DNA and RNA Surveillance Systems:

Relations to Cancer

The DNA and RNA surveillance systems in cells plays a pivotal role in ensuring the faithful transmission and expression of genetic information, a cornerstone for the survival and well-being of all living organisms. These systems guard against external and internal insults on the genome and transcriptome by repairing damaged DNA structures or by eliminating faulty RNA molecules. Defects in these systems can alter the functions of the cell and cause many human diseases. A prominent example is cancer, which is characterized by genomic instability, aberrant gene expression and uncontrolled cell proliferation. 

Our lab investigates the molecular mechanisms of the replication stress response and the DNA damage response. We are also interested in an RNA surveillance pathway called nonsense-mediated RNA decay (NMD) and its interplay with DNA surveillance mechanisms. We utilize a combination of cell biological, biochemical and imaging approaches and techniques to decipher key mechanisms of the DNA/RNA surveillance networks with the goal to improve the understanding and treatment of cancer.


News

January 16, 2024

Helen Yu and Pierre Sun have joined us for undergraduate research. Welcome, Helen and Pierre!

November 1, 2023

Hsiang-Ting Lu has joined us as a Laboratory Technician II. Welcome aboard, Hisang-Ting!

August 28, 2023

Yichan Yang, a PhD student from the MCB program, has joined us for her rotation. Welcome, Yichan!

June 29, 2023 (Links to an external site)

Ke’s paper on the bioinformatic analysis of E2F1-induced replication stress and its impact on the tumor mutational burden and immune microenvironment has been accepted by DNA Repair. Congratulations, Ke!

June 26, 2023

Lingzhen has successfully defended her PhD thesis – Congratulations, Dr. Kong!

Affiliations

Funding