Visualizing single RNA polymerase complexes upon DNA damage

Project summary

Damage in the DNA inhibits transcription of genes by RNA polymerase II, which copies the genetic information of the DNA into RNA. This inhibition of RNA polymerases results in severe cellular dysfunction and accelerated aging. In this proposal, we develop a novel microscopy-based approach that can measure the effects of DNA damage on individual RNA polymerase complexen in living cells.

Using this approach, we will be able to discover what exactly happens to RNA polymerase when it encounters DNA damage, and how this affects transcription of genes.