All cells have the same genetic code—what determines their type, state, and function is gene expression. However, much of what regulates gene expression is still poorly understood. Elisa's BroadIgnite project seeks to leverage common genetic variants to study regulatory regions of the genome, which control gene expression and are critical to understanding human disease. Specifically, she will use differentiated stem cells to glean insights into how genetic variants drive regulatory changes in liver cells and apply this knowledge to understand metabolic diseases.