Richard Meehan

Professor Richard Meehan is a leading researcher in epigenetics at the University of Edinburgh, serving as Group Leader of the "Epigenetic Mechanisms in Development and Disease" research group within the MRC Human Genetics Unit at the Institute of Genetics and Cancer.

With over 25 years of experience studying DNA methylation dynamics, Professor Meehan's research focuses on understanding how epigenetic mechanisms regulate gene expression during development and in disease states. His work has led to significant discoveries including the identification of methyl-CpG binding proteins (MeCP1 and MeCP2) and investigations into non-catalytic roles for DNMT1. Currently, his laboratory is pioneering research on how 5-hydroxymethylcytosine profiling can serve as a cellular identifier. His scientific themes encompass epigenetics, DNA methylation, transcriptional control, chromatin organization, Polycomb, Reservoir CpG islands, and stem and germ cell development.

Professor Meehan's recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on the intersection of epigenetics with cancer biology, neurological disorders, and cellular identity. His work spans from fundamental mechanisms of DNA methylation to applications in disease modeling and potential therapeutic interventions, showing increasing interdisciplinary collaboration connecting epigenetics with immunology, metabolism, and cancer research.

As Principal Investigator, Professor Meehan leads multiple significant research projects including the Hazard Identification Platform for air pollutant health impacts (2021-2026), applications of epigenetic profiling for lung tissue integrity monitoring (2021-2025), and investigations into the functional requirements of epigenetic systems in development and disease (2018-2023). These projects are supported by major funders including the Medical Research Council (MRC), Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), and industry partners like Unilever.

Professor Meehan's research group comprises several research scientists including Dr. Donncha Dunican and Dr. John Thomson, research assistant Kathryn Mclaughlin, and PhD students Leanne Duthie and Ailisa Revuelta. He maintains active collaborations with researchers across the UK and internationally, including Dr. Sari Pennings at QMRI Edinburgh, Professor C Roland Wolf at University of Dundee, and Professor Jonathan Moggs at Novartis in Basel.