Telomere & Genome Stability

Our group is interested in the molecular bases of the cellular response to DNA damage and telomere dysfunction. Typical responses include repair of the damage, adaptation to checkpoint activation or cell death. We investigate the cell-to-cell variations in these processes and aim at characterizing their molecular underpinning and functional consequences for genome stability. To do so, we use interdisciplinary approaches combining molecular biology, genetics and mathematical modeling with single-cell methods, such as microfluidics coupled to fluorescent microscopy.

We use two microorganisms as models: the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae and the green algae Chlamydomonas reinhardtii.

Specific topics covered by our research include:

• Adaptation to DNA damage, its heterogeneity and contribution to genome instability in yeast;
• Function of the Polo kinase Cdc5 in response to DNA damage;
• Mathematical modeling of the response to DNA damage;
• Characterization of replicative senescence at the single-cell level and telomerase-independent survivors, in both yeast and Chlamydomonas;