The 2.3 million dollar award over the next 5 years will support  Dr. Mortazavi’s innovative research program that explores how DNA codes the precise activities of genes during development. His lab will create methods to measure how gene expression is affected by changes in the organization of DNA in embryonic stem cells as they differentiate into neurons and cardiac muscle cells. This research will provide important insights into the fundamental principles of gene regulation as well as the specific DNA elements critical to stem cell differentiation.

Link to http://news.uci.edu/press-releases/uci-achieves-rare-trifecta-three-scientists-receive-new-innovator-awards/