Cristina Pina

I am a clinically-trained research scientist working in the field of cancer epigenetics. I am fascinated by the mechanisms through which cells diversify their molecular composition, and consequently vary their morphology and their function, to make organs, regenerate tissues, and produce tumours. While some of those diversification mechanisms rely on genetic mutations, others explore the way in which cells read their genes to produce the RNA and proteins that underlie cell function. The latter are referred to as epigenetic mechanisms.

My research is focused on understanding and manipulating epigenetic mechanisms to guide and alter cell identity, with a focus on efficient lab-based blood production and therapeutic approaches to leukaemia.