Understanding molecular mechanisms at the intersection of chromatin & transcription
The Farnung Lab answers key mechanistic questions at the intersection of chromatin and transcription. We employ biochemical, biophysical, machine learning, and structural biology approaches to understand how the transcription machinery, histone modifying enzymes, chromatin remodelers, and the nucleosome interact to regulate gene expression.
Elucidating transcription through chromatin with visual biochemistry
Our research combines state-of-the-art biochemistry and cutting-edge single-particle cryo-electron microscopy to generate molecular movies depicting the transcription machinery traversing its native chromatin template. Our work uncovers how chromatin organization is maintained and epigenetic information preserved during transcription.
Unraveling the function of chromatin remodelers
ATP-dependent chromatin remodelers play an important role in maintaining genome organization and providing accessibility to genomic information. We aim to better understand how chromatin remodelers are recruited to specific genomic loci to shape cell fate decisions, embryonic development, and cell homeostasis. To do so, the Farnung lab employs biophysical methods and structural biology approaches. Our work provides important insights into how chromatin remodelers contribute to the emergence of a broad range of cancers and neurodevelopment disorders.