We study regulation of the cell cycle, and are interested in how initiation of replication is controlled and coordinated with cell growth and cell division. We use mainly simple model organisms such as Escherichia coli and Vibrio cholerae.

 

Most of our projects are basic science projects aimed at understanding molecular mechanisms and control of chromosome replication and segregation.

 

We are in addition involved in an applied science project which deals with ways to discover new types of drugs targeting the replication apparatus.

 

Current research involves:

understanding how DnaA controls replication frequency,

understanding how sequestration and mismatch repair works,

understanding what role SeqA plays in daughter chromosome segregation,

understanding how replication is tied to cell division,

understanding the mechanisms of replication fork collapse and repair,

uncovering signalling pathways that change replication frequency.

Teaching:

K. Skarstad is professor II at the Institute of Pharmacy, University of Oslo, and is reponsible for the course FRM5810.

Contact information:
Department of Cell Biology, Institute for Cancer Research,
The Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo University Hospital, Montebello, N-0310 Oslo, Norway
Phone +47 22 78 19 82 (Kirsten Skarstad), +47 22 78 12 68 (Dept. secretary), Fax: +47 22 78 19 95
Email kirsten.skarstad@rr-research.no,