TFIIH, a multifunctional complex involved in transcription, DNA repair and cell division

The subgroup supervised by Dr. Emmanuel Compe focuses on the mechanisms of gene expression regulation as well as DNA repair processes, with particular interest in the TFIIH complex. This complex, composed of ten subunits, is involved both in a DNA repair mechanism known as nucleotide excision repair pathway and in the transcription of protein-coding genes by RNA polymerase II. Remarkably, recent work conducted within the team has revealed that TFIIH subunits can also intervene in other cellular mechanisms, such as mitosis. The key role played by TFIIH and its subunits is evidenced by the existence of rare autosomal recessive disorders, including xeroderma pigmentosum (XP), trichothiodystrophy (TTD), and Cockayne syndrome (CS), which are characterized by complex clinical features including skin cancers predisposition, neurological and growth disorders.

Group Objectives
• To better understand the activity and the dynamic of TFIIH and its partners during transcription, repair, and mitosis.
• To determine whether TFIIH subunits are involved in other cellular processes.
• To assess the impact of TFIIH mutations on gene transcription, DNA repair, cell division, or even other cellular processes.