Genome Structure
013D genome organization and chromatin dynamics
We combine polymer physics and molecular simulations to understand how chromosomes fold and reorganize across cell states.
Understanding genome organization and protein dynamics through physics, computation, and AI.
The Contessoto Lab develops theoretical, computational, and data-driven models to study genome organization, chromatin dynamics, and biomolecular function. We combine polymer physics, molecular simulations, genomic data, and machine learning to connect genome architecture with gene regulation, cellular function, and disease.
Research
Modeling genome architecture from physical principles and data
The lab combines polymer physics, statistical mechanics, molecular simulations, maximum entropy inference, and machine learning to study three-dimensional genome organization.
Physical Models
02Energy landscapes of chromosomes
We build effective free energy landscapes to study chromatin structure and dynamics.
Inference
03Maximum entropy modeling from Hi-C and imaging
We infer least-biased models that integrate Hi-C contact maps and high-resolution microscopy data to study 3D genome organization.
Machine Learning
04Representation learning for genome architecture
We develop data-driven models that link epigenetic profiles and chromatin annotations to the 3D structural ensemble of chromosomes.
Function
05Structural variation and genome function
We study how structural variants reshape 3D genome organization and influence gene regulation.
People
Current lab members
Meet the team and learn about current research interests in the group.
Principal Investigator
Vinicius Contessoto
Assistant Research Professor
Physics-based and data-driven modeling of chromatin organization, molecular simulations, maximum entropy inference, and genome architecture.
Highlighted Publications
Selected papers and software publications
Browse a curated list of 8 selected publications connected to genome architecture, chromatin dynamics, physical modeling, molecular simulations, and open scientific software.
Software
Open tools for modeling genome architecture
Software cards are designed for code links, documentation, and associated publications as project pages mature.
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Home Institution
Rice University, Physics and Astronomy, and CTBP
The lab is based at Rice University and connected to the Department of Physics and Astronomy and the Center for Theoretical Biological Physics.
Institutional home
Rice University
The lab is based at Rice University in Houston, Texas.
Academic department
Department of Physics and Astronomy
The lab is part of Rice Physics and Astronomy, within the Wiess School of Natural Sciences.
Research center
Center for Theoretical Biological Physics
The lab is connected to CTBP's community in theoretical, computational, and biological physics.
Funding and Support
Institutional, research, and computational support
Learn more about the institutional and external support that makes the lab's research possible.
Latest News
Lab updates and announcements
Follow lab updates, publications, funding news, student opportunities, and events.
May 2026
Contessoto Lab website launched
January 2026
New data-driven 3D chromosome model reveals structural and dynamic features of DNA
July 2024
Researchers discover ancient chromosomes in 52,000-year-old woolly mammoth
July 2024
Como pesquisadores desafiaram a ciência e descobriram na Sibéria o 1º fóssil de cromossomo da história
February 2023
Mosquito's DNA could provide clues on gene expression, regulation
July 2021
Rice, Rutgers developing inhalable COVID-19 vaccine spray
May 2021
Biologists construct a 'periodic table' for cell nuclei
October 2020
At our cores, we're all strengthened by 'dumbbells'
April 2020
Contessoto Presents Research
Join Us
Research opportunities and collaborations
We welcome students, visiting scholars, postdoctoral researchers, and collaborators interested in theoretical biological physics, genome organization, chromatin dynamics, molecular simulations, and AI-guided modeling.
OpportunitiesContact
Get in touch
For collaborations, student research, software questions, or group inquiries, email the lab or use the external profile links below.
Vinicius Contessoto
Assistant Research Professor
Department of Physics and Astronomy
Rice University
Center for Theoretical Biological Physics
BioScience Research Collaborative (BRC)
6100 Main St., Houston, TX 77005-1827
- contessoto@rice.edu
- Lab/group location
- Center for Theoretical Biological Physics (CTBP), BioScience Research Collaborative (BRC)