How Do Breaks in DNA Cause Mutations in Distant Parts of the Chromosome?

• This talk is part of our continuing Young Researchers series.
• Our Open Seating Policy (https://www.meetup.com/AtlantaScienceTavern/messages/boards/thread/14871501) will be in effect.
• Look for us upstairs in the Wine Lounge.
• See below for parking information.
• Attendees will receive an email with an online form to order dinner items in advance.
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How Do Breaks in DNA Cause Mutations in Distant Parts of the Chromosome?
Natalie Saini, Graduate Student in the School of Biology
Georgia Institute of Technology

http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/e/8/b/4/600_287039572.jpeg On one hand, the appearance of mutations (mutagenesis) is a hallmark of cancers. On the other, it can trigger the generation of genetic variability that fuels evolution. Lately, it has become clear that breaks in the chromosome are one of the major sources of increased mutation rates. Paradoxically, a source of these breaks is the sequence composition of the genomic DNA itself. Sequence motifs, recurring patterns of DNA nucleotides, are often found to be potent inducers of double-strand breaks - breaks in which both strands in the double helix are severed - culminating in genetic rearrangement. These regions are termed fragile sequence motifs.

The Lobachev Lab (http://www.lobachev.biology.gatech.edu/) at Georgia Institute of Technology uses yeast to study the mechanisms whereby double-strand breaks, induced by a variety of mechanisms, can trigger mutations at regions distant from the break-site. Our work has provided the first demonstration that fragile DNA motifs provide a long-term source of DNA breakage and mutagenic repair.

About Natalie
Natalie Saini, is a graduate student at Georgia Institute of Technology’s School of Biology. She is currently working in the Lobachev Lab that studies the mechanisms underlying breakage at fragile DNA repeats and its consequences. Natalie received her MS in Microbial Gene Technology from Madurai Kamaraj University, and BS in Microbiology from Delhi University in India.

Photo: DNA ligase I repairing chromosomal damage. (Tom Ellenberger, Washington University School of Medicine)

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Parking and Such

Java Vino is located diagonally across the street from Manuel's Tavern. There is parking behind the building and on Williams Mill Road across the street. Manuel's reserves the use of their lots at all times, but parking there hasn't presented a problem for our guests so far.

Enter the cafe on the street level and let them know that your order will count toward our minimum order requirement.