Biophysics of Genomes Group

The spatial organisation of the genome within cells or the cell nucleus plays an important role in gene regulation and genome function. Many of the processes which control this organisation involve physical mechanisms, and concepts and tools from soft matter and statistical physics can be used to better understand them.

In our group we use computer simulations to study different processes involving the genome which operate at different length scales. We work closely with colleagues in the lab, looking at this fascinating area of biology through the lens of physics. Key topics of interest are the link between chromosome structure  and gene regulation, formation and positioning of biological condensates associated with the genome, and the role of genome organisation in cancer.

Chris Brackley 

School of Physics & Astronomy 

University of Edinburgh