Welcome to the Van Bortle Lab

Our group combines genomic, molecular, and biochemical approaches to investigate RNA polymerase III (Pol III) transcription dynamics, regulation, and function. We are probing the full extent of Pol III transcription, its tissue- and context-specific activities, and the regulatory factors and processes that modulate Pol III activity. We are also pursuing the functional activities and consequences of tissue-specific and cancer-associated small ncRNAs derived from Pol III transcription, with the overarching goal of understanding how Pol III contributes to changes in cell state, such as cell growth, differentiation, metabolism, and environmental responses.