Research Projects

We develop and apply single molecule approaches to acquire quantitative understanding of biology and to find ways to improve human medicine. The current directions of our research include investigations of G-quadruplex and R-loop mediated gene expression, telomere regulation with focus on oxidative damage and molecular mechanism underlying phase separation of RNA binding proteins implicated in neurodegenerative diseases, ALS/FTLD. We employ biochemical, biophysical, cellular and genetic tools in conjunction with single molecule detection platforms to gain comprehensive understanding of the biological pathways with the emphasis on elucidating molecular mechanisms.

illustration of DNA and RNA as built-in genetic switches

 

illustration of phase separation in neurodegenerative diseases

 

illustration of Telomere length regulation in cancer cells

 

illustration of poly (ADP-ribose) in stress granule