Epigenetics and gene regulation
Several of the BMB faculty members study regulation of genes and their products. Research topics include transcription factors, hormone receptors, epigenetic modifications, as well as various mechanisms for gene regulation at the posttranscriptional level.
The Falnes group's main research interest is the identification of novel human enzymes involved regulation, such as the epigenetic modifications of DNA and chromatin proteins.
Our research focuses on the molecular mechanisms by which hormones, in particular the male hormone testosterone, regulate intracellular signaling events resulting in cellular responses. In addition, we are interested in stress signaling pathways and their functional role in normal and cancer cells. We are studying how disruption in these signaling events, especially in prostate cancer cells, have disease promotion effects.
Gene expression is controlled at many levels. We are interested in uncovering how gene regulation, particularly at the post-transcriptional level, controls fundamental biological processes, including the developmental or metabolic plasticity, explained below, with important biomedical implications. Our experimental models are the genetically tractable nematode, Caenorhabditis elegans, and mammalian cells. Our interdisciplinary approach combines genetics, genomics, molecular biology, and biochemistry.
The Winnie Eskild group is working with a novel mouse model for liver fibrosis and lysosomal disorders.
The Klein Group research centers on the molecular machinery that degrades mRNAs in chloroplasts.
The Gabrielsen Group is focusing on understanding the molecular function of one specific transcription factor, c-Myb, a cancer-related transcription factor operating as a regulator of stem and progenitor cells in the bone marrow
We investigate the mechanisms regulating chromatin and gene expression during cellular differentiation and cell cycle progression in yeast and mammals.