Overview

We use bioinformatics tools to investigate how cell heterogeneity impacts human health and disease, with an emphasis on how genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors model the human epigenome and therefore cell plasticity. The Salas’ lab studies how some key epigenetic mechanisms (DNA methylation, DNA hydroxymethylation, and miRNA alterations) affect gene expression and cancer outcomes, including how the immune cells are altered in this disease. Other research interests include biomarker development, chronic inflammation, and human disease, and how exposures during fetal life alter newborn and childhood outcomes.

Current projects

Epigenetic modifications of cytosines in clear cell kidney carcinogenesis and survival

W81XWH-20-1-0778 (DoD Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs)
Salas Diaz, Lucas A (PI)
09/01/20-08/31/24

A single-cell approach to disentangle tumor microenvironments in short and long survivors to clear cell renal cell carcinoma

P20 GM104416-09/8299 (NIH/NIGMS)
Salas Diaz, Lucas A (PI)
10/01/20-01/01/23