Homolgous recombination by Rad51 and its modulators


How is the stand exchange step of recombinational repair coupled to further mechanistic transactions such as DNA synthesis?


We are investigating the hand off of the products of DNA strand exchange to subsequent processing steps needed to complete repair.  Initially this involves detailed analysis of RAD51 filament disassembly and how this requisite step is modulated by other required proteins such as BRCA2 and RAD54.  Thorough biochemical analysis of RAD54 action on DNA is being followed up by biophysical characterization of this protein acting on single DNA molecules and RAD51 filaments.  Eventual we hope to determine the architectural requirements for handing the nucleoprotein complex that is the product of strand exchange off to become the substrate for DNA synthesis.


 

Mechanisms of homologous recombination

Homologous recombination and nucleosomes


How does recombination occur with DNA packages into nucleosomes?


We plan to explore the interaction of recombination proteins with DNA packaged into nucleosomes. We want to understand how the molecular machinery of strand exchange is coupled to the architecture of DNA packaged as it is in vivo. This work will involve reconstituting nucleosomal DNA in defined arrays and analyzing architecture of strand exchange machinery engaged with these substrates. 

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