Causes and consequence of short tandem repeat instability

Faithful copying of the genome is essential for all life on earth. In addition to DNA replication, the genome must also be transcribed. However, a specific DNA sequence can only be engaged in either replication or transcription at any one time. Therefore, there are frequently conflicts between the processes of transcription and replication that have the potential to result in genome instability. Cells have efficient pathways to prevent transcription-replication conflicts. However, these pathways are not well understood. We have recently developed a novel genomic technology that can detect transcription-replication conflicts - this will allow us to discover pathways that the cell
uses to protect the genome.