Dr. Jimenez studies the mechanisms of zinc on epigenetic events like DNA methylation, histone modification and transcriptional gene modifications. his research seeks to address how Zinc is required for the activity of various epigenetic enzymes, such as DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs), histone acetyltransferases (HATs), histone deacetylases (HDACs), and histone demethylases, which possess several zinc bindings sites. He is also interested in the molecular mechanisms by which zinc induces gene modifications and inflammation. His work involves cell lines and transgenic mice model to investigate the roles of zinc.
Dr. Jimenez’ research in Dr. Cousins’ lab which address the nutritional significance of zinc to elucidating how this micronutrient acts as a signaling molecule through regulated cellular transporters to produce influences on cellular function, epigenetic modifications, and inflammation response.
Felix R. Jimenez-Rondan, Ph.D.