Research Interests

Our research is aimed at mechanistically understanding the role of RNA polymerase III deregulation in cancer. Focussing on: 

• The architecture of the RNA polymerase III pre-initiation complex
  In order to unravel the molecular details of transcription initiation, a fundamental, highly regulated but yet obscure step of the transcriptional cycle, we are now investigating the architecture of this complex by combining X-ray crystallography and cryo-EM.
  
• RNA polymerase III regulation by tumour suppressors and oncogenes
  Our aim is to understand the underlying molecular mechanisms of RNA Pol III deregulation in cancer cells and we are planning to investigate biochemically and structurally the association of transcription factor TFIIIB with tumour suppressors and oncogenes.
  
• Maf1-dependent modulation of RNA polymerase III activity by chromatin associated kinases
  The long-term goal of this research is to gain mechanistical insights into the regulation of RNA Pol III by Maf1 and upstream kinases, to understand their role in RNA Pol III activity modulation, as well as other cellular processes, which happen on chromatin at RNA Pol III genes.