Research field:

Chromosomes in human cells are capped at both ends with (TTAGGG)n DNA arrays called telomere. Due to the end-replication problem, telomere DNA shortens during each round of DNA replication. The shortening of telomeres serves as a mitotic clock determining the number of divisions normal somatic cells can undergo. In cancer cells, telomere length homeostasis is maintained by telomerase or the alternative lengthening of telomere (ALT) mechanism.

Our lab is interested in the mechanisms that limit the proliferation potential of normal diploid mammalian cells. Our research currently focuses on the replication of telomere DNA and the factors involved the incomplete replication of telomere ends, including proteins and higher order structures of telomere DNA.

Funded projects:

Research supported by grants from the Ministry of Science and Technology and the Natural Science Foundation of China.