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Sean Dixon Taverna, Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences
Research Interests: Small RNA directed gene silencing; Identification of histone binding modules; Epigenetics and gene function; Histone and chromatin modifications ...read more
Background
Dr. Sean Taverna is an assistant professor of pharmacology and molecular sciences, oncology and medicine at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. His research focuses on histone and chromatin modifications, epigenetics and gene function, identification of histone binding modules, and small RNA directed gene silencing.
His lab, the Taverna Laboratory, studies how histone marks and the proteins that “read” them may dictate chromatin-templated functions like transcriptional activation and gene silencing, as well as how these on/off states are inherited/ propagated.
Dr. Taverna was awarded the 2011 Mentor of the Year award from the JHU Graduate Student Association.
Titles
- Associate Professor of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences
- Associate Professor of Oncology
- Joint Appointment in Medicine
Departments / Divisions
- Medicine - Molecular Medicine
- Oncology - Chemical Therapeutics
- Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences
Centers & Institutes
- Basic Biomedical Sciences, Institute for
- Epigenetics, Center for
Research & Publications
Research Summary
Dr. Taverna and the Taverna Laboratory study how histone marks contribute to an “epigenetic/histone code” that may dictate chromatin-templated functions like transcriptional activation and gene silencing, as well as how these on/off states are inherited/ propagated.
For example, transcription-modulating protein complexes with PHD finger motifs (methyl lysine “readers”) or Bromodomains (acetyl lysine “readers”) often have enzymatic activities that “write” these same histone marks. To explore these connections they use biochemistry and cell biology in a variety of model organisms ranging from mammals to yeast and ciliates. The lab also investigates links between small RNAs and histone marks involved in gene silencing. Importantly, many histone-binding proteins have clear links to human disease, notably leukemia and other cancers.
Selected Publications
View all on PubmedBlair LP, Avaritt NL, Huang R, Cole PA, Taverna, SD, Tackett AJ. "MassSQUIRM: An assay for quantitative measurement of lysine demethylase activity." Epigenetics. 6(4), 490-499, 2011.
Taverna SD, Cole PA. "Drug discovery: Reader's block." Nature. 468, 1050-1051, 2010.
Gradolatto A, Smart SK, Byrum S, Rogers RS, Lavender H, Kolar E, Aitchison JD, Taverna SD, and Tackett AJ. "A noncanonical bromodomain in the AAA ATPase protein Yta7 directs chromosomal positioning and barrier chromatin activity." Mol Cell Bio, 2009.
Smart SK, Mackintosh SG, Edmondson RD, Taverna SD, Tackett AJ. "Mapping the local protein interactome of the NuA3 histone acetyltransferase." Protein Sci. 18, 1987-1997, 2009.
Taverna, S.D., Li, H., Ruthenburg, A.J., Allis, C.D. and Patel, D.J. "How chromatin binding modules interpret histone modifications." Nat. Struct. Mol. Bio. 14:1025-1040, 2007.
Contact for Research Inquiries
John G. Rangos, Sr., Building
855 N. Wolfe Street
Baltimore, MD 21205
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Phone: 410-502-0790
Academic Affiliations & Courses
Graduate Program Affiliation
Biochemistry, Cellular and Molecular Biology (BCMB) Program
Activities & Honors
Honors
- Mentor of the Year award, JHU Graduate Student Association, 2011