Beyond The DNA Double Helix:
Fundamental Studies On Proteins That Wrap DNA
   Roopa Thapar, Ph.D.

In 1953, in their seminal paper, James Watson and Francis Crick proposed the structure of deoxyribonucleic acid or “DNA”, a molecule that forms the basic unit of genetic information in all living cells.  Their proposed structure lead to numerous hypotheses about how genetic information was read in our cells, how cells divide, and how this information is duplicated.  Almost 60 years since then, we have learned an immense amount about DNA structure and function.  In particular, it is well established that in the cell DNA is not naked, but wraps around proteins called “histones” and these histone proteins control gene expression.  Histone proteins are structurally important to wrap DNA, but they also actively participate in the relay of genetic information via the “histone code”.  In addition, the synthesis of DNA or DNA replication is coordinated with the synthesis of histone proteins.  How the two processes are linked is not clear, but any de-regulation of this process leads to improper packaging of DNA, cancer, and eventually cell death.

Ongoing Studies In The Thapar Lab
Our laboratory is working towards understanding the fundamental mechanisms by which histone proteins are generated and the signaling mechanisms that control their production.  We have initiated structural and functional studies on several proteins that control the biogenesis of histone proteins.  Our long-term goal is to use the tools of structural biology, biochemistry, and molecular biology to understand the biochemical pathways that regulate the production of histone proteins.  Thereby, we hope to contribute to an understanding of this fundamental process that is essential for all life as we know it.