Chromatin, the assembly of DNA and its associated proteins, constitutes the template for most nuclear processes, including transcription, replication and DNA damage repair. Faithful regulation of chromatin processes is central to normal cellular function and development. Employing a broad range of genome-wide approaches to interrogate chromatin, backed by extensive computational analytics, our lab has been interested the functional consequences of aberrant chromatin in cancer development.
We study these processes in two primary models: Ewing Sarcoma and Renal Cell Carcinoma. Ewing sarcoma, a tumor of children and young adults, is characterized by a chromosomal translocation that creates a transcriptional regulator that gains chromatin remodeling activity. Regulators of chromatin are commonly mutated in clear cell renal cell carcinoma. We are exploring the genomic events that are associated with these mutations. The lab offers a unique opportunity to bridge high-throughput sequencing-based approaches with cellular and biochemical studies.
AFFILIATIONS
Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center
Program in Chromatin and Epigenetics
Curriculum in Genetics and Molecular Biology
Curriculum in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology
Biological and Biomedical Sciences Program
CONTACT INFORMATION
UNC Chapel Hill
Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center 21-229
Chapel Hill, NC 27599
Lab: (919) 966-4340
Office: (919) 966-5360