Megan Rowland

My research interests involve investigating how epigenetic gene regulation contributes to brain development. Currently, I am studying a gene called BAF53B which has been recently identified as the most significantly mutated gene in the Simons Recessive Autism Cohort. BAF53B is part of a large, neuron specific chromatin remodeling complex that is capable of altering the expression of many genes.

Despite the evidence that mutations in the BAF53B are connected to Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), it is still unclear how mutations actually lead to ASD. My goal is to study the role of Baf53b in gene expression, neuron development and mouse behaviours to further our understanding of the role of this gene in ASD development. Identified gene targets can be used for future rescue experiments to test the casual contribution of key regulators and for subsequent therapeutic development.

My research represents a unique interface between neuroscience and computational biology for understanding gene expression in the brain and neurodevelopmental disorders.

For an up-to-date list of my publications, see ResearchGate.