William Kaufmann
Computational modeling of DNA repair and checkpoint pathways; systems of protection of genetic stability
Institution: University of North Carolina School of Medicine
Website: http://www.med.unc.edu/kaufmannlab
Email: william.kaufmann@pathology.unc.edu
Voice: (919) 966-8209
Research in the Kaufmann laboratory is concerned with determining the mechanisms whereby cell cycle checkpoints suppress human cancer development. We are focused on two checkpoints that help to stabilize the genome. The decatenation G2 checkpoint delays mitosis until daughter chromatids are sufficiently disentangled by topoisomerase II. This checkpoint is regulated by the breast cancer susceptibility gene BRCA1. The intra-S checkpoint regulates DNA synthesis by controlling the rates of replicon initiation and DNA chain elongation. This checkpoint is regulated by two proteins, Timeless and Tipin, that mediate signaling at stalled replication forks. A program project is studying how the Timeless-Tipin replication fork protection complex protects against UV-induced chromosomal damage and sunlight-induced melanoma.
