Chromatin, Cancer and the Ubiquitin System

Our group studies the interplay between DNA replication dynamics and cellular identity. We are interested in understanding how the composition of the DNA replication machinery is shaped by the modification of replication factors with the small proteins ubiquitin and SUMO. These post-translational modifications control the presence of proteins in the replication forks leading to alterations in DNA replication dynamics. We aim at identifying new mechanisms of control of DNA replication that impact chromatin metabolism. In particular, we are interested in determining the role of DNA replication in cellular identity and cancer development. We expect to find new therapeutic targets that can profit from the alterations in DNA replication that are observed in cancer cells.