Meelad M. Dawlaty

Meelad M. Dawlaty is an Associate Professor in the Departments of Genetics and Developmental & Molecular Biology at Albert Einstein College of Medicine. His research focuses on understanding how epigenetic mechanisms, particularly those involving Tet family enzymes, regulate embryonic stem cell biology, lineage specification, and development. His work integrates genetic, molecular, and bioinformatics approaches to study DNA methylation/demethylation pathways in stem cells, cancer, and diseases.

Key research areas include: (1) Tet enzymes' roles in DNA demethylation and non-canonical functions beyond their enzymatic activity, (2) regulation of embryonic hematopoiesis and neurodevelopment, and (3) the biological roles of Tet-modified DNA bases like 5hmC, 5fC, and 5caC. His lab uses mouse models, induced pluripotent stem cells, and advanced genome-editing technologies to dissect these pathways.

Recent findings highlight Tet enzymes' critical roles in pluripotency, cell cycle progression, and lineage specification during post-gastrulation development. The lab's work bridges basic epigenetic mechanisms to potential therapeutic targets for stem cell therapies and disease treatment.