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, PhD, Professor, Global Health, Pharmacy, 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).
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.
Recent past conferences include:
2024-Machine Learning and Computation in Structural Biology
2023-New Frontiers in RNA Biology and Therapeutics
2022-Structural Biology: Past, Present and Future
2021-Infectious Diseases: Emerging Threats and Emerging Technologies