Although only a small percentage of our genome consists of protein coding genes, the majority of the genome is transcriptionally active, resulting in significant quantities of non-coding RNA (ncRNA) transcripts. We are studying the co-transcriptional recruitment of RNA binding complexes to the nascent transcripts.

Generating a molecular tool that can distinguish between cancer cells and non-cancer cells by detecting specific mutations in the genome, and eliminating cancer cells very specifically, without the strong side-effects of current cancer treatments.

The long-term goal of this project is to understand the interplay between chromatin modifications, nucleosome-positions, -turnover and -occupancy, and perhaps other as yet unknown chromatin characteristics, that allow the dynamic regulation of the eukaryotic genome.

An exciting and novel development in the field of DNA-repair. Our mid-to long-term research goals will focus on the molecular mechanism behind this finding both in the fission yeast S. pombe and in mammalian cells. Findings have also identified potential new targets for cancer treatments.