Our research interest is directed at better understanding of the fundamental molecular mechanisms that underlie epigenetic control of gene expression or silencing of the human genome in biology of health and disease. We seek new structural and functional insights into molecular interactions and regulation of histone-directed gene transcription in chromatin. We use NMR spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography techniques in combination with biochemical, biophysical, molecular/cell biology, as well as chemical biology methods to determine three-dimensional structures of epigenetic proteins and enzymes; to investigate their physiochemical properties for molecular recognition and post-translational modifications; to elucidate their biological functions in cells; and to develop chemical molecules capable of modulating the functions of epigenetic proteins in vivo.
