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Fumiko Esashi Receives BBSRC Grant for Centromere Evolution Research

Dunn School Group Leader Fumiko Esashi has been awarded a BBSRC Pioneer Award to support her research on centromere evolution.

The grant will fund her investigation into the impact of DNA breaks on genome evolution within centromeres.

Centromeres, not coding for proteins, share a vital role in genetic transmission when cells divide. Despite this, their DNA, rich in repeats, varies widely between individuals. Fumiko employs advanced sequencing and machine learning to locate DNA breakpoints, exploring how centromeres evolve while maintaining their crucial function.

This research aims to reshape our understanding of genome stability and evolution. The BBSRC grant reflects the Dunn School’s commitment to advancing scientific knowledge and addressing critical societal challenges.

We congratulate Fumiko on this well-deserved recognition and look forward to the discoveries her pioneering research will bring.

Written by Jo Peel, HoD office

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Esashi Group

The Esashi group investigates the mechanisms that drive changes in the genome during cell growth and dormancy.

Cell and Developmental Biology

Several Dunn School groups investigate the mechanisms underlying a range of important developmental and cellular processes such as signalling, transcriptional control, cell division, protein trafficking, and genome maintenance.

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