Tatyana Nesterova

Tatyana obtained a BSc degree in Cytology and Genetics from Novosibirsk State University in Russia. She became interested in X chromosome inactivation when she first heard about Mary Lyon’s hypothesis in her undergraduate genetics course. Keen to learn more about this fascinating developmental process, she then went on to do a PhD in Dr. Suren Zakian's group at the Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Novosibirsk to study the phenomenon of non-random X chromosome inactivation in interspecific vole hybrids.

After completing her PhD, Tatyana joined Neil's lab at MRC Clinical Sciences Centre, London to study Xist gene regulation, initially in vole and subsequently in mouse models. Over the years she has studied various aspects of X chromosome silencing and Xist RNA biology. Her current research is focused on understanding the molecular mechanisms of SmcHD1 in X inactivation.