Our lab combines chemistry and biology to develop innovative tools for exploring cellular functions. We focus on two exciting areas: the role of chemical modifications on chromatin in controlling gene expression and the use of light-driven reactions to study protein interactions in living cells. Our work aims to answer fundamental questions with potential impacts on understanding disease.
In one key project, we explore how chemical modifications on histone proteins affect chromatin function. Using 'designer' chromatin - reconstituted chromatin substrates with chemically defined modifications - we study the roles of histone modifications in gene expression and epigenetic inheritance. In parallel, we pioneer photocatalysis inside cells, developing genetically encoded tools like LITag to map protein-protein interactions with light. These efforts enable novel chemical transformations in vivo, deepening our understanding of dynamic biological processes.
Join us as we push the boundaries of chemical biology!
Research in the Hananya lab is multidisciplinary and involves organic synthesis, protein engineering and semi-synthesis, molecular biology, and quantitative proteomics. We are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and welcome researchers from all backgrounds.
