Faculty
Huzefa Dungrawala
Assistant Professor
CONTACT
Office: ISA 6202
Phone: 813.974.2336
Email
RESEARCH
Over 6 billion base pairs of DNA must be accurately replicated each cell division
cycle in a human body. DNA replication occurs in the context of multiple endogenous
and exogenous threats making genome duplication a very challenging task. Cells activate
the DNA Damage Response pathway to remove obstacles to replication forks, repair damaged
DNA and trigger the checkpoint response ensuring an intact copy of the genome is transmitted
to two daughter cells. Defects in the DNA damage response results in developmental
abnormalities and tumorigenesis which is often accompanied by increased genome instability.
In fact, errors incurred during DNA replication is one of the leading causes of cancer
and understanding mechanisms that promote accurate DNA replication can provide valuable
insights in cancer prevention and treatment.
The Dungrawala Lab focuses on understanding the mechanisms of the replication stress
response that functions during each S-phase to promote faithful and complete duplication
of the genome. We utilize a diverse array of approaches including cell biology, biochemistry,
genetics and proteomics in mammalian cells. The lab currently focuses on the following
projects:
- Identifying and characterizing new proteins in the replication stress response
- Characterizing post translational modifications at replication forks
- Exploring mechanisms of replication fork protection in breast cancers