The Lomniczi Laboratory specializes in neuroendocrinology and cell biology, with emphasis in genetic and epigenetic mechanisms that control physiological responses. The primary focus of the Lab is to unveil how epigenetic landscapes of neurons and glial cells change in response to external conditions such as diet manipulation, stress, changes in circadian patterns, or exposure to endocrine disruptors that modulate cellular function.

Recent studies from the Lomniczi Lab have revealed that an epigenetic mechanism of transcriptional repression operating in the hypothalamus plays a vital role in timing female puberty. Dr. Lomniczi’ s results strongly suggest that the epigenetic control of puberty involves lifting of a transcriptional repressive tone exerted by the Polycomb group (PcG) of transcriptional silencers, with the simultaneous recruitment of a group of transcriptional activators from the Trithorax family. This dynamic Yin-Yang of repression vs activation is imposed on a regulatory system (epitomized by the Kiss1 gene) directly involved in the stimulatory control of GnRH secretion ultimately controlling reproductive function.

Currently, the Lomniczi Laboratory is exploring the role of epigenetics in conveying nutritional status information to the cellular networks involved in the hypothalamic control of GnRH secretion during development and aging. They use a combination of multiple techniques including RNA-seq, ChIP-seq, ATAC-seq, genome-wide DNA methylation analysis, and a battery of histological and physiological methods.