Additional Information

The major goal of Dr. Sandhu’s research is to understand the mechanism of telomere length maintenance by telomerase. Telomerase activity is essential for cell division, and approximately 85% of human cancers rely on the upregulation of telomerase activity. Dr Sandhu uses both molecular genetics and cell biology tools to investigate the biological processes that control telomerase activity and how disruptions in these processes can contribute to diseases like cancer and age-related disorders. Dr Sandhu has made significant contributions to telomere and telomerase research. He was the first to demonstrate that telomerase recruitment and processivity are two independent steps, both regulated by the telomere-binding protein TPP1. Importantly, his research highlighted that TPP1 dependent stimulation of telomerase processivity is a key regulatory step for telomerase function and sustained cell proliferation. Recently, Dr. Sandhu developed an in vivo telomerase activity probing assay (iTAP), which allows for precise measurement of telomerase activity at the single-cell level. Using iTAP, he has conducted large-scale genetic screens to identify previously unknown genes that regulate telomerase. In addition to genetic screens, Dr. Sandhu is also working to develop a platform for screening small molecules that can modulate telomerase activity in vivo. By identifying important regulatory genes and compounds that affect telomerase function, his work aims to contribute to the development of targeted treatments for cancer, aging-related diseases, and other conditions linked to telomere dysfunction.