NSF Minority Postdoctoral Research Fellowship for FY 2000

Roca, Alberto I, Houston TX

Investigators

Abstract

This action funds an NSF Minority Postdoctoral Research Fellowship for 2000. The research and training plan is in the area of Biomolecular Processes and is entitled "Understanding Recombinational DNA Repair Initiation: A Kinetic Analysis of RecA-DNA Complex Formation". This research seeks to provide a complete analysis of the functioning of RecA, a protein involved in recombinational DNA repair. Until now, the molecular mechanisms by which it functions have not been described. Of particular interest is whether or not ATP induces a conformational change of RecA into an active state, prior to DNA binding. Spectroscopic signal changes from fluorescent oligonucleotides (multiple DNA bases linked in series) are used to detect DNA binding (i.e. formation of the RecA-DNA complex), while complex formation is followed in real-time using stopped-flow techniques. The specific molecular steps involved are being characterized.