GENOMIC STABILITY · Genomic stability -chromosome segregation and repair

The eukaryotic genome combines a highly dynamic nature with stable transmission of genetic information from mother to daughter cells. This is achieved by a plethora of protein networks regulating processes such as chromosome duplication, segregation and repair. The principal aim of our research is to determine the molecular interplay between chromosome segregation and repair. Accurate execution of these two events is crucial for the maintenance of genome stability, which in turn is essential for life. Additionally, erroneous segregation or repair leads to chromosomal aberrations that are linked to tumor formation and human developmental syndromes. Thus, our investigations are not only crucial in a basic research perspective, but important also for the understanding of the causes of human disease. The research is based on the budding yeast model system, and combines genome-wide analysis of protein-chromosome interactions with cell-based experimental systems. Our investigations have until now revealed that chromosome segregation and repair are directly linked through two evolutionary conserved SMC (Structural Maintenance of Chromosomes) protein complexes, Cohesin and the Smc5/6 complex. The project now further explores the molecular details of this connection, bringing light into this unexplored area of research, and deciphering the cellular defense against genomic alterations connected to cancer and developmental diseases.