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Gene Expression and Epigenomics Group
| Our group studies the molecular switches that control inducible
gene expression in the immune system. The response of an organism to environmental
signals generally requires complex changes in gene expression. In man, the
immune system is one of the major body systems that responds to external
signals, specifically from invading pathogens such as viruses, bacteria
or parasites, allergens and other unfavourable events. The cells of the
immune system are exquisitely poised to alter gene expression patterns within
minutes of detecting a signal and waves of gene expression changes then
occur within the next 24-48hrs to ensure a correct immune response. Incorrect
activation or repression of genes can lead to an adverse response, triggering
autoimmunity or the failure to eliminate a pathogen. We focus on the transcription
factors that drive inducible gene expression in the immune system as well
as the role of the packaging of the genes into chromatin (the epigenome)
in the nucleus. We employ single gene (especially cytokine genes) as well
as genome-wide (microarray, ChIP-on-chip) approaches to understand inducible
gene expression in immune cells. |
An invitation to potential students: The lab has a keen
interest in training the next generation of biomedical scientists interested
in gene expression and epigenomics. We would welcome enquiries from Australian
or international students interested in an Hons or PhD project in this area
of research. We also host undergraduate students for lab projects related
to their course.
For more information please contact Professor Frances Shannon
at frances.shannon@anu.edu.au
General information for potential JCSMR, ANU students can
be obtained at http://jcsmr.anu.edu.au/students/index.php |
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