Welcome to the Mosammaparast Lab

The human genome is constantly under assault from endogenous and exogenous forms of damage and needs to be repaired to maintain cell viability and prevent oncogenesis. At the same time, DNA damaging agents are used for cancer therapy. How do human cells sense such damage and activate repair? Are these processes altered in specific disease states? How does the cell promote DNA repair in the context of chromatin, transcription, and different stages of the cell cycle? Does RNA damage have any role in the cell?

Our lab uses a variety of biochemical, cell biological, and animal model systems to answer these questions. Ultimately, we hope to apply the knowledge that we gain to improve diagnostic and therapeutic outcomes for cancer.