Cancer Research UK DNA Repair Enzymes Group

Single Strand Break Repair

We are studying the structural basis for recognition and repair of DNA single-strand breaks and gaps by the PARP1/XRCC1 SSBR system.

Ongoing projects include :

• Structural Basis of gap recognition by PARP1
• Mechanism of DNA gap recognition by polynucleotide kinase-3'-phosphatase
• Structural basis of AMPylated-DNA repair by APTX

• Structure of the Polβ-XRCC1-LigIIIα gap-repair complex

Double Strand Break Repair

We are studying the structure and function of proteins and complexes involved in repair of double-strand breaks by the Homologous Recombination and Non-Homologous End Joining pathways.

Ongoing projects include :

• Recognition and repair of non-standard DNA ends by Artemis and Apollo
• Structure of the XRCC4-LigIV-XLF DSB ligation complex
• Structure and function of PALB2

DNA Damage Signalling

We are studying the assembly, regulation and interactions of proteins and complexes that signal the presence of DNA damage to the systems that regulate progress through the cell cycle.

Ongoing projects include :

• DNA-loading of the Rad9-Rad1-Hus1 checkpoint clamp by the RAD-RFC complex
• Structural basis for complex formation by the TopBP1/Rad4 checkpoint mediator
• Structure of the ATR-ATRIP DNA damage signalling complex
• Structure of the Smc5-Smc6 complex