Polina Shcherbakova, MS, PhD

Polina Shcherbakova, MS, PhD, and her laboratory are interested in the origin of mutations that create genetic variability and cause human diseases, particularly cancer. The majority of mutations result from errors made by DNA polymerases during genome duplication. Her research focuses on the function of these enzymes, the mechanisms controlling the accuracy of DNA synthesis, and the relationship between DNA polymerase defects and cancer. The experimental approaches include genetic studies in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, cultured normal and cancerous human cells and human tumor tissues, as well as biochemical analysis of DNA replication with purified proteins.

Courtesy of the University of Nebraska Medical Center, Office of Strategic Communications