Dr. Stirling Churchman

Biography

Stirling Churchman is a Professor in the Department of Genetics at Harvard Medical School. His research focuses on understanding the diverse control mechanisms that converge to ensure gene transcripts are expressed and processed accurately. His laboratory has developed high-precision methods to measure Pol II transcription in yeast and mammalian cells, contributing significantly to knowledge of eukaryotic transcriptional control. His work includes exploring transcriptional pausing and linking in vitro biophysical studies with in vivo genomics. In addition to studying eukaryotic transcription regulation, he is interested in the mechanisms that couple gene expression processes, particularly the coordination of mitochondrial and nuclear gene expression. Current research areas include the coupling of transcription elongation with co-transcriptional processes such as splicing and the assembly of oxidative phosphorylation complexes. Churchman's work aims to unlock new therapeutic strategies to correct splicing dysfunctions, which are increasingly recognized as drivers of various disease states.

Research Interests