Global-genome repair of DNA-protein crosslinks: lesion detection and pathway choice (21*)

• Subject Area: Biochemistry
• Term: since 2023
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 393547839

This project utilises new methodologies and genetic tools to answer key open questions on the detection and repair of covalent DNA-protein crosslinks (DPCs). The repair of DPCs involves the proteolytic destruction of the protein adduct by the DPC-specific protease SPRTN or by proteasomal degradation. To monitor DPC repair in mammalian cells, we have devised a novel technique to identify DPCs and to track their fate, which we will employ to understand how the SUMO system detects DPCs and what determines replication-independent DPC repair pathway choice. Ultimately, we will build on these insights to investigate the nature of the endogenous substrates of DPC repair pathways.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1361: Regulation of DNA Repair and Genome Stability
• Applicant Institution: Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz
• Project Head: Professor Dr. Julian Stingele