Beyond the pol II CTD: the expanding roles of the pol II CTD modification enzymes

The genes contained in our chromosomes direct the production of the components needed for our cells to function correctly. This is known as ‘expression’ of the gene. To ensure that the appropriate products are made at the right time and in the right place, gene expression is regulated at many steps. Failure of these controls can result in disease.

We will investigate the regulation of gene expression at several steps including the first step where the information contained in our genes is copied by transcription into RNA. We are also investigating what happens to the RNA during and after transcription. My aim is to identify the proteins involved in these processes and determine their interactions.

Defining the fundamental mechanisms that regulate gene expression will help us to fully understand the underlying causes of many diseases.