The Epigenetic Logic of Pluripotent Stem Cells and Embryo Models

Kathrin Plath, PhD, is a leading expert in stem cell biology and epigenetics with a focus on how cell identity is established and maintained. Her lab investigates the molecular mechanisms that control pluripotency, cell reprogramming and X-chromosome inactivation.

Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSCs):

• Studies how somatic cells are reprogrammed into pluripotent stem cells.
• Identifies key transcription factors and epigenetic changes involved in this process.

Epigenetic Regulation:

• Explores how chromatin structure and histone modifications influence gene expression during development and reprogramming.

X-Chromosome Inactivation (XCI):

• Investigates how one X chromosome is silenced in female cells and how this process is regulated during early development and in stem cells.

Cell Fate Transitions:

• Examines how cells transition between different states of identity, with implications for regenerative medicine and disease modeling.

Professor and Vice Chair of the Department of Biological Chemistry

David Geffen School of Medicine, UC Los Angeles

Professor, Department of Medicine

UC San Diego Health

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Here are some of the key learning objectives:

1. Effective Treatment: Participants will learn to treat patients with stem cells more effectively through multidisciplinary discussions.
2. Research Dissemination: Participants will be able to disseminate the latest research and clinical advances in stem cell science.
3. Clinical Application: Participants will apply new knowledge to improve clinical practices and patient outcomes.

These objectives aim to ensure that attendees are well-equipped to integrate the latest scientific advancements into their clinical practice. The University of California, San Diego School of Medicine is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians. The UC San Diego School of Medicine designates this live activity for a maximum of 1 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)TM. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Info: "Coffee and Conversation" will be held on the patio terrace for attendees. Attendees can grab coffee before the presentation and catch up with their colleagues.

Info: Plath’s innate curiosity about fundamental biological processes has led to significant contributions to the fields of stem cell biology, gene regulation, epigenetics and regenerative medicine. Her research combines computational, molecular, imaging, genomics, biochemical and cell biological approaches to understand the gene regulatory mechanisms underlying cellular identity, plasticity and cell fate changes. She is particularly focused on cell transitions to and from the pluripotent state, as well as X-chromosome inactivation, a process in which one of the two X chromosomes in female cells is “turned off” to balance gene expression.


Plath and fellow center members Amander T. Clark, PhD, William Lowry, PhD, and April Pyle, PhD, were among the first scientists to use genomic data to pinpoint exactly how four specialized proteins called transcription factors are able to change the identity of skin cells to create induced pluripotent stem cells.

Info: Q&A participation with the audience and Zoom attendees.

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