Ray R. Irani Hall
Molecular and Computational Biology
Seminar Series
Matthew Michael
Harvard University
“The DNA Replication Stress Response”
Abstract:
During chromosomal replication, problems may arise that prevent the timely completion of DNA replication. Left unchecked, these problems can lead to DNA damage and, ultimately, destabilization of the genome. To deal with stress during replication, cells have evolved a signaling pathway (the replication checkpoint) that senses replication stress and, in response, controls cell cycle progression and allows the cell to endure the stress in a damage-free manner. The chief architect of the replication checkpoint is the ATR protein kinase. In my talk, I will discuss our studies on how the ATR kinase is activated by stalled replication forks. I will also discuss how, during the course of evolution, ATR's ability to respond to the replication status of the cell has been integrated into mechanisms that control cell cycle timing during early embryogenesis.
Friday, October 30, 2009
12:00 noon
RRI 101
Host: Oscar Aparicio
