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Ed Luk, PhD
Associate Professor
Renaissance School of Medicine
Stony Brook University
Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology
Our Research
My research team studies fundamental processes that regulate access of genetic information encoded in our DNA. We focus on histone proteins, exploring how chromatin—formed when DNA coils around histones into distinct structures along the genome—modulates the accessibility of the underlying sequence information. Functioning like the Google search engine for our genome, chromatin guides sequence-specific factors to their target sites more efficiently amidst a sea of distracting information. By modulating the position, composition, and stability of histone-DNA complexes, chromatin structures block non-physiological binding sites and direct sequence-specific factors to designated targets, thereby facilitating their precise cellular functions. We employ a diverse array of techniques, spanning biochemistry, genetics, genomics, computational biology, and structural biology, to unravel the principles governing chromatin regulation and their impact on gene expression and human health.
Pictures of our laboratory
Ed's bench -- where discoveries happen!
Fast protein liquid chromatograph system for purifying biomolecules
Supercomputer optimized for AI-powered applications
Fluorescence plate reader for monitoring molecular reactions
Typhoon laser scanner for molecular imaging
PCR station
Enhancing research with 3D printing
Design of 3D printable lab equipment
Zeiss Imager A2 microscope for cellular imaging
Cooled CCD camera for molecular imaging
Agilent Infinity II LC system for purification of biomolecules
Student's bioinformatics station
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