Stem Cell Stars Seminar | Gene Regulation Across Cell Fate Transitions with Prof. Kathrin Plath

Talk Title: "Gene Regulation Across Cell Fate Transitions: Insights From X-Chromosome Dosage Compensation"

When: 12 February 2026 | 15:00 - 16:00 + mingle

Where: Segerfalksalen, BMC A10

Chair: Professor Filipe Pereira

Following the lecture, take the opportunity to mingle and connect with colleagues and fellow researchers over refreshments at our post-seminar gathering. This is a wonderful opportunity to expand your professional network and share ideas in a relaxed setting. 

All are welcome, and no registration is required!

About the Speaker:

Kathrin Plath

• Professor, Biological Chemistry, UCLA Broad Stem Cell Center
• Vice Chair, Education, Biological Chemistry
• Director, Epigenomics, RNA and Gene Regulation, UCLA Health Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center
• Faculty Director, UCLA Stem Cell and Genomic Engineering Center

Professor Kathrin Plath, Ph.D., studies the epigenetic regulation of cell fate transitions including stem cell self-renewal and differentiation as well as cell reprogramming. Plath’s innate curiosity about fundamental biological processes has led to significant contributions to the fields of stem cell biology, gene regulation, epigenetics and regenerative medicine.

Her research combines computational, molecular, imaging, genomics, biochemical and cell biological approaches to understand the gene regulatory mechanisms underlying cellular identity, plasticity and cell fate changes. She is particularly focused on cell transitions to and from the pluripotent state, as well as X chromosome inactivation, a process in which one of the two X chromosomes in female cells is “turned off” to balance gene expression.

Her work could improve the efficiency of methods to produce induced pluripotent stem cells, the accuracy of stem cell-based disease models and the efficacy of therapies that aim to use pluripotent stem cells to regenerate or replace damaged or diseased tissue.

Outside of the lab, Kathrin Plath serves on the editorial board of Cell, Science, Cell Stem Cell and other journals, and has held various leadership positions in the International Society for Stem Cell Research. She has also been selected as a HHMI Faculty Scholar and now is the Director of the Epigenomics, RNA and Gene Regulation Program of the UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center.

• More about the Plath Lab