Weaver, Tyler M.
Primary Appointment
Assistant Professor of Biochemistry & Molecular Genetics, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics
Education
- B.S., Biology, Florida State University
- Ph.D., Biochemistry, University of Iowa
- Postdoctoral Fellowship, DNA Repair/Chromatin Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center
Contact Information
1340 Jefferson Park Ave, Pinn Hall Rm 6044
Charlottesville, Virginia 22908
Telephone: 434-243-8033
Email: fsp8ux@virginia.edu
Website: https://tmweaverlab.com
Research Disciplines
Biochemistry, Biophysics, Cancer Biology, Molecular Biology, Structural Biology
Research Interests
Mechanisms of DNA repair in chromatin
Research Description
The genomic DNA of eukaryotes is packaged into chromatin through a fundamental repeating unit known as the nucleosome. In this chromatin environment, our genomic DNA is constantly exposed to a variety of endogenous and exogenous sources of DNA damage. This DNA damage must be effectively repaired to prevent mutagenesis, genomic instability, and human disease (e.g. cancer). Importantly, the nucleosome and higher-order chromatin structure are key regulatory barriers that must be overcome to successfully repair DNA damage and maintain genome stability. How DNA repair proteins overcome this barrier to repair and the role of chromatin-modifying enzymes in facilitating DNA repair pathways remains poorly understood. The overarching goal of the Weaver Lab is to determine mechanisms of DNA repair in the context of chromatin, and harness these mechanistic insights to improve human health. The lab address fundamental questions at the interface of the DNA repair and chromatin biology fields using a powerful combination of biochemistry, single-molecule fluorescence microscopy, structural biology, and cell biology techniques.