Projects
At the Chatterjee Laboratory, University of Vermont, we're proud to explore innovative and integrated projects on the role of DNA damage, DNA repair, and Mutagenesis in driving fundamental cellular biology. Results from these inquiries help address problems in Cancer Resistance, Cancer Etiology, Oncogenesis, Host-Pathogen Interactions, and Neurodegenerative Disorders. We use a variety of cellular, animal, and organoid model systems and molecular tools--genetic engineering, chemical drugs, and viruses to study key hypotheses. We are committed to safe laboratory practices, an inclusive and respectful laboratory environment, and fostering strong collaborations for career and scientific success.
Project 1
Goal: Determine global genome instability mechanisms
Focus: Novel cellular functions of mutagenic polymerases
Project Questions:
1. How translesion synthesis process regulate autophagy?
2. What is the mechanism by which translesion synthesis polymerases switch diverse cellular responses in response to DNA damage?
3. What DNA metabolic processes are driven by translesion synthesis polymerases?
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Applications: Cancer pathogenesis and other human diseases
Project 2
Goal: Determine mutagenic host-pathogen interactions
Focus: Novel host partners during infection
Project Questions:
1. How do host genome instability pathways intersect with viruses?
2. What are the anti-viral mechanisms of key genome instability targeting small molecule inhibitors?
3. What are the consequences of viral infections on host cell stability?
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Applications: Infectious and other human diseases
Project 3
Goal: Determine triplet repeat mutagenesis mechanisms
Focus: DNA repair and mutagenic mechanisms at expanded patient repeats
Project Questions:
1. How do host genome instability pathways intersect with viruses?
2. What are the anti-viral mechanisms of key genome instability targeting small molecule inhibitors?
3. What are the consequences of viral infections on host cell stability?
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Applications: Infectious and other human diseases