At a glance:
My laboratory is focused on understanding the formation, function, and resolution of R-loop structures, a class of non-B DNA structures formed upon the annealing of an RNA strand to one strand of the DNA duplex. Genome-wide mapping data from my laboratory established that R-loop structures are prevalent in mammalian genomes and suggests that they represent a novel type of cis-acting functional DNA element. Our main research themes are:
- Developing and improving genomics technologies to map R-loop formation.
- Analyzing the relationship between R-loop structures and chromatin states, including histone modifications and DNA methylation.
- Understanding the mechanisms by which R-loops are formed, sensed, and dynamically resolved during transcription.
- Elucidating how dysfunctions in R-loop metabolism is linked to genome instability and human diseases.
To address these topics, my group makes use of innovative (epi)genomics tools, mammalian cell culture assays, biochemical assays, proteomic methods, and computational approaches.
Please visit our Research page and Publications page if you want to learn more.
My lab is located in the Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology within the College of Biological Sciences at UC Davis, one of the ten campuses of the University of California. Our two closest UC neighbors are UC Berkeley and UC San Francisco. Stanford University is located about two hours away (see map of the area).
We are affiliated with the following Institutions, Departments, and Graduate Programs.
- UC Davis Cancer Center
- Biochemistry, Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology Graduate Group
- Integrative Genetics and Genomics Graduate Group
- UCD Genome Center.
Our research is funded by:
