Jian Ouyang, Ph.D.

As an enthusiastic biochemist and a hand-on problem solver, my research has been focusing on the regulation of DNA damage repair and gene expression by post-translational modifications (PTMs). I have shown that PTM by small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) can recruit epigenetic modifiers to regulate chromatin structure, and can recruit DNA repair factors in response to damaged DNA. Alterations in both transcription and DNA repair system are sources of genomic instability, although the underlying molecular mechanisms are quite different. My recent work investigates the role of RNA, a product of transcription, in repairing damaged DNA. My ultimate research goal is to identify potential therapeutic targets based on mechanistic insights into the maintenance of genomic integrity, and develop potential targeted therapies for cancer.