The proper functioning of any living organism depends on the precise regulation of gene expression in a spatially and temporally controlled manner. Dysregulation will result in developmental abnormalities and diseases. In eukaryotic cells, genomic DNA is tightly packaged into chromatin within the nucleus. To activate specific genes in response to developmental, physiological, or environmental cues, the genome undergoes dynamic changes to become accessible to the transcriptional machinery.
This process is orchestrated by a diverse array of chromatin-associated proteins, including chromatin remodelers, histone-modifying enzymes, transcription factors etc. While these protein factors have been studied, recent evidence suggests that RNA molecules also play fundamental roles in regulating chromatin organization and transcription.
Remarkably, less than 2% of the human genome encodes proteins, whereas nearly 80% is transcribed into non-coding RNAs. Previously considered "junk DNA," these non-coding sequences are now recognized as essential components of the gene regulatory process. Among them, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have emerged as versatile regulators of gene expression often associated with chromatin modifying enzymes.
The primary research focus of my laboratory will be to understand how long non-coding RNAs interact with chromatin-modifying complexes to regulate gene expression. By integrating structural biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, and genomics, our research seeks to uncover the molecular principles governing noncoding RNA-mediated chromatin regulation. These studies will provide fundamental insights into epigenetic gene regulation and will discover new therapeutic targets.