Genomic Integrity

Head: Roger Woodgate

This lab studies the molecular events that influence the fidelity of the genome, facilitating both evolution and species stability. A major objective is to elucidate the mechanisms that determine whether DNA repair is error-free or error-prone in bacteria and in eukaryotic cells. The dynamics of mutagenesis are also of interest, given the importance of mutations in genetic diseases, oncogenesis, and developmental anomalies. Studies have primarily focused on the prokaryotic UmuDý₂C proteins, which have recently been shown to possess DNA polymerase activity (E. coli pol V) that is able to facilitate error-prone translesion DNA synthesis. Structurally and functionally related proteins are also being studied in the lower eukaryote Saccharomyces cerevisiae (pol), as well as in mouse and human cells (pol). Our findings suggest that the process of translesion DNA synthesis is conserved from bacteria to humans. The project involves a variety of molecular and biochemical techniques, including PCR, protein purification and characterization, and yeast/bacterial genetics.

Resources

• Employee Listing
• E-Mail the Lab: woodgate@helix.nih.gov
• LGI-SDRRM Home Page

Units and Sections

• Section on DNA Replication, Repair, and Mutagenesis
  Head: Roger Woodgate