Signal-Regulated Transcription

Many extracellular and intracellular signals culminate at signal-regulated transcription factors in the nuclei of cells. The Kraus Lab is interested in how these signals control transcription factor activity, enhancer formation, and target gene expression in a broad array of biological systems. We are particularly interested in pathways controlled by estrogen receptor alpha (ERα), NF-kβ, and Stat1α. We are also interested in the kinetics of the signal-regulated transcriptional response, and the detailed molecular mechanisms of transcription complex assembly and function. We use a wide range of methodological approaches, from biochemistry to genomics, to study fundamental questions related to normal physiology and disease. The Kraus Lab has leveraged new genomic methodologies, including global run-on sequencing (GRO-seq), to explore signal-regulated transcription in multiple cell types.

Current projects are focused on: (1) enhancer assembly and function, (2) mechanisms of target gene expression in response to cellular signals, and (3) downstream biological outcomes related to cancer, stem cells, inflammation, metabolism, and reproduction.

Our studies are revealing the molecular mechanisms and biological outcomes of various cellular signaling patterns.

Selected Publications