Mechanism of transcriptional regulation on the single-molecule level
Transcription factors are dynamic protein molecules that regulate genomic architecture and transcription of genes. We study how the structure and dynamics of transcription factors allow them to navigate and modulate the genome, and how they enable cell fate decisions to be made. We are particularly invested in deciphering the activity of pioneer transcription factors involved in cell reprogramming and applying rational design approaches to harness these factors for efficient cell fate control.
We use an integrative approach by combining single-molecule and ensemble techniques, biochemistry, and computer simulations, to obtain a microscopic molecular view of transcription factor function.
Funding
Our lab is part of the Section for Biomolecular Sciences at the Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen. We are integrated in the Structural Biology and NMR Laboratory with three other research groups (Kragelund, Teilum, Lindorff-Larsen) and we are part of the NNF Challenge Centre REPIN with four research groups (Kragelund, Skriver, Hartmann-Petersen, Schuler). We are also affiliated with the Science Institute and the Biomedical Center, both within the University of Iceland. Our research is funded by grants from the European Research Council (ERC), the Icelandic Centre for Research (Rannís), University of Iceland, and the Icelandic Cancer Society.
