University of Toronto Mississauga - Dept. of Psychological & Brain Sciences

The
EpiLab

Decoding the molecular language of the brain
one mark at a time.

Epitranscriptomics • Epigenetics • Memory • Neurological Disease

The EpiLab - 2026–2027 Lab Selfie Day
Lab Photo 2026–2027 Lab Selfie Day

The EpiLab - 2026–2027

What we study

Two Labs, One Mission.
The science above the sequence; how epigenetic and epitranscriptomic changes drive the brain.

Dr. Brandon Walters - Epitranscriptomics

RNA Modifications & Memory Formation

The Walters Lab investigates how chemical modifications to RNA, particularly m6A (N6-methyladenosine), deployed during the formation of new memories. We also explore how dysregulation of these marks contributes to neurological and psychiatric conditions, including depression and cognitive decline.

m6A / Epitranscriptomics Memory Depression

Dr. Iva Zovkic - Epigenetics

Histone Variants & Alzheimer's Disease

The Zovkic Lab focuses on histone variants, specialized proteins that package and regulate DNA, and their role in diseases of memory. A central focus is understanding how histone variant dynamics go awry in Alzheimer's disease, with an eye toward identifying new therapeutic targets.

Histone Variants Epigenetics Alzheimer's Disease

Full Research Overview →

Principal Investigators

The Epi-Team

The EpiLab is a joint laboratory at UTM led by two PIs whose research intersects at the intersection of epigenetics, memory, and disease. We share space, ideas, and occasionally coffee.

Dr. Brandon Walters

Assistant Professor, Psychological & Brain Sciences • PI, Epitranscriptomics

"How does the brain use RNA modifications to write new memories, and what breaks down in disease?"

B.S. Biology, Purdue • Ph.D. UAB • Postdoc: St. Jude & SickKids
Fun fact: Survived a plane crash.

Dr. Iva Zovkic

Associate Professor, Psychological & Brain Sciences • PI, Epigenetics

"What role do histone variants play in memory, and can targeting them slow Alzheimer's disease?"

Ph.D. Psychology, Brock • Postdoc: University of Alabama Birmingham
Fun fact: Karaoke Queen.

Meet the full team →

Lab Updates

Current Goings On

Recent posts from @brandon.theepilab.ca and @ivazovkic.bsky.social on Bluesky

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