Our research is directed at understanding the basic molecular mechanisms underlying epigenetic control of gene expression and silencing of human biology in health and disease. We seek new structural and functional insights into molecular interactions and regulation of histone-directed chromatin biology in the cell nucleus. NMR spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography in combination with biophysical, molecular and cell chromatin biology, as well as chemical biology methods are used to determine three-dimensional structures of proteins and enzymes; to investigate their chemical properties for molecular recognition and modification; to elucidate their cellular functions; and to develop chemical molecules capable of modulating these functions.