DNA Damage and Repair

at Telomeres

Roles for Telomere Damage in Cancer and Aging

Telomeres cap chromosome ends and profoundly influence genome stability, life span and human health.  When chromosomes lose their telomere caps, cells can no longer divide and regenerate, which drives degenerative diseases during aging.  Loss of telomeric caps in pre-cancerous cells drives genetic alterations that hasten the progression to cancer.  Telomeres shorten with age, but genetic and environmental factors can accelerate telomere loss.  We are investigating how damage at telomeres impacts their function, and whether or how the damage is repaired.  

We aim to develop novel strategies that preserve telomeres in healthy cells and delay aging-related diseases including cancer, or that conversely target telomeres to stop proliferation in cancer cells.  

Postdoctoral and other positions available!

Recent News

 
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Our Research

Find out more about our discoveries, current projects, and the techniques we use in the lab.

Our Members

Meet Dr. Opresko, our postdocs, graduate students, technicians, and past lab members.

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Interested? Join us!

Are you driven? Do you have a passion for scientific research? We are always looking for new team members! Contact us to learn more.

 
2020 Pitt Green Lab Seed Designation

2020 Pitt Green Lab Seed Designation