PHIEL LAB

There are two main interests in our lab. First, we are interested in understanding the various biological functions regulated by glycogen synthase kinase-3 (Gsk-3) isoforms. We are utilizing a systems biology approach to understanding Gsk-3 function in embryonic stem cells, neuronal cells, mice, and humans. These studies have shown that Gsk-3 activity is important for regulating DNA methylation, and we are very interested in learning more about how signal transduction affects epigenetics... Second, we are interested in understanding the mechanism of the ketogenic diet, which is used to treat epilepsy in children whose seizures are not controlled by drugs. Through an active collaboration with the Division of Neurology and the Ketogenic Clinic here at Nationwide Children's Hospital, we are making inroads into how this diet works. A fundamental understanding of the ketogenic diet could lead to better predictions of who will benefit most from the diet, and may eventually result in the..

Primary location: Columbus United States