Researcher Spotlight: Daniela Magliulo, PhD

weill cornell medicine

Chromatin refers to DNA and protein complexes that form 3-dimensional structures within the genome. These structures can bring together genetic elements across long stretches of DNA or even between different chromosomes to influence how genes are expressed. “Traditionally, the main drivers of cancer progression have been linked to alterations in specific genes or proteins,” Dr. Magliulo explains. “However, in recent years, many studies have highlighted the crucial role that 3D chromatin structure plays in cancer biology.” Her research, therefore, aims to understand the regulatory potential and assembly mechanism of chromatin hotspots in lymphoma, specifically within the context of diffuse large B-cell lymphomas (DLBCLs). “We believe that identifying the molecular players involved in forming and regulating these 3D topological hotspots could uncover new therapeutic vulnerabilities in B-cell lymphomas, thus paving the way to novel targeted therapies.”

“This project is incredibly fascinating to me because the challenge of understanding how changes in the 3D chromatin structure influence lymphoma progression is both complex and exciting, and it represents an emerging field with many discoveries yet to be made,” Dr. Magliulo continues. She hopes this work will lay the foundation for her career as an independent researcher investigating how the 3D structure of the genome influences hematopoietic and immune cell identity and how dysregulation of these processes can lead to cancers such as lymphoma. “I aspire to be a leading scientist in the field, advancing our understanding of how the 3D structure of the genome influences cancer and using that knowledge to develop innovative, targeted therapies for blood cancers.”

Dr. Magliulo’s commitment to lymphoma research is driven by her innate passion for the pursuit of knowledge. “I believe our work as scientists plays a unique and critical role in the fight against lymphoma. While doctors treat patients on the frontlines, my goal is to contribute by examining the molecular mechanisms behind lymphoma and uncovering the hidden processes that drive its development and progression,” she explains. “By doing so,
I can help build a deeper understanding of lymphoma and contribute to the creation of targeted therapies.”