Advances in Epigenetics:
From Mechanisms to Medicine

35th Keck Annual Research Conference

Friday, October 24, 2025

Bioscience Research Collective, 6500 Main St., Houston, TX

Epigenetic regulation is emerging as a central theme in
understanding complex biological processes and disease
mechanisms. Epigenetics refers to the study of heritable changes in gene expression that do not involve alterations to the underlying DNA sequence. These changes are often governed by chemical
modifications, including DNA methylation and histone modification, that influence how genes are turned on or off. Epigenetic
mechanisms play a critical role in development, cell differentiation, and responses to environmental signals. They are increasingly
recognized as key contributors to diseases such as cancer,
neurological disorders, and developmental defects. In this
conference, leading experts will highlight how recent advances in novel sequencing technologies, computational tool development, and emerging conceptual frameworks for studying epigenetics are transforming our understanding of gene regulation, tumor
evaluation, and precision medicine. The meeting will also feature a poster session showcasing outstanding research conducted by
predoctoral and postdoctoral trainees from the six
inter-institutional training programs administered by the
GCC/Keck Center in the greater Houston area.

Confirmed Speakers:

Xin Chen, PhD, Professor, Biology, Johns Hopkins University

James Nuñez, PhD, Assistant Professor, Molecular & Cell Biology, University of California Berkeley

Benjamin Sabari, PhD, Assistant Professor, Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern

Hui Shen, PhD, Professor, Epigenetics, Van Andel Institute

Andrew Stergachis, MD PhD, Associate Professor, Medicine and Genome Sciences, University of Washington

In addition to talks by our keynote speakers, a trainee representing each one of the six different programs under the Keck Center will give a brief research talk. We anticipate 150-200 attendees and 50-60 posters.

Conference Organizers:

Chair:
Yun Nancy Huang, PhD, Professor, Associate Director, Center for Epigenetic and Disease Prevention, Institute of Biosciences and Technology of Texas A&M University

Co-Chairs:
Isaac Hilton, PhD, Associate Professor, Bioengineering & BioSciences, Rice University
Xiaotian Zhang, PhD, Assistant Professor, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston

The Keck Conference sponsors are the Gulf Coast Consortia (GCC) and its educational and training arm, the Keck Center, a
collaborative organization of biomedical institutions in the Houston area (www.gulfcoastconsortia.org). The Keck Center was founded in 1990 with generous support from the W.M. Keck Foundation.

For many years, the GCC has supported training programs and
research consortia through its eight member institutions: Baylor College of Medicine, Rice University, University of Houston, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Institute of Biosciences and Technology of Texas A&M University, and Houston Methodist Research Institute.

Thank you to conference sponsor: