Cairns Lab
We are interested in the molecular logic of totipotency—the ability of germ line stem cells and early embryos to become any type of cell. Within this broad and important question, we focus on how chromatin structure and epigenetics helps regulate gene transcription in the germ line and early embryos. We also examine how chromatin/epigenetics is misregulated in cancers.
How Do We Address These Problems?
We identify transcription factors, chromatin remodelers, and epigenetic modifiers that drive totipotency and explore how they are used in germ cells to poise the genome for development and in embryos to guide developmental processes.
Furthermore, we are interested in how mutations in these factors lead to cancers. To address these problems, we use:
- genetic,
- biochemical,
- and genomic methods,
- and use yeast, zebrafish, and human cells as experimental systems.
How This Research Helps You
The Cairns lab studies how cancer develops in mice and zebrafish. Even though we study animal cells, this gives us a glimpse at how cancer develops in humans.
Affiliations
Reagent & Protocol Requests
To request reagents or protocols from the Cairns Lab, email us or call 801-585-1823.
Brad Cairns, PhD - Opening The Door to a Deeper Understanding of Cancer's Roots
RNA, or ribonucleic acid, is one of the two types of nucleic acids found in all living cells. The other is the well-known deoxyribonucleic acid, or DNA. RNA is important because it transmits genetic information from DNA to build the proteins, including enzymes, produced by cells. RNA molecules often receive chemical changes. Methylation, which helps RNA fold and function properly, is one of these changes. If certain RNA molecules are not methylated, they function poorly and can contribute to diseases such as cancer. Currently, much remains to be learned about the full scope and functions of RNA methylation, especially in humans. Bradley R. Cairns, PhD, and his lab at Huntsman Cancer Institute (HCI) are changing that. Read more about it in the 2013 Top Science Report: www.huntsmancancer.org/2013topscience
Brad Cairns, PhD - Opening The Door to a Deeper Understanding of Cancer's Roots
Genomics in Cancer Research at Huntsman Cancer Institute
New Guiding Principles in Cancer Gene Research -- Brad Cairns, PhD
RSC Complex Binding the Nucleosome