Telomeric chromatin in health and disease
The physical ends of chromosomes, known as telomeres, play critical roles in cancer development, other age-related disorders and short telomere syndromes. Telomeres protect chromosomes from degradation and rearrangements that are typically seen in cancer. Telomeres also serve as cellular clocks. They shorten in the absence of telomerase limiting cellular lifespan. In most tumors, telomerase is upregulated in order to counteract telomere shortening. Through the expression of telomerase, human cancer cells acquire an immortal phenotype.
Research
Our laboratory combines telomeric chromatin analysis by mass spectrometry, biochemistry, cell biology and molecular genetics to study the dynamics of telomere structure, function and replication in human cells under normal and pathological situations. Our work may allow manipulation of telomere functions in tumors and other diseased tissues in the future.
Contact
Head of laboratory : Joachim Lingner
Office : SV 1824
Phone : +41216930721
Mail : [email protected]
Administration : Natalia Tomas Gimeno
Office : SV 1823
Phone : +41 21 693 97 47
Mail : [email protected]