The Franklin Laboratory’s research is focused on the nucleus, DNA is wrapped around histone proteins (i.e. nucleosomes). This combination of DNA, histones and other proteins is referred to as chromatin. Both the DNA and proteins in this complex are susceptible to modifications which can alter the chromatin structure and consequently influence gene transcription. Changes in gene transcription can influence cell fate and physiology and have been shown to be altered in diseases such as heart failure. Because more people die from heart disease than any other pathology, the Franklin lab is interested in identifying the epigenetic factors that regulate gene transcription in the heart during disease progression. To do this, the lab uses a combination of proteomics, mass spectrometry, biochemistry and molecular biology to elucidate the role of histone isoforms, post-translational modifications and other chromatin binding proteins on chromatin structure and gene accessibility. Additionally, the Franklin lab also determines how these factors contribute to the regulation of heart morphology and physiology.
Meet the Franklin Lab Team
Mentorship and Training
Dr. Franklin is deeply committed to fostering a collaborative, supportive, and inclusive training environment for the next generation of scientists and physician-scientists. The Franklin Lab provides mentorship, professional development, and research opportunities tailored to trainees at every stage and with support aligned with a wide range of career goals, including academic research, medicine, biotechnology, and industry.
The lab supports trainees across the educational continuum, from undergraduate students to graduate students and postdoctoral fellows. Undergraduate trainees gain early research experience through UROP-sponsored while pre-medical and undergraduate students have the opportunity to participate in cardiovascular research through the Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE). These programs provide hands-on exposure to scientific discovery and help trainees develop the skills and experiences needed to pursue future careers in research and medicine.
Trainee success is a central component of Franklin Lab’s mentorship mission. More than 100 publications have been authored by trainees under Dr. Franklin’s mentorship, and many trainees have been awarded competitive pre- and post-doctoral fellowships as well as career development awards from organizations including American Heart Association (AHA) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Lab alumni have gone on to successful careers in academia, industry, medicine, and other research-related professions, reflecting lab’s longstanding commitment to developing the next generation of scientific and clinical leaders.
For translational and basic science research job opportunities please contact sarah.franklin@utah.edu (please include your CV and potential referees).
