Transcriptional regulation is a dynamic event with cells responding to several diverse signaling cues to regulate gene expression. The temporally coordinated action of transcription factors, chromatin modifiers, and chromatin remodelers aid in the transition from an actively transcribed gene to a transcriptionally repressed state. One of the key players in this cascade of events is histone deacetylase (HDAC). While HDACs have long been important cancer targets, we still do not have a comprehensive understanding of the assembly, regulation and specificity of distinct HDAC complexes.

Some of the key questions we are interested in understanding are

1. What is the molecular basis for the assembly and activation of HDAC complexes?

2. How are HDAC complexes recruited to chromatin?

3. What is the molecular basis for action of different HDAC complexes?

4. What are the structural and functional conservation between HDAC complexes across different species?