ATM represents the major kinase that is activated by DNA double strand breaks. We are examining how ATM impacts upon chromatin structure and DNA double strand break repair (see also the sub page on DSB repair). We are also examining ATM-dependent cell cycle checkpoint arrest.  We have examined:

• the sensitivity and limitations of ATM-dependent G1/S and G2/M phase arrst.
• how higher order chromatin structure impacts upon ATM signalling to checkpoint arrest and the sensitivity of the process.
• how the sensitivity of checkpoint arrest impacts upon  the response to ionising radiation - is it of importance for radiation protection?

Collaborators:

Dr. Markus Lobrich, Darmstadt University of Technology, Germany.