Traffic on DNA: interplay between RNA polymerases and DNA-bound proteins

细胞内的DNA不仅是信息的储存库，而且是如何使用这些信息的积极参与者。蛋白质与DNA上的特定位置结合来控制哪些基因是活跃的，基因通过沿着DNA跟踪的RNA聚合酶来表达。RNA聚合酶和dna结合蛋白之间的碰撞可以去除蛋白质或阻断聚合酶。这些重要的过程如何在DNA上安全地共存？该项目旨在整合使用定义良好的遗传成分和数学模型的系统实验，以了解DNA和蛋白质的“设计”特征，从而最大限度地减少这些交通问题。更好的理解可以为操纵基因表达提供新的策略。

The DNA inside the cell is not just a repository of information, but is an active player in how that information is used. Proteins bind to defined locations on the DNA to control which genes are active, and genes are expressed by RNA polymerases that track along the DNA. Collisions between RNA polymerases and DNA-bound proteins can remove the proteins or block the polymerase. How can these essential processes safely coexist on the DNA? The project aims to integrate systematic experiments using well-defined genetic components and mathematical modelling to understand the 'design' features of DNA and proteins that minimise these traffic problems. A better understanding could inform new strategies for manipulation of gene expression.