Research in my lab centres on the contributions of two posttranslational protein modifiers, ubiquitin and SUMO, to the regulation of various cellular processes. We are particularly interested in DNA replication, repair and genome stability, focusing on a pathway of DNA damage bypass that allows genome replication in the presence of DNA-damaging agents. This pathway helps cells resist genotoxic agents, but also has the potential to cause genome instability and must be tightly regulated. In addition, we investigate the relevance of polyubiquitin chains and their geometries to ubiquitin signalling in other contexts.

The lab uses a combination of genetic, genomic, molecular biological and biochemical approaches to elucidate how the ubiquitylation or sumoylation of key replication factors regulates the replication of damaged DNA and how damage bypass is coordinated with the overall cellular DNA damage response. We have developed next generation sequencing methods for the genome-wide mapping of DNA lesions and replication intermediates. In addition, we are designing experimental tools to detect, manipulate or inhibit ubiquitylation or sumoylation reactions within yeast and mammalian cells.

Research website

Positions held

2018-2019: Executive Director, IMB, Mainz
Since 2013: Scientific Director, Institute of Molecular Biology (IMB), Mainz; Professor, Faculty of Biology, University of Mainz
2004-2012: Group Leader, Cancer Research UK London Research Institute, Clare Hall Laboratories
2000-2004: Group Leader, Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology, Marburg
1998-2000: Postdoc, Max Planck Institute for Biochemistry, Martinsried
1997-1998: Postdoc, University of Heidelberg

Education

2004: Habilitation, Faculty of Biology (Genetics), Philipps University Marburg
1996: PhD in Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley
1992: Diploma in Biology, Georg-August-University Göttingen