Dr. Andrew Flaus

• Centre for Chromosome Biology
  Dr Flaus is a Principal Investigator in the Centre for Chromosome Biology. [www.chromosome.ie]
  
  
• Research Interests 
  

  •         Design principles of the nucleosome

  •         Mechanism of ATP-dependent remodelling

  •         Role of chromatin structure in DNA repair and in centromere function

  Chromatin is the substrate for most processes that occur in the eukaryotic cell nucleus due to its role as the universal genome packaging state. The nucleosome is the fundamental repeating subunit of chromatin so it is unsurprising that the histone proteins organising this structure are highly conserved.
  We are interested in the principles underlying the structure and function of the nucleosome, and how this enables molecular processes such as repair, replication and transcription. 
  We have developed a large library of mutated and variant human histone proteins and we are looking into other applications for these collections.
  

• Teaching Interests
  
  •         Use of personal response systems (clickers) in teaching

  •         Multimedia resource production as a learning opportunity

  •         Molecular model building as a tool for kinesthetic learning

  My main role is teaching Protein Structure and Function in undergraduate Biochemistry courses. I also teach a number of techniques and molecular biology topics. 
  I am responsible for the BSc Biotechnology degree programme and coordinate year groups. I am also involved in organising Erasmus undergraduate student exchanges.
  I am interested in introducing new teaching methods to improve student engagement and provide realistic opportunities to learn in biochemistry.
  

• Career History:
  College Lecturer at NUI Galway, since May 2006. 
  Responsible for BSc Biotechnology, since 2009.
  Postdoc with Prof Tom Owen-Hughes at University of Dundee, Scotland, 1999-2006 (HFSP, EMBO, Wellcome funded)
  PhD and Postdoc with Prof Tim Richmond at ETH Zurich, Switzerland, 1990-1998 (SNF funded)
  BSc(hons) including research with Drs Chris Moore and Gill Norris at Massey University, New Zealand, 1986-1989.
  
  
• Key Recent Publications
  Flaus A, "Principles and practice of nucleosome positioning in vitro", Frontiers Life Sci 5:5-27 (2012) [journal site]
  
  Flaus A and Owen-Hughes T, "Mechanisms for ATP-dependent chromatin remodelling:the means to the end." FEBS J. 278:3579-95 (2011) [pubmed]
  
  Pinto DM, Flaus A, "Structure and function of histone H2AX", Subcell Biochem 50:55-78(2010) [ pubmed]
  
  Engeholm M, de Jager M, Flaus A, Brenk R, van Noort J, Owen-Hughes T, "Nucleosomes can invade DNA territories occupied by their neighbors.", Nat Struct Mol Biol. 16:151-8 (2009). [ pubmed]
  
  Ferreira H, Flaus A, Owen-Hughes T, "Histone modifications influence the action of Snf2 family remodelling enzymes by different mechanisms", J Mol Biol. 374:563-79 (2007) [ pubmed]
  
  Flaus A, Martin DMA, Barton GJ and Owen-Hughes T, "Multiple distinct subfamilies within the Snf2 family", Nucl. Acids Res. 34:2887-2905 (2006) [ pubmed] 
  
  Havas K, Flaus A, Phelan M, Kingston R, Wade PA, Lilley DM and Owen-Hughes T, "Generation of superhelical torsion by ATP-dependent chromatin remodelling activities", Cell 103: 1133-1142 (2000) [pubmed]
  
  
  Full Publication list
  
  
• PhD and MSc Opportunities
  Please contact me for information about opportunities for postgraduate research projects.
  Email: andrew.flausnuigalway.ie
  
  

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