My primary objective is to leverage embryonic stem cell models from different mouse strains to investigate how strain-specific KRAB zinc finger proteins uniquely modify the activity of transposable elements. In the Baker Lab, we believe that genetic background contributes to individual uniqueness and influences susceptibility to certain diseases. By employing powerful stem cell models, we aim to map these genetic differences, specifically in KRAB zinc finger proteins, and assess their impact on healthy development and disease susceptibility.
