Chromosome & Chromatin Research

Our genetic material (DNA) is packaged into compact structures known as chromosomes, through which all the activities of our genes are regulated. Defects in chromosomes cause a plethora of problems, such as the improper distribution of our genetic material during cell division and aberrant gene activity, giving rise to many serious clinical outcomes including cancer, dysmorphology, intellectual disability, infertility, and pregnancy loss. This research aims to study the mechanisms that control how chromosomes and genes function, the clinical impact of their dysfunction, and potential interventional strategies to improve health.

Research overview

Our work has, to date, uncovered a significant number of novel mechanisms and protein and RNA components that are responsible for these activities, including several that are linked to the control of stem cell characteristics and cancer aetiology. Much however remains unknown about the detailed mode of action of these and other yet-to-be-discovered mechanisms and their associated components, and these will require ongoing in-depth studies. Our strategy involves the use of cutting-edge molecular, biochemical, and cell biological techniques to identify and investigate these mechanisms and their underlying components using mammalian cell cultures (including cancer and stem cells) and mouse and yeast model systems.

New but related research aims to investigate the use of sensitive and reliable molecular markers to study the ill-effects of stress and aging on cellular well-being, and the potential benefits of mind-body exercises such as Tai Chi, yoga, and meditation in averting such ill-effects.

Professor KH Andy Choo Chromosome and Chromatin Research Murdoch Children's Research Institute S1033, 10th Floor Main Building Royal Children's Hospital Flemington Road Parkville Victoria 3052 Australia

T   +61 3 8341 6306

F   +61 3 8341 6212

E   andy.choo@mcri.edu.au