Mandeep Kaur

Mandeep obtained her bachelors degree in Biochemistry from SUNY Buffalo where she was first exposed to research. Having worked on iron regulation in B. Japonicum as an undergraduate, she moved to the University of Cincinnati to work with Dr. Yolanda Sanchez as a Research Assistant. Soon thereafter she moved with Dr. Sanchez to Dartmouth College and continued to perform research on the Chk1 protein, an important DNA damage checkpoint kinase that is essential for viability. This is where she developed her love for basic research. To further her scientific career and obtain formal training as a scientist, she enrolled in the Program in Experimental and Molecular Medicine at Dartmouth College and has been working towards her doctoral thesis in Dr. Michael Cole's laboratory. Mandeep's future goal is to pursue a postdoctoral position in the field of Cancer Immunology where she aims to apply her knowledge and expertise in cancer biology to develop novel cancer immunotherapies. When not thinking about science, Mandeep enjoys rock-climbing, hiking, traveling and indulging in Hollywood and Bollywood shows.

Research Summary
Mandeep's thesis research has focused on understanding the complex mechanisms of gene regulation by the oncogenic transcription factor c-Myc. She has discovered a novel epigenetic mechanism of gene repression by c-Myc involving Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 (PRC2) via upregulation of the potent tumor suppressor PTEN. Additionally, she has new evidence that elucidates the mechanism by which Myc regulates RNA Polymerase II elongation, one of the most profound cellular functions of Myc.

Email: Mandeep.Kaur.GR@dartmouth.edu