Single Molecule Analysis of Eukaryotic SMC Complexes

Abstract:

Structural Maintenance of Chromosome (SMC) complexes, cohesin, condensin and Smc5/6, play a fundamental role in genome organization, facilitating chromosome compaction, segregation, and DNA repair. Despite their essential functions, the mechanisms by which the complexes interact with different DNA substrates and influence topological transitions remain not fully understood. Using the LUMICKS C-Trap, we have employed single-molecule approaches to analyze the behavior of purified SMC complexes, focusing on yeast cohesin and human SMC5/6, on different DNA substrates, including double-stranded (dsDNA) and single-stranded DNA (ssDNA). Additionally, we have used a quadrupole optical trap to bridging by SMC complexes and their effect on DNA decatenation by Topoisomerase IIα (Top2A). These findings provide new insights into the fundamental properties and requirements of cohesin and Smc5/6’s interaction with DNA substrates, as well as their ability to bridge two independent DNAs.

Speaker:

Prof. Luis Aragon Alcaide, Professor of Genetics, Imperial College London, MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences