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Content archived on 2024-05-29

Single molecule studies of DNA Polymerases using Fluorescence Microscopy and laser tweezers. A step towards the combination of these techniques

Objective

Single molecule methods have shed light on many important biochemical phenomena: optical tweezers has contributed important mechanical information about molecular motors, while single molecule imaging techniques have been used to explore the diversity of behaviour of biological molecules which is often masked by ensemble measurements.

The central enzyme in the DNA replication process is DNA polymerase, a particularly interesting enzyme responsible for duplicating our genetic information, making less than one mistake in a billion bases. One goal of this research proposal is to develop a method of studying the complex kinetics of DNA polymerase at the single molecule level, using fluorescence microscopy and fluorescently labelled nucleotides.

DNA polymerase can be considered a molecular motor since it moves along a DNA track while using energy. Laser tweezers can probe biological systems as a function of force. By studying the enzyme reaction as a function of force, information about the energy release can be obtained.

We propose experimental configurations whereby DNA polymerase is immobilized on a solid surface, allowing direct measurement of the interaction forces. Also the coupling of single-molecule manipulation with single-molecule fluorescence opens up many possibilities for observing spectroscopic signals in response to mechanically induced changes in biological macromolecules.

This is an ambitious project that initially will allow us to correlate conformational changes and displacement with polymerization or digestion of DNA polymerase The Work Programme contains a series of specific objectives, the augmentative goal of which is to direct attention and funding towards the long-term reinforcement of European science and technology.

The interdisciplinary nature of the current proposal as well as the novel concepts and approaches that will be implemented, have been conceived to support and contribute to the achievement of the above goals.

Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)

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Keywords

Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)

Topic(s)

Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.

Call for proposal

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FP6-2005-MOBILITY-6
See other projects for this call

Funding Scheme

Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.

OIF - Marie Curie actions-Outgoing International Fellowships

Coordinator

UNIVERSITY COURT OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ST ANDREWS
EU contribution
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Total cost

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Participants (1)

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