Understanding the molecular mechanisms leading to R-loop-associated diseases

Unusual RNA/DNA structures (R-loops) are formed when the RNA hybridizes to a complementary DNA strand, displacing the other DNA strand in this process. R-loops are formed in all living organisms and play crucial roles in regulating gene expression, DNA and histone modifications, generation of antibody diversity, DNA replication and genome stability. R-loops are also implicated in human diseases, including neurodegeneration, cancer mitochondrial diseases and HIV-AIDs.

Collaboration between Prof Crouch (NIH) and Dr. Gromak (Oxford) labs will focus on understanding the regulation of R-loops and uncover the molecular mechanisms which lead to R-loop-associated diseases. We will employ state-of-the-art techniques including CRISPR, Mass Spectrometry and molecular biology approaches to understand the principles of R-loop biology in health and disease conditions. In the long term the findings from this project will be essential for the development of new therapeutic approaches for R-loop-associated disorders.

*This project is available for the 2021 Oxford-NIH Pilot Programme*