/Teams: Leads a lab specializing in chromatin dynamics and DNA metabolism at Indiana University.