Comparative Genomics & Epigenomics Lab

We study evolutionary questions using comparative genomic and epigenomic methods. A main research goal of the Yi lab is to understand how epigenetic regulatory mechanisms evolve and impact phenotypes, such as gene expression, phenotypic plasticity, and diseases. For example, we study the evolution of DNA methylation across the tree of life, and its relationship to the evolution of genome sequences and phenotypes. We are also investigating how epigenetic marks change in response to system perturbation such as diseases and environmental changes. Another major thrust of our current research is epigenetic evolution of human brains and its implication on neuropsychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia.