Genome Integrity & Structural Biology Laboratory | National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences
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Robert S. Williams, Ph.D.
Acting Chief, Genome Integrity and Structural Biology Laboratory and Principal Investigator
Tel 984-287-3542
[email protected]
William C. Copeland, Ph.D.
Deputy Chief, Genome Integrity and Structural Biology Laboratory and Principal Investigator
Tel 984-287-4269
[email protected]
Research Summary
The Genome Integrity and Structural Biology Laboratory investigates fundamental mechanisms of genetic stability and instability and provides insights into biological processes that modulate the effects of environmental exposures on human health. A major NIEHS focus is on long-delayed, environmentally-determined diseases initiated or enhanced by mutations. These conditions include both heritable birth defects and cancer, which together afflict millions of people each year in this country alone. One of the best points of attack is the mutation process itself, including gene mutations, larger chromosomal mutations, and genome mutations, such as losses or gains of entire chromosomes.
Shared and Core Facilities
For more information about facilities that support research activities at the NIEHS campus, please see
Shared and Core Facilities
The Genome Integrity and Structural Biology Laboratory investigates the following topics:
Fundamental mechanisms of mutation, including the induction of DNA damage, the repair of such damage, ways to avoid mutations while replicating past unrepaired damage, and ways that damage does cause mutations
The generation of mutations by polymerase errors during DNA replication, even in the absence of damage
Fundamental mechanisms of DNA and chromosome replication, especially in the context of mutagenesis
Genomics, especially as it relates to mutagenesis and the impact of mutations on individuals and populations
The relation between genetic variation in humans and their risks of disease following exposure to toxic agents
The relationship between the atomic level structures of macromolecules and their biochemical properties
The abilities of macromolecules to interact with substrates and other molecules, including those of environmental concern
The functions of macromolecules
in vivo
Principal Investigators
Chromosome Stability
Michael A. Resnick, Ph.D. (Retired)
Scientist Emeritus
Tel 984-287-4109
[email protected]
DNA Replication Fidelity
Thomas A. Kunkel, Ph.D.
NIH Distinguished Investigator
Tel 984-287-4281
[email protected]
Mechanisms of Genome Dynamics
Dmitry A. Gordenin, Ph.D.
Principal Investigator
Tel 984-287-4117
[email protected]
Mechanisms of Mutation
Roeland M. Schaaper, Ph.D.
Principal Investigator
Tel 984-287-4287
[email protected]
Mitochondrial DNA Replication
William C. Copeland, Ph.D.
Deputy Chief, Genome Integrity and Structural Biology Laboratory and Principal Investigator
Tel 984-287-4269
[email protected]
Mutagenesis & DNA Repair Regulation
Paul W. Doetsch, Ph.D.
Deputy Scientific Director and Senior Investigator
Tel 984-287-3643
[email protected]
Nuclear Magnetic Resonance
Geoffrey A. Mueller, Ph.D.
Director, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Research Core Facility and Principal Investigator
Tel 984-287-3589
[email protected]
Robert E. London, Ph.D. (Retired)
Scientist Emeritus
Tel 919-491-0001
[email protected]
Stalled Replication Repair
Rajula P. Alleva, Ph.D.
Principal Investigator
Tel 984-287-4668
[email protected]
Structural Cell Biology
Robert S. Williams, Ph.D.
Acting Chief, Genome Integrity and Structural Biology Laboratory and Principal Investigator
Tel 984-287-3542
[email protected]
Structure Function
Lars C. Pedersen, Ph.D.
Director, X-ray Crystallography Facility and Principal Investigator
Tel 984-287-3538
[email protected]
Publications
Recent Publications
Recent Publications
Bhawsinghka N, Schaaper R. Detection of mutations: from Ames test to duplex sequencing.
Frontiers in molecular biosciences
2026;13:1774439.
Abstract
Bhawsinghka N, Schaaper R. Detection of mutations: from Ames test to duplex sequencing. Frontiers in molecular biosciences. 2026
Gawel D, Oller A, Betkowska A, Rozwadowski M, Stelmaszczyk W, Massri A, Schaaper R. Abrogation of SOS mutagenesis by the
E. coli
OxyR oxidative stress response.
mSystems
2026 Apr 21;11(4):e0000326.
Abstract
Gawel D, Oller A, Betkowska A, Rozwadowski M, Stelmaszczyk W, Massri A, Schaaper R. Abrogation of SOS mutagenesis by the
E. coli
OxyR oxidative stress response. mSystems. 2026 Apr 21
Zong G, Lozano A, Leighton G, Randall T, Pedersen L, Glesner J, Smith B, Acevedo N, Schal C, Caraballo L, Pomés A, Zakzuk J, Mueller G. Reclassification of GST Allergens Based on Their Cross-Reactivity in Two Divergent Cockroach Species.
Clinical and experimental allergy : journal of the British Society for Allergy and Clinical Immunology
2026 Apr 02 [Epub ahead of print].
Abstract
Zong G, Lozano A, Leighton G, Randall T, Pedersen L, Glesner J, Smith B, Acevedo N, Schal C, Caraballo L, Pomés A, Zakzuk J, Mueller G. Reclassification of GST Allergens Based on Their Cross-Reactivity in Two Divergent Cockroach Species. Clinical and experimental allergy : journal of the British Society for Allergy and Clinical Immunology. 2026 Apr 02
Kockler Z, Bostan H, Klimczak L, Hsiao Y, Dennen M, Cook M, Mertz T, Perelygina L, Kazanov M, Li J, Roberts S, Gordenin D. APOBEC3A is the predominant global editor of cytosines in human mRNAs and in single-strand RNA viruses.
G3 (Bethesda, Md.)
2026 Mar 28 [Epub ahead of print].
Abstract
Kockler Z, Bostan H, Klimczak L, Hsiao Y, Dennen M, Cook M, Mertz T, Perelygina L, Kazanov M, Li J, Roberts S, Gordenin D. APOBEC3A is the predominant global editor of cytosines in human mRNAs and in single-strand RNA viruses. G3 (Bethesda, Md.). 2026 Mar 28
Doan V, Xu Y, Wang Z, Kaminski A, Pedersen L, Liu J. Development of a specific and sensitive LC-MS/MS method to quantify Heparan Sulfate 3-O-Sulfotransferase-1 activity.
Glycobiology
2026 Feb 24;36(5):.
Abstract
Doan V, Xu Y, Wang Z, Kaminski A, Pedersen L, Liu J. Development of a specific and sensitive LC-MS/MS method to quantify Heparan Sulfate 3-O-Sulfotransferase-1 activity. Glycobiology. 2026 Feb 24
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Last Reviewed: April 22, 2026