Annie Ciernia

Dr. Annie Ciernia combines experimental and computational approaches to understand how epigenetic mechanisms regulate gene expression across our lifespan. Her lab specifically focuses on mechanisms of epigenetic regulation in multiple brain cell populations across normal brain and immune system development and in rodent models of neurodevelopmental disorders. Ciernia tests novel hypotheses linking genetic and environmental risk factors to altered patterns of gene expression, epigenomic regulatory pathways, cellular function and animal behaviour. Findings from her research will increase our understanding of the basic mechanisms regulating gene expression in the brain and form the basis for future development of novel immune targeted therapeutics for neurodevelopmental disorders such as Autism Spectrum Disorders. Ciernia is currently the Tier 2 Canada Research Chair in Understanding Gene Expression in the Brain.

For an up-to-date list of publications by Dr. Ciernia, please visit her website.