Our goal is to answer how gene expression is regulated and consequently controls cellular protein level. In particular, we aim to reveal novel roles for major gene expression regulators called CTD readers, which via interaction with the C-terminal domain (CTD) of RNA Polymerase II regulate all transcriptional events as well as RNA processing and stability. Elucidating how these factors "police" RNA synthesis and turnover will allow us to understand the basic principles of cancer and other genetic diseases.
We investigate roles for CTD readers in human cells and in the model organism Saccharomyces cerevisiae. In our research we combine classical molecular biology methods with cutting-edge techniques employing next generation sequencing.
We are currently studying:
- The landscape of RNA Polymerase II modifications
- Oncoproteins in regulation of the transcriptional cycle
- Degradation of stress-induced mRNA