Research
Transcription elongation dynamics
Our laboratory employs biochemical techniques and single-molecule optical tweezers to investigate the dynamics of transcription elongation. We specifically concentrate on mitochondrial RNA polymerase (mtRNAP) to gain a deeper understanding of how mitochondrial transcription factors, along with their posttranslational modifications, influence the transcription process within the mitochondrial genome. This focused research allows us to uncover the complex regulatory mechanisms that control mitochondrial gene expression, which is crucial for cellular energy production and overall cellular function. We aim to elucidate the fundamental principles regulating mitochondrial transcription and its impact on cellular metabolism and health.
Functions of histone variants as epigenetic marks
A nucleosome, which is the basic structural unit of chromatin, is composed of a histone octamer wrapped by 147 base pairs of DNA. This octamer is made up of two copies each of the core histones: H2A, H2B, H3, and H4. In addition to these canonical histones, the chromatin structure incorporates various histone variants, including H2A.X, H2A.Z, MacroH2A, and H3.3. These histone variants serve as crucial epigenetic marks that play pivotal roles in regulating essential cellular functions. They influence gene expression by altering the chromatin structure, thereby controlling the accessibility of DNA to transcription factors. Furthermore, they are integral to the processes of DNA repair and DNA replication, ensuring genomic stability and proper cellular function in vivo.
Our laboratory employs a multidisciplinary approach, combining advanced biochemical techniques, precise single-molecule experiments, and comprehensive cell biology studies to investigate the specific functions of several histone variants. Through this integrative research, we aim to deepen our understanding of how these variants contribute to epigenetic regulation and impact cellular processes at the molecular level.