Role of DNA clamp complexes in the maintenance of genome stability in Arabidopsis

Duration
01/2025 - 12/2027
Principle investigator
The PCNA and 9-1-1 DNA clamps serve as processivity factors for the replicative DNA Polymerases and as scaffolds for proteins involved in replication, chromatin odifications, and DNA damage repair. The temporal and spatial coordination of the clamps is ensured by the four RFC complexes involved in their loading and unloading from DNA. Despite the critical role of RFCs, they have not been investigated in the context of genome stability in plants. Therefore, the teams of A. Pečinka (IEB) and M. Dvořáčková (CEITEC MU) will focus on understanding the mutual interactions and functions of DNA sliding clamps and their regulatory RFC complexes during DNA damage response in Arabidopsis. This will be achieved by the highly complementary expertise of both teams in genetics, microscopy, and proteomics. The results of this project will greatly improve functional understanding of the role of the DNA clamp complexes in the maintenance of plant genome stability during replicative and genotoxic stress.