Mechanics of Topological Rearrangements during DNA Replication (A12*)

• Subject Area: Biophysics
• Term: from 2018 to 2021
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 111166240

How the cellular DNA replication machinery overcomes obstacles encountered on chromosomes while avoiding damage and genome instability remains poorly understood. Here, we will study the dynamics of these events using single-molecule imaging approaches to directly observe the kinetics of replication during encounters with topological barriers. The results will clarify the influence of topological strain on replisome dynamics and the consequence of collisions between the DNA replication machinery and ring-shaped ATPases (SMCs) that play vital roles in chromosome organisation and segregation.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 863: Forces in Biomolecular Systems
• Applicant Institution: Technische Universität München (TUM)
• Project Head: Professor Dr. Karl Duderstadt