Mechanism of Homology Search during Genetic Recombination

Despite its importance for genome maintenance, the basic mechanism by which this homologous molecule is identified amidst the genome remains elusive. We tackle this fundamental gap in our understanding of homologous recombination, as well as the poorly characterized role in this process of conserved protein of clinical significance. To this end, we combine in vitro protein biochemistry (Heyer lab) and novel physical assays to monitor intermediates and steps of the repair reaction in cells (Piazza lab).

UC PI:
Wolf-Dietrich Heyer
Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, UC Davis

France PI:
Aurèle Piazza
CNRS / École Normale Supérieure de Lyon