Exploring the function of BRCA2 at centromeres
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Oxford
Department Name: Interdisciplinary Bioscience DTP
Abstract
Maintenance of genetic information encoded by DNA and its faithful transmission across generations is fundamental for lifelong health and wellbeing. Correct preservation of genetic information can be impaired, but cells have developed multiple mechanisms to sense and tackle these difficulties. In this project, I will focus on understanding how the breast cancer protein 2 (BRCA2) is involved in maintenance of genome stability. BRCA2 is one of the most important and well known proteins involved in repair and protection of the DNA. In particular, I will study the role of BRCA2 at specific regions of the DNA, called centromeres, which are known to be instable but very important for the correct cell division. Building from our preliminary encouraging results showing that BRCA2 binds centromere-associated proteins (kinetochores), I will investigate the regulation and the biological function of this interaction using state-of-the-art technologies. Understanding the role of BRCA2 at centromeric regions is expected to provide important insights into physiological processes that are key for maintaining health in humans.
BBSRC Priority areas:
healthy ageing across the lifecourse
synthetic biology
BBSRC Priority areas:
healthy ageing across the lifecourse
synthetic biology
Studentship Projects
| Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Student Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BB/M011224/1 | 01/10/2015 | 31/03/2024 | |||
| 1757783 | Studentship | BB/M011224/1 | 01/10/2016 | 30/12/2020 |
| Description | Project on Human Artificial Chromosome (HAC) with V.Larionov lab at NIH Bethesda (USA) |
| Organisation | National Institutes of Health (NIH) |
| Country | United States |
| Sector | Public |
| PI Contribution | Use of HAC system developed by Larionov lab to show the impact of HR proteins in chromosome instability |
| Collaborator Contribution | Developed the HAC system and HAC loss assay. |
| Impact | The collaboration produced interesting results that are going to be elaborated for a publication. |
| Start Year | 2018 |
| Description | Outreach 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 | A group of scientist of my department visit a primary school in Oxford. We prepare a scientific lecture where we engage student in scientific experiments and discussion. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |