The Elia Lab

We study pathways in the DNA damage response at the MGH Center for Cancer Research.

In response to DNA damage, cells evoke an elaborate signaling network known as the DNA damage response (DDR). This response functions to preserve genomic integrity, which is necessary for normal development and the prevention of cancer. Our research focuses on the DNA damage response, with current projects on DDR pathways regulated by ubiquitin-dependent signaling and DDR pathways that promote the stabilization and repair of stalled replication forks. We utilize innovative proteomic and genetic approaches to investigate these processes. Our ultimate goal is to understand how DDR disruption influences cancer progression and can be exploited to target tumors with specific DNA repair defects.