Cell Biology Center Colloquium 0018

Program

Lecturer

Dr. Lionel Larue (INSERM, The Institut Currie, France)

Title

Chromatin and Chromosomes, the Role and Function of SMC Proteins

Abstract

Packing genomic DNA into the eukaryotic cell nucleus is a task similar to stowing the London Underground network in a suitcase. Centimetres of DNA are compacted into micrometre-sized, rod-shaped chromosomes. This allows genetic material to be made small enough for faithful segregation to opposite cell halves, and compact enough to withstand the forces generated during this process. Over the past two decades, members of the evolutionarily ancient 'Structural Maintenance of Chromosomes (SMC)' family of protein complexes have emerged as principal structural chromosome components. We will discuss the mechanism of how these ring-shaped protein complexes encircle DNA, helped by a loading factor whose mutation causes severe human developmental disorders. We will also discuss models of how dynamic interactions between SMC binding sites might achieve the enormous DNA packaging task, providing an image of what the inside of a chromosome might look like.

I would like to notice a seminar on 23rd August. The presenter is Dr. Frank Uhlmann from the Francis Crick Institute. He will talk about chromosome organization of mediated by SMC complexes. Please join in the seminar.

• Cell Biology Center Colloquium 0018 flyer
• Institute of Innovative Research (IIR)