Mechanisms of molecular recogntition by chromatin regulatory proteins

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One of the major gaps in our understanding of living systems is how individual molecules in cells communicate with one another to create a dynamic, replicating system that responds to its environment. The principles that govern how the thousands of different protein molecules interact with one another and with the DNA (genes) of a cell to control its growth, environmental response and replication are still being elucidated. Our long-term research program seeks to elucidate these fundamental mechanisms by using advanced analytical methods to visualize how proteins recognize one another and specific parts of our genes. Our short and medium term goals are to characterize the assembly and regulation of several key multi-protein complexes that recognize and interact with `chemical tags' on our genes to turn them on or off. The various chemical tags on genes in cells help establish the specific cell type - for example a skin cell versus a muscle cell in animals or humans. These tags also provide a way for a cell to `remember' what type of cell it is when it divides in two during cell growth.****By `seeing' how proteins interact with one another and with these chemical tags we can understand more deeply how cells work, and how we could potentially manipulate them. Ultimately this work will enable a fuller understanding of cellular signaling networks, macromolecular recognition, and how this knowledge can be engineered or harnessed for biotechnology, chemistry and medicine.********