Maintenance of genomic integrity is of fundamental importance to all life. Safeguarding genomic integrity from genotoxic stresses is critical for biology of a cell. DNA repair or DNA damage responses are under sophisticated controls that must be accurately and rapidly executed, when the genome integrity is challenged. Understanding the molecular regulation of DNA damage response factors that promote genome stability is a significant subject for basic biological perspective as well as clinical aspects. Our laboratory studies molecular mechanisms of maintaining genome integrity, by studying the functions of proteins involved in DNA damage response and DNA repair. Below are the main areas we are currently focusing on:
1. Molecular mechanisms that suppress DNA replication defects and chromosomal instabilities
a. Replication fork stress caused by transcription-induced conflicts
b. Cellular response to DNA double strand breaks
c. Deciphering the roles of Fanconi Anemia-associated proteins in replication fork stability.
2. Identification of ubiquitin-proteasome machineries in tumor suppression and genomic stability.
Advisor Professor : Kee, Younghoon
Genomic Instability Lab Homepage