Rahul Bhowmick

Rahul Bhowmick is a Researcher in the Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine at the University of Copenhagen, working within the Molecular Aging Program and the Hickson Group. His research focuses on understanding how chromosomal instability impacts human disease, particularly studying genes that when mutated lead to defective genome maintenance and high rates of cancer, neurodegeneration, or infertility.

His work centers on common fragile sites as a model for understanding how 'difficult-to-replicate' regions of the human genome affect propagation through successive cell divisions. A key contribution includes identifying ultra-fine anaphase bridges (UFBs) - DNA thread-like structures connecting separating sister chromatids during mitosis. These UFBs, coated with proteins like PICH and BLM helicase, are normally invisible due to lack of DNA dye staining but can be detected using specific antibodies.

Bhowmick employs a multidisciplinary approach combining protein biochemistry, molecular and cell biology techniques, and high-resolution imaging of human cells. More recently, he has developed tools leveraging microfluidics and single molecule biophysical techniques to reconstitute in vitro steps in DNA metabolism.

His research spans molecular biology, cell biology, and genetics with specific expertise in DNA replication, mitosis, genome stability, and chromosome maintenance. Analysis of his publications reveals a consistent focus on mechanisms of DNA replication during mitosis, transcription-replication conflicts, and their implications for cancer development.

• Chromosomal instability
• Genome maintenance
• DNA replication mechanisms
• Mitotic processes
• Cancer biology

Bhowmick has published extensively in high-impact journals including Nature Communications, EMBO Journal, and Molecular Cell, demonstrating significant contributions to understanding the molecular basis of genome instability and its disease implications.