Transposon-induced DNA damage in development and disease (22*)

• Subject Area: Molecular Biology and Physiology of Neurons and Glial Cells
• Term: since 2023
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 393547839

This project aims at elucidating how transposon-induced DNA damage contributes to both normal and patho-logical development. We developed a system to induce transposable element activity in cultured cells and quantitatively and qualitatively characterise transposon-induced DNA damage. In combination with other genomic tools, we will explore how transposon activity exposes fragility features of the mammalian genome and tips the balance between its physiological relevance for to normal development and potential cata-strophic consequences for genome stability.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1361: Regulation of DNA Repair and Genome Stability
• Applicant Institution: Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz
• Project Head: Dr. Joan Barau, Ph.D.