135 - Unique insights in molecular mechanisms of action by directly visualizing DNA-binding proteins and biomolecular condensates

Presenter(s)

• Evan Gates

  LUMICKS

Understanding the mechanism of action of biological processes requires connecting the structure of biomolecules such as proteins and DNA to their function. Without insights into the interplay of structure and function, it is impossible to understand diseases and discover potential cures at the most fundamental level. To obtain a true understanding of these molecular processes it is key to:
• directly observe the dynamic mechanism at play
• know how proteins assemble and work together, and
• be able to modulate the process.
Although established technologies have helped in clarifying either the structure of a molecular complex or its function, they are rarely able to directly connect them.

Here, we present a new technology that provides these key parts of information by visualizing and manipulating biological processes in real-time at the single-molecule level. We present several examples in which our technology enhances the understanding of DNA repair mechanisms, chromatin structure and stability, as well as DNA replication, biomolecular condensates, and DNA editing tools (e.g. CRISPR/Cas). Our technology complements current structural, biochemical, or cell biology methods and provides key insights to complete the molecular mechanisms models describing essential DNA-binding processes.

Booth 1605