Shigeki Iwase

Dr. Shigeki Iwase is an Associate Professor in the Department of Human Genetics at the University of Michigan Medical School, with a secondary appointment in Pediatrics. He is also an Affiliate of the Michigan Neuroscience Institute, focusing on chromatin regulation in brain development and function.

• Education: Postdoctoral training at Harvard Medical School/Boston Children's Hospital (2006-2012), Ph.D. in Life and Environmental Science from University of Tsukuba (2001-2006), and B.S. in Life and Environmental Science from University of Tsukuba (1997-2001).

His research explores how histone methylation and chromatin dynamics govern precise RNA production in the brain, with implications for cognitive disorders like autism and intellectual disabilities. Key findings include:

• KMT2A's role in synaptic downscaling via H3K4me1
• Neuronal-specific splicing mechanisms regulating LSD1 complex
• SLC39A8's link to manganese homeostasis and IBD
• Sexually dimorphic transcriptome changes in KDM5C deficiency

His work bridges epigenetic regulation with neurodevelopmental pathologies, utilizing CRISPR, genomics, and chromatin biochemistry. The lab collaborates with patient foundations and employs diurnal rodent models for translational studies.