THE TAN LAB

Epigenetics refers to heritable changes in gene expression that do not involve alterations in the DNA sequence. Epigenetic mechanisms, such as histone post-translational modifications, ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling, and the incorporation of histone variants, play a central role in determining when and where genes are activated or silenced during normal development and in disease states. The deregulation or mutation of these mechanisms is linked to various forms of cancer.

Our research focuses on two specific epigenetic mechanisms: ATP-dependent chromatin remodelers and the incorporation of histone variants. Our goal is to understand how key players in these processes modulate chromatin structure and function to regulate transcription and DNA damage repair. By employing a combination of single-particle cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) along with various biochemical and biophysical methods, we aim to gain molecular insights into these mechanisms and contribute to the development of targeted cancer therapies.