Probing chromatin structure in single molecules
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Oxford
Department Name: Interdisciplinary Bioscience DTP
Abstract
Abstract
Genomic organisation within the nucleus is a compromise between available space and ease of access of DNA-binding proteins, including transcription and replication factors, to their respective sites on DNA.
The majority of DNA-binding proteins display preference for particular sequence motifs, though current chromatin structure experiments on populations of cells show vast variation. Studies have identified many
"fuzzy" binding sites where the position differs between cells. It is not known if these are important for genome organisation or other protein binding in proximal sites. This project seeks to develop a method
that can be applied to single molecules to examine the true binding positions in individual cases, allowing potential interactions to be examined.
Priority areas addressed
This project falls within the "World Class Bioscience" BBSRC research remit, in addition to "Data-driven biology", "Technology development for the biosciences" and "Systems approaches to the biosciences".
WUB, ENWW
Genomic organisation within the nucleus is a compromise between available space and ease of access of DNA-binding proteins, including transcription and replication factors, to their respective sites on DNA.
The majority of DNA-binding proteins display preference for particular sequence motifs, though current chromatin structure experiments on populations of cells show vast variation. Studies have identified many
"fuzzy" binding sites where the position differs between cells. It is not known if these are important for genome organisation or other protein binding in proximal sites. This project seeks to develop a method
that can be applied to single molecules to examine the true binding positions in individual cases, allowing potential interactions to be examined.
Priority areas addressed
This project falls within the "World Class Bioscience" BBSRC research remit, in addition to "Data-driven biology", "Technology development for the biosciences" and "Systems approaches to the biosciences".
WUB, ENWW
Organisations
Studentship Projects
| Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Student Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BB/M011224/1 | 01/10/2015 | 31/03/2024 | |||
| 1757801 | Studentship | BB/M011224/1 | 01/10/2016 | 31/03/2021 |
| Description | Departmental news desk |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
| Results and Impact | A departmental news desk for the Sir William Dunn School of Pathology was formed in 2017, when I joined. The news desk write news articles and research highlights, promoting past events and celebrating successes, or promoting the research from within the department in a simpler, concise format, respectively. The idea is to give the reader an insight into the department, covering both scientific and general aspects. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017,2018,2019,2020 |
| URL | https://www.path.ox.ac.uk |
| Description | Outreach activity at a primary school |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | With two other lab members, I ran three 1.5 hour DNA-themed workshops for Year 5 and 6 pupils. We linked DNA to their syllabus and had a variety of interactive challenges for them which they enjoyed and were able to tell us key points at the end. Feedback was very positive from students and teachers for both fun and learning. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
| Description | Outreach at Super Science Saturday |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | This was a public engagement day hosted by Oxford Natural History Museum. I ran a DNA-themed stall with two other volunteers. We interacted with about 200 children, plus their parents. This sparked interesting discussions and children of a variety of ages engaged well with our activities. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |