Dr. Elizabeth Heller, a Core Member of the Epigenetics Institute, was featured in a Technology Feature article in Nature: “Epigenetic editing makes its mark.” Dr. Heller is a leading researcher actively applying epigenetic editing tools in her own laboratory work. She was highlighted to illustrate how scientists are using these tools not just for therapy, but to understand the basic mechanics of how epigenetics controls gene expression.

Dr. Heller’s specific research focus — studying how cocaine use and withdrawal alter histone methylation in mice — serves as a real-world example of why precise epigenetic editing tools are so valuable. Her work suggests that cocaine withdrawal causes epigenetic changes that then affect gene expression, and she uses epigenetic editors to tease apart exactly what’s happening, one mark at a time.

Read the full article here: https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-026-02151-x