Structural and functional analysis of DNA double strand break repair.

Eukaryotic cells have evolved complex molecular systems in order to detect and repair double-strand breaks (DSBs) of the DNA helix, which can arise from exposure to genotoxic agents or during normal nucleic acid metabolism. Failure of the DSB repair apparatus to restore the integrity of damaged chromosomes is a major contributing factor in human disease. The goal of our research is to define atomic structure and mechanism of action of macromolecular assemblies responsible for repair and signalling of DNA DSB damage.