Ricky Johnstone lab

Cyclin-dependent-kinases (CDKs) control gene expression and drugs that block CDK activity have shown therapeutic benefit in human and mouse AML experimental mouse models. We are investigating 1) how CDK11 controls gene expression and 2) if anti-CDK11 drugs can effectively treat AML and other cancer cells. Project led by Dr Jennifer Devlin. 

A family of CDKs control gene expression in normal and cancer cells, however how these different CDKs functionally cooperate with each other is poorly understood. We are applying genome-, transcriptome- and proteome-wide approaches to interrogate CDK-CDK networks. Project led by Dr Jennifer Devlin.

The histone acetyltransferase (HAT) paralogues P300 and CREB-binding protein (CBP) are dynamically recruited to enhancers and promoters through association with transcription factors and macromolecular complexes that initiate gene transcription To utilize gene editing technologies as well as novel chemical degraders of P300, CBP and both P300 and CBP to determine the specific and redundant molecular, biochemical, biological and therapeutic functions of P300 and CBP in haematological malignancies. Project led by Dr Cristina Oliveira Mateos.

We have identified RNA decay as a critical determinant of therapeutic responses to transcriptional and epigenetic compounds in AML and Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia (CML). We will define the characteristics of different mRNA species that control mRNA half life and identify the proteins and pathways that regulate RNA decay. Project led by Dr Mary-Jane Tsang. 

We posit that adaptive transcriptional and epigenetic changes in the tumour-immunity axis contribute to the failure of T cells to elicit a successful and long-term anti-tumour immune response. We will use high throughput drug- and CRISPR-based screening to identify proteins and regulatory pathways that promote phenotypic and transcriptional attributes of T cell differentiation associated with self-renewal capability. These studies will uncover new, druggable, targets to modulate this process. Project led by Dr Dane Newman.