Stephen Buratowski, Ph.D.

Research

Our lab studies eukaryotic gene expression. We are concentrating on three areas: (A) the functions and interactions of the RNA polymerase II (RNApII) basal transcription factors, (B) the communication between chromatin and the transcription machinery, and (C) mRNA processing enzymes and their interactions with RNApII. Using the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, a combination of biochemical and genetic techniques are being brought to bear on these questions. Several dozen proteins are required simply to initiate transcription, and many more are required for processes linked to transcription. Therefore, it is now necessary to decipher the functions of each of the individual factors.