Telomere DNA Repair and Joint Molecule Resolution

NIH Director's Seminar Series Telomeres are chromosome end capping structures. Critical shortening or over-lengthening of telomeres leads to a DNA damage response or delays in DNA replication, resulting in genome instability. It is believed that owing to its G-rich sequence, telomeres are especially susceptible to oxidative DNA damage, and also to formation of alternative DNA forms, both of which may impact telomere maintenance. We investigate the hypothesis that oxidative DNA damage, inadequate DNA repair and aberrant DNA intermediate resolution would impact telomere maintenance and function. Using a combination of molecular, genetic, and biochemical approaches, we are probing the following questions: (1) the impact of oxidative stress and DNA damage on telomere maintenance, and its mechanistic basis; (2) the key genes that modulate reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, oxidative DNA damage, and unique joint DNA intermediates at telomeres; and (3) the contributions of oxidative DNA damage and DNA repair/resolution deficiency to telomere defects in aging and cancer. Air date: 2/13/2015 12:00:00 PM
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