Summary
DNA replication is an essential process for genome duplication, cell division and ultimately organismal survival that ensures faithful transmission of the genome to progeny. Certain genomic loci represent major obstacles to DNA replication including fragile sites, G-rich tracts and repetitive sequences, such as rDNA and telomeres. Mammalian telomeres have the propensity to adopt complex DNA secondary structures, including telomere-loops and telomeric G-quadruplex, which are believed to play essential roles in telomere maintenance. However, recent work has established that these structures are also a hindrance to DNA replication and might represent a potential source of genome instability, the hallmark of many diseases including cancer.
Publications
Journals
Vilar Compte R, Summers P, Lewis B, et al., 2021, Visualising G-quadruplex DNA dynamics in live cells by fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy, Nature Communications, Vol:12, ISSN:2041-1723
Vilar R, Lewis BW, Bisballe N, et al., 2020, Assessing the key photophysical properties of triangulenium dyes for DNA binding by alteration of the fluorescent core, Chemistry: a European Journal, ISSN:0947-6539
Herrera-Moyano E, Porreca RM, Ranjha L, et al., 2020, The human SKI complex prevents DNA-RNA hybrid-associated telomere instability
Summers PA, Lewis BW, Gonzalez-Garcia J, et al., 2020, Visualising G-quadruplex DNA dynamics in live cells by fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy
Porreca RM, Herrera-Moyano E, Skourti E, et al., 2020, TRF1 averts chromatin remodelling, recombination and replication dependent-break induced replication at mouse telomeres, Elife, Vol:9, ISSN:2050-084X