Our interests

The epigenetic processes that impact gene activity are fundamental for biology and are frequently altered in diseases, particularly in cancer. Around 30% of all cancer causing mutations identified so far affect genes encoding epigenetic and chromatin regulators. This is particularly true in childhood cancers where altered epigenetic regulation appears to be the primary cause of disease. We study the fundamental biochemical mechanisms involved in epigenetic regulation of chromatin structure in childhood cancers. Our goal is to translate mechanistic discoveries of how these processes are altered in cancer cells towards the development of rational therapeutics with a clear basis in underlying disease biology.