Basic and Clinical Genomics Laboratory
Head of laboratory:
The research of this laboratory is directed at determining (1) regulation of renin gene expression at the transcriptional and post-transcriptional level, (2) control of alternative splicing of pre-mRNA, and (3) the alteration in genome-wide expression profiles during ageing of human cells.
Prof Morris and his laboratory are currently working on:
- Whether a strong far-upstream enhancer controls on/off switching of the renin gene.
- The identification and mechanism of action of proteins that bind to the 3'-UTR of human renin mRNA to control stability.
- Characterisation of several proteins that the laboratory has found control alternative splicing of pre-mRNA. This involves their immunolocalisation in subnuclear compartments by confocal microscopy, splicing assays and other techniques.
- Changes in gene expression in human cells as they age and in response to agents that increase lifespan of other species. This involves microarray technology.
