Studying DNA and chromatin replication using integrated force-fluorescence microscopy

Chromatin replication is a highly complex process and is crucial for genome integrity, and thus the proper functioning and survival of any organism. Copying chromatinized DNA with its sophisticated structural elements like nucleosomes and structural maintenance of chromatin (SMC) protein-induced loops as well as various modifications and possible damage sites poses quite a challenge to the molecular replication system (replisome).

In this webinar, Prof. Nynke Dekker explains how she and her team have used Dynamic Single-Molecule (DSM) microscopy to identify and quantify fundamental molecular interactions between the origin recognition complex (ORC) and minichromosome maintenance protein (MCM) complex in the context of nucleosomes.

Learning objectives:

• How single-molecule methods allow you to characterize and understand molecular interactions during DNA replication
• Which impact nucleosomes and other DNA structures and modifications have on the activity of MCM, ORC and other DNA replaication related protein complexes