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 chromosome number or the way chromosomes are packaged cause a plethora of problems, such as the imbalanced distribution of our genetic material 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 the functions of chromosomes and their underlying genes, the clinical impact of their dysfunction, and potential interventional strategies.

Research overview

Our research focuses on discovering and characterising novel genetic and epigenetic mechanisms that regulate the functions of chromosomes and genes in normal cells and disease conditions. A particular interest is in the understanding of the development and growth of stem cells, cancer cells, and patient cells with genetic problems. To date, we have uncovered a number of important mechanisms and novel protein and RNA components that are linked to centromere repositioning, regulation of stem cell pluripotency, chromosomal aneuploidy, and cancer aetiology. The details of these mechanisms remain unclear and require ongoing research. This research utilises cutting-edge molecular, biochemical, and cell biological techniques to study the relevant cultured human cell lines and mouse and yeast model systems.

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