Chromatin Molecular Complexes

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Chromatin Molecular Complexes

DNA in the cell nucleus is organised into a structure called chromatin, which consists of DNA and proteins, particularly histones. Chromatin allows several metres of DNA to be packed into a cell nucleus only a few micrometres in diameter, regulates access to genetic information and ensures the proper segregation of chromosomes during cell division. Telomeres, specialised protective structures at the ends of chromosomes, are essential for the stability of genetic information. Their length is usually maintained by telomerase, a complex of RNA and proteins. We investigate how these molecular systems function, how they have evolved and how they contribute to genome stability at the molecular level. We are also interested in the reverse relationship: how these complexes change in response to natural evolutionary changes in chromosomes or their targeted editing, for example for crop breeding.

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