Overview

About our Research

The research in our laboratory focuses on foundational mechanisms that regulate eukaryotic gene expression. In particular, we are interested in the roles played by RNAs and proteins in genetic information transfer and cellular memory. Over the years, our work has shifted from structure-function cell biological studies toward molecular genetic analyses, primarily using Drosophila as a model system.

We have established long-term collaborations with other groups here at UNC to develop a powerful genetic platform to study epigenetic gene regulation. Using this comprehensive system, we can analyze the function of multi-gene families like the one that encodes the histone proteins that wrap DNA into nucleosomes (see figure). Thus, for the first time in any multicellular eukaryote, we can now directly determine the extent to which a given histone PTM (post-translational modification) contributes to cell fate and organismal development. Naturally, we have been focusing the bulk of our attention in this area, with particular emphasis on understanding the contribution that histone PTMs make in directing transcription and pre-mRNA processing events: (Project 1).  

A secondary focus involves the biophysical characterization of an RNP assembly factor called Survival Motor Neuron (SMN) and understanding its role in neuromuscular development and neurodegenerative disease (Spinal Muscular Atrophy, SMA). (Project 2). 

Our multifaceted approaches to studying cutting-edge topics in genetics and genomics provides an exciting training environment for undergraduates, graduate students and postdoctoral scholars.