Telomeres cap chromosome ends and profoundly influence genome stability, life span and human health. When chromosomes lose their telomere caps, cells can no longer divide and regenerate, which drives degenerative diseases during aging. Loss of telomeric caps in pre-cancerous cells drives genetic alterations that hasten the progression to cancer. Telomeres shorten with age, but genetic and environmental factors can accelerate telomere loss. We are investigating how damage at telomeres impacts their function, and whether or how the damage is repaired.
We aim to develop novel strategies that preserve telomeres in healthy cells and delay aging-related diseases including cancer, or that conversely target telomeres to stop proliferation in cancer cells.
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My lab studies DNA damage and repair at telomeres.
Our lab studies DNA damage and repair at telomeres and roles for telomere damage in human diseases, aging and cancer. We are focused on three main areas: 1) how oxidative and genotoxic stress accelerates telomere shortening and loss, 2) defining the cellular pathways that preserve telomeres in the face of DNA damage and 3) determining the consequences of telomere damage on telomere function, cellular function and organisms health. Ultimately, we hope to develop new strategies that preserve telomeres in healthy cells and delay aging-related diseases including cancer, or that conversely deplete telomeres in cancer cells to stop their proliferation.