Think Tank 9

Repair and Recombination Machinery

Description:
Constant DNA repair ensures the integrity of the cell’s genetic code and involve highly regulated protein machinery. For example, the central core of the highly conserved homologous recombination complex is formed by the recombinase proteins RecA in E. coli and Rad51 in eukaryotes. Upon binding to DNA, these proteins mediate homology recognition and DNA-strand exchange. The resulting nucleoprotein filaments have the remarkable ability to identify regions of homologous sequence in template duplex DNA, but the mechanism by which this occurs has proved elusive. In general, the important underlying physical mechanisms and regulation of these kinds of repair mechanisms are very difficult to elucidate. Using the interplay between biochemical, molecular biology, computational and single-molecule techniques we can attempt to uncover the complex connection between chemistry, biological feedback, molecular mechanisms, and forces within these intricate maintenance systems. The goal of this TT is to generate new ideas how to dissect, quantify and model repair mechanisms. Within the NISB we have the expertise to approach scientific questions from different sides, based on this strength I would like to initiate a discussion how to simultaneously dissect this challenge with in vivo, in vitro and in silico tools. The TT should draw on the output of RC1 and is expect to generate significant synergy with RC4. The outcome of the TT should be an outline for a joined research application and possibly a review article as well. The format of the TT will be several meetings during the course of 2009 consisting partly of informal brainstorming and partly of structured discussions. The final meeting could be mini-symposium including an outside guest.

Membership: