# How BRD4 and H2BE Influence Neuronal Activity (Erica Korb)

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/epigenetics-podcast-809637/how-brd4-and-h2be-influence-neuronal-activity-erica-korb
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/epigenetics-podcast-809637/how-brd4-and-h2be-influence-neuronal-activity-erica-korb.md
Podcast: [Epigenetics Podcast](https://stenobird.com/podcast/epigenetics-podcast-809637)
Published: 2025-08-07T07:01:00+00:00
Episode link: https://activemotif.podbean.com/e/how-brd4-and-h2be-influence-neuronal-activity-erica-korb/
Audio file: https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/9qpi4m9mkimhmg8h/AMP156_-_Erica_Korb8zlfk.mp3
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/epigenetics-podcast-809637/episodes/how-brd4-and-h2be-influence-neuronal-activity-erica-korb
Duration seconds: 2236

## Resource

In this episode of the Epigenetics Podcast, we talked with Erica Korb from the University of Pennsylvania about her work on BRD4 and the histone variant H2BE, which influences synaptic genes and neuronal activity. Dr. Korb discusses the focus of her lab, which centers on epigenetic mechanisms impacting gene regulation in neurons. Her research primarily examines histone biology and its connection to neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism spectrum disorder and intellectual disabilities. Dr. Korb expounds on the collaborative environment at UPenn’s Epigenetics Institute, emphasizing how the rich diversity of research topics fosters innovative ideas and projects within the community. Reflecting on her earlier work from her postdoctoral studies, Dr. Korb discusses her first significant findings regarding the protein BRD4. This work demonstrated BRD4's role in mediating transcriptional regulation crucial for learning and memory processes. She explains how disrupting this protein's function in neurons hindered critical gene activations required for memory formation in mice. This foundational understanding opened avenues for exploring the broader implications of chromatin regulation in various neurodevelopmental conditions. Transitioning into her current research endeavors, Dr. Korb reveals how she aims to expand her focus beyond Fragile X syndrome. With her lab now investigating multiple chromatin regulators implicated in various forms of autism spectrum disorders, she describes a recent project where RNA sequencing exposed substantial overlaps in gene expression changes associated with five distinct chromatin modifiers, each contributing uniquely to neuronal function while collectively demonstrating sensitivity to chromatin disruptions. A significant portion of the d…

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