DNA and RNA Surveillance Systems:

Relations to Cancer

The DNA and RNA surveillance systems in cells plays a pivotal role in ensuring the faithful transmission and expression of genetic information, a cornerstone for the survival and well-being of all living organisms. These systems guard against external and internal insults on the genome and transcriptome by repairing damaged DNA structures or by eliminating faulty RNA molecules. Defects in these systems can alter the functions of the cell and cause many human diseases. A prominent example is cancer, which is characterized by genomic instability, aberrant gene expression and uncontrolled cell proliferation. 

Our lab investigates the molecular mechanisms of the replication stress response and the DNA damage response. We are also interested in an RNA surveillance pathway called nonsense-mediated RNA decay (NMD) and its interplay with DNA surveillance mechanisms. We utilize a combination of cell biological, biochemical and imaging approaches and techniques to decipher key mechanisms of the DNA/RNA surveillance networks with the goal to improve the understanding and treatment of cancer.


News

June 26, 2023

Lingzhen has successfully defended her PhD thesis – Congratulations, Dr. Kong!

February 16, 2023 (Links to an external site)

Mol Cell has published a preview by Dr. Jungsan Sohn on our featured article in the same issue on the noncanonical function of the cGAS/STING signaling axis in regulating TRPV2, intracellular Ca2+ and genome protection during replication stress
January 24, 2023

January 24, 2023 (Links to an external site)

WUSM News Release featuring our latest paper on the cytosDNA-elicited, Ca2+-dependent signaling pathway in the replication stress response and its implications for cancer treatment.

December 14, 2022

Zhongsheng has been promoted to Professor of Cell Biology and Physiology and of Medicine at Washington University.

December 7, 2022 (Links to an external site)

Manuscript by Shan and Lingzhen on the novel roles of cytosolic DNA, cGAS/STING and TRPV2 in Ca2+ release and replication fork protection has been accepted by Molecular Cell. This manuscript, together with a previous paper by Shan and others (Li et al, Mol Cell 2019), describe a novel Ca2+-dependent signaling pathway that is activated upon […]

Affiliations

Funding