Our research focuses on the functional interplays between two fundamental processes: transcription and DNA damage repair. We take a multidisciplinary approach, combining structural and computational biology (CryoEM, X-ray, Alphafold prediction, and molecular dynamics simulation), chemical biology, biochemical, genetic and genomic methods, to study key protein complexes involved in transcription and DNA repair pathways. Understanding how cells process DNA lesions will help us to decipher the mechanisms of drug action and resistance and pave the way for rational improvement of novel anticancer drugs.

Another focus in our group is to elucidate the molecular basis of transcription recognition of unnatural base pairs. These studies will provide valuable information for developing the next generation of unnatural base pairs (for expanded genetic alphabets that act orthogonally with natural base pairs in replication, transcription, and translation processes for synthetic life).