Research Focus

Our lab is interested in DNA replication, recombination and repair. While these processes are essential for maintaining the integrity of genetic information they also guide the development of new functions during evolution. In addition, the systems found in bacteria generally have homologous counterparts across all domains of life allowing work in bacteria to be relevant to our understanding of all types of organisms including humans.

One major area of study in our group involves determining the molecular mechanisms that protect DNA during DNA replication. DNA is more vulnerable to damage when it is being replicated. This is especially true for one strand of the chromosome that is replicated in a discontinuous process involving repetitive initiation events. Interestingly, many types of mobile DNA elements like viruses and transposons also gain access to insert into a host chromosome when it is undergoing discontinuous DNA replication. Our work is revealing undiscovered systems that help protect the integrity of DNA during this vulnerable time and how mobile elements can subvert these host protection systems. In addition to allowing a better understand of broadly conserved mechanisms of DNA stability our work is also aimed at developing new techniques that will allow us to modify the genetic content of bacteria for basic science and genetic engineering.