HLA genotyping and other tests related to transplantation

We study the Werner and Bloom syndromes, which are caused by loss of the WRN and BLM helicases, respectively, and are characterized by premature aging and elevated rates of cancer. By understanding how WRN and BLM function, we hope to gain insight into mechanisms of aging and carcinogenesis. We are particularly interested in how the WRN and BLM helicases are involved in telomere maintenance. Our experimental systems include mice and yeast cells with mutations in telomerase and in the WRN/BLM family of helicases. We are also interested in how the formation of G-quadruplexes, which can form among telomeric repeats and which are unwound efficiently by the WRN/BLM helicases, may influence cell function.

Contact Information

Researcher/Clinician:
F. Brad Johnson, MD, PhD

405A Stellar Chance Labs

422 Curie Blvd

Philadelphia, PA  19105-6100

Office Phone: 215-573-5037
Fax: 215-573-6317

Assistant:
Insuk Choe
Office Phone: 215-662-6194
Appointment Phone: 215-662-6194
Fax: 215-573-6317
Insuk.Choe@uphs.upenn.edu