Our research group is focused on the interplay between RNA Polymerase II transcription and chromatin. Proper regulation of RNA Polymerase II (RNAPII) transcription is essential for accurate gene expression and genome stability. It has been well established that transcription increases the frequency of DNA recombination and mutation, common events in the pathogenesis of cancer. However, the precise mechanisms that underlie transcription-associated genome instability are not
understood. Two transcription-coupled processes have been implicated in the regulation of both gene expression levels and overall genome stability: mRNA processing during transcription termination and the
restoration of chromatin structure following RNAPII transcription. Using quantitative proteomics methods, we interrogate RNAPII regulatory proteins and their associated complexes to identify novel mechanisms responsible for the maintenance of gene expression levels and the restoration of chromatin structure following RNAPII passage.
Post-doctoral Fellowship - Stowers Institute, Kansas City, MO 07/2010
Ph.D. - University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 07/2004
