Natalie Powers, Ph.D.

Postdoctoral Associate

Researching the role of the histone methyltransferase PRDM9 in allocation and repair of meiotic double-strand breaks, which are necessary for the essential process of genetic recombination.

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About Natalie Powers, Ph.D.

I am mainly interested in how regulatory and epigenetic factors can influence the inheritance and expression of heritable traits, especially complex traits. My Ph.D. work primarily used human genetic methods, and I joined The Jackson Laboratory to expand my expertise with mice. My current research involves the role of the histone methyltransferase PRDM9 in allocation and repair of meiotic double-strand breaks, which are necessary for the essential process of genetic recombination. In mammals, PRDM9 is responsible for both initiating and localizing the sites of recombination within the genome. I have several ongoing projects in the lab, all of which involve the DNA-binding properties of PRDM9 in vivo, and the roles of PRDM9-dependent histone modifications in recombination.

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Grants, honors and accomplishments

2013 C.W. Cotterman Award, American Society of Human Genetics; Boston, MA

2005-2007 MBRS-RISE Scholarship, California State University, Fresno; Fresno, CA

2003 Lilaine D. Wells Scholarship, California State University, Fresno; Fresno, CA

2003 Biology Department Award, Antelope Valley College; Lancaster, CA

2001 International Baccalaureate Diploma, Quartz Hill High School; Quartz Hill, CA

2001 Valedictorian, Quartz Hill High School; Quartz Hill, CA

Research HighlightMarch 12, 2019
A closer look at structural variants in the genome
A recent Cell paper uses long-read DNA sequencing and other advanced genomics tools and methods to shed light on genomic structural variants.
Research HighlightMarch 08, 2019
Breaking up is hard to do
New research shows that proteins work together to enable DNA double-strand breaks during meiosis.
- Reproductive Biology
- Genetics and Genomics
Press ReleaseMarch 05, 2019
3D genomics one nucleus at a time
Supported by a recent four-year, $2.3M grant from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences, Wei is looking to develop a method for chromatin interaction analysis in single nuclei, with single-molecule resolution.
- Genetic Tools
- Genetics and Genomics
Press ReleaseFebruary 18, 2019
A crystal ball for looking at the complexity of the 3D genome
A team led by Jackson Laboratory Professor Yijun Ruan, Ph.D., has developed a new method, called ChIA-Drop, that allows researchers to investigate 3D genomic structures with unprecedented precision and clarity.

Research HighlightMarch 08, 2019
Long-range connectivity and gene regulation networks
A complicated three-dimensional network involving proteins and specific DNA sequences helps regulate the expression of genes. New work led by JAX’s Chia-Lin Wei shows how one protein, SOX2, plays a significant role in neural stem cells, affecting many aspects of development and function.
Search MagazineMarch 06, 2019
Finding a better way to fight childhood cancers
Ching Lau is working to find effective therapies and test them against patients’ own tumors in specially made patient derived xenotype (PDX) mice.
Research HighlightFebruary 28, 2019
Two proteins essential for layered sterocilia elongation in the inner-ear
A research team led by Basile Tarchini has found two new proteins that are essential to the correct elongation of stereocilia, tiny hair-like cellular protrusions in the inner ear.
Search MagazineFebruary 11, 2019
The engines of genetic diversity
JAX Assistant Professor Beth Dumont, Ph.D., is working to better understand the processes that give rise to genetic diversity, and how specific variations can contribute to disease susceptibility.