Modular microscope with tetrade micromanipulator for functionnal studies of DNA repair activities at chromosomal termini.

线性真核生物染色体的末端被称为端粒，类似于DNA双螺旋中断，这是威胁基因组完整性的DNA损伤中最危险的。虽然染色体断裂立即受到DNA修复，但端粒的这种修复尝试可能导致遗传信息的丢失、基因组不稳定、细胞转化以及最终的细胞死亡。巧合的是，几种参与检测和修复染色体断裂的蛋白质位于端粒并协助其维持。我们的研究目标是确定区分端粒与基因组DNA断裂的分子特征，以及在整个细胞周期中端粒如何控制DNA修复活动。

The termini of linear eukaryotic chromosomes, known as telomeres, resemble DNA double-helix interruptions, the most dangerous among DNA lesions that threaten the integrity of the genome. While chromosomal breaks are immediately subjected to DNA repair, such repair attempts at telomeres can lead to loss of genetic information, genome instability, cellular transformation and, ultimately, cell death. Paradoxically, several proteins involved in sensing and repair of chromosomal breaks reside at telomeres and assist in their maintenance. Our research goal is to define the molecular features that distinguish telomeres from genomic DNA breaks and how DNA repair activities are controlled at telomeres throughout the cell cycle.