Chromosomal instability is a feature of most cancers. It often facilitates tumour development and promotes tumour progression. Chromosomal instability can also limit the effectiveness of chemotherapy, by promoting the emergence of resistance to treatment.
Chromosomal instability is often associated with defects in genome replication. These defects can occur as a result of exposure to certain environmental pollutants (cigarette smoke, dioxin, radiation, etc.), certain viral infections or the appearance of genetic mutations, sometimes affecting the proteins of the replisome.
Our research aims to better understand the molecular pathways controlling replication initiation and their contribution to disease.
- What are the molecular links between the environment and the mechanisms of genome replication?
- What are the functions of replication initiation factors in cancer?
- What are the consequences of transcriptional and chromatin changes on the replication program?