Dr. Akash Gunjan

Dr. Akash Gunjan is a research scientist trying to understand how chromatin structure and its components such as histones contribute to the maintenance of genomic stability, especially in response to DNA damage, using yeast and human cells in culture. Genomic instability is a hallmark of cancer cells and is also associated with aging. An important aging related project in Dr. Gunjan’s lab is to evaluate the role of individual histone genes and rDNA metabolism in aging using the budding yeast as a model system. Overall, Dr. Gunjan’s research will improve our understanding of the basic mechanisms underlying cancer and cellular aging. Apart from research, Dr. Gunjan is involved in teaching various graduate level courses that draw upon his expertise in the fields of chromatin biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics and epigenetics. Dr. Gunjan also facilitates small group sessions in Medical Biochemistry and Genetics, Microanatomy, Microbiology, Pathology, Pharmacology and Physiology for first and second year medical students.