Decoding genomes ~ the blueprints of life
Recent studies have revealed that various differentiated tissues and organs can be reprogrammed to become pluripotent stem cells by regulating gene expression. Expression of genetic information stored in the cell nucleus is regulated by transcription and by its intimately related processes such as chromatin modification and RNA processing. We are mainly studying on the following three subjects to aim to decipher regulatory mechanisms of human gene expression and pathogenic mechanisms of human diseases caused by misregulation of gene expression program.
Research Topics
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Study on the molecular mechanism of transcription initiation by RNA polymerase II (Pol II)
We study on the transcription initiation complex consist of Pol II and the general transcription factors through protein modification and structural change.
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Study on the role of Mediator complex in controlling gene expression
Mediator complex is the huge protein complex, which transduces the regulatory signals from various transcription factors to the transcription initiation complex, has central roles in maintenance of homeostasis and in cellular differentiation. We study on the regulatory mechanism for gene expression by the kinase module of Mediator.
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Study on the coordinated regulatory mechanism of gene expression through the C-terminal domain of Pol II (the CTD)
The CTD of Pol II is subjected to dynamic phosphorylation during transcription process and serves as a scaffold for various RNA processing factors and chromatin modification factors. We study on the coordinated mechanism of gene expression through regulation of phosphorylation of the CTD, especially focus on the functions of CTD kinases and phosphatases.
Lab Members
Yutaka Hirose
Associate Professor
- Degree
- Ph.D.
- Research Areas
- Molecular Biology
Aki Tanaka
Assistant Professor
- Degree
- Ph.D.
- Research Areas
- Biochemistry, Molecular Biology