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Prof Finn Werner
Professor of Molecular Biophysics
Structural & Molecular Biology
Div of Biosciences
- Joined UCL
- 1st Oct 2005
Research summary
Important regulatory events in the cell occur at the level of transcription, which is facilitated by RNA polymerases (RNAPs). Our research focuses on the workings of the archaeal RNAP, a superb and biochemically tractable model system for eukaryotic RNAPII. We make use of a recombinant transcription system that allows us to introduce mutations, chemically reactive or fluorescent probes into the RNAP and test the resulting RNAP variants in a range of sophisticated biochemical and biophysical assays. This functional dissection strategy of RNAP illuminates the function of the RNAP and its interplay with transcription factors - ultimately explaining gene expression at the atomic level.
Teaching summary
In addition to teaching postgraduate students in my lab, I teach undergraduates at UCL in Biochemistry (Bioc1007), Molecular Biology (Bioc2001 and Bio3004), and Fundamental and Advanced Biomolecular Mechanisms (Bioc3006/3).
Education
- Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine
- Doctorate, Doctor of Philosophy | 2002
- University of Copenhagen
- First Degree, Bachelor of Science | 1993
