Kun Yang

We utilize a combination of techniques including biochemistry, molecular and cellular biology, organic synthesis and mass spectrometry to study DNA-protein cross-link (DPC), a type of extremely cytotoxic and mutagenic DNA damage. DPCs are induced by both endogenous sources and various physical and chemical agents including ionizing radiation, UV light, transition metal ions, environmental contaminants, and common anticancer drugs (e.g., nitrogen mustards and platinum compounds). Due to the bulky sizes, DPCs could block DNA replication and transcription. We aim to expand our fundamental knowledge on the biological effects and repair mechanisms of DPCs, which will help us understand the etiology of DPC induced diseases, such as cancers, and importantly assist us develop strategies to inhibit DPC repair for synergizing the current DPC inducing drugs in chemotherapy. Our current research projects include: 1. Chemical synthesis of biologically relevant DPCs. 2. Understanding the biological effects of DPCs. 3. Investigating the molecular mechanisms of DPC repair. 4. Targeting DPC repair with small molecule inhibitors. 5. Biochemical applications of DPCs.