PRBB-CRG Sessions Vincenzo Costanzo

08/07/201612:00RAMÓN Y CAJALPRBB-CRG SessionsVincenzo CostanzoIFOM - Fondazione Istituto FIRC di Oncologia Molecolare, Milan IT"Understanding DNA metabolism using a vertebrate cell free system"Host: Luciano di Croce (CRG)Abstract:Functional and biochemical characterization of essential gene products involved in DNA replication, DNA repair and DNA damage response are incomplete due to a lack of model systems that recapitulate their role without impacting on cell viability. Over the past few years we have developed several assays based on the Xenopus laevis egg cell-free extract to study the role of essential DNA metabolism proteins. This system allows detailed analysis of early embryonic and stem cells divisions at molecular level. Using this approach we uncovered the function of DNA repair proteins such as Rad51 and Mre11 in vertebrate DNA replication. I will discuss these topics in light of the recent results obtained in my laboratory.