معرفی
Dr. Piroska Szabó is an Associate Professor in the Department of Epigenetics at Van Andel Institute (VAI). Her research focuses on the molecular mechanisms of epigenetic reprogramming during germline-to-soma transitions, particularly genomic imprinting and DNA methylation dynamics. She leads the Szabó Laboratory, which investigates how environmental factors impact epigenetic memory and transgenerational inheritance.
Dr. Szabó earned her M.Sc. and Ph.D. in molecular biology from József Attila University, Hungary, and conducted postdoctoral research at City of Hope before joining VAI in 2014. Her work spans projects like Developmental Reprogramming and Z-DNA Remodeling in Germline Cells, with a focus on imprinted genes and epigenetic stability.
Her research highlights include identifying mechanisms of paternal methylation imprint establishment and the role of ZBTB43 in safeguarding the germline epigenome. Recent studies (2023–2021) address therapeutic avenues for pediatric imprinting disorders like Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome and explore how environmental insults influence epigenetic reprogramming.
The lab actively collaborates with the VAI-SU2C Epigenetics Dream Team and contributes to clinical trials targeting epigenetic-based therapies. Dr. Szabó mentors a dynamic team of postdoctoral fellows, research scientists, and student interns, fostering interdisciplinary approaches to epigenetic science.
