Study genome stability using a combination of genetic, biochemical and biophysical approaches to understand errors in DNA replication.
This project has reached full capacity for the current term. Please check back next semester for updates.
Errors in DNA replication occur at the replication fork, leading to misincorporation events, which are potentially mutation. The mismatch repair system recognizes these errors and targets them for repair. In the absence of mismatch repair, mutations rates are significantly elevated. Mutations in the mismatch repair system are associated with many sporadic cancers as well as hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC), an hereditary cancer syndrome. We are particularly interested in the recognition step of mismatch repair, that is how mispairs are recognized and how that translates to repair through the recruitment of downstream factors. We use a combination of genetic, biochemical and biophysical approaches to understand this pathway, which is critical in maintaining genome stability.
The specific outcomes of this project will be identified by the faculty mentor at the beginning of your collaboration.
Length of commitment | To be determined by student/project mentor. |
Start time | Anytime |
In-person, remote, or hybrid? | In-person |
Level of collaboration | Varies |
Benefits | Volunteer |
Who is eligible | All undergraduate students |
Students participating in this project might be interested in and eligible for the Goldwater Scholarship and the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship. Connect with the Office of Fellowships and Scholarships to learn more.
Jennifer A. Surtees
Associate Professor
Biochemistry
Once you begin the digital badge series, you will have access to all the necessary activities and instructions. Your mentor has indicated they would like you to also complete the specific preparation activities below. Please reference this when you get to Step 2 of the Preparation Phase.
Biochemistry