The SMC complex MukBEF folds the bacterial chromosome by extruding gigantic DNA loops.How do SMC motors work? How do they use the power of ATP hydrolysis to shape our genomes?
Cooperation between SMC complexes and DNA topoisomerases
How do SMC complexes and type II topoisomerases join forces to shape and protect our genomes? How do they resolve detrimental DNA structures?
Phage attack
How do phages and infective plasmids manipulate host genomes and genome defenses? How do their hosts fight back?
The approaches
We reconstitute cellular processes from purified components to gain control over the systems of interest.
We use cryo-EM imaging to gain high-resolution insights into the underlying processes.
We use advanced bacterial genetics, screens, and genome engineering to test hypotheses and discover new relationships.
