Sergei Nechaev, Ph.D., Associate Professor
Project: Regulation of transcriptomes by pausing the RNA polymerase II at promoters
Mentor: Sergei Nechaev, Ph.D., Associate Professor
Location: Department of Biomedical Sciences, Columbia Hall, 1733C
Description: This research project seeks to discover the mechanisms by which human cells can use the same DNA to generate different cell types with unique gene expression patterns. The focus is on the process of gene transcription, whereby the mRNAs are synthesized by the tightly controlled enzyme RNA polymerase II (Pol II). Our investigation targets fundamental, yet not fully understood, processes that affect the Pol II machinery across the genome. We analyze how various factors that assist Pol II at the start of genes can influence gene transcription genome-wide. Specifically, we will explore the significance of Pol II pausing—a notable but enigmatic stage in transcription—as it may reveal new organizing principles for gene networks. Participating REU students will have the option to engage in practical molecular biology or undertake computational bioinformatics research.
