Date/Time
Date(s) - 30/10/2013
3:30 pm - 4:30 pm

Title: DNA Mechanics, Genetic Switches and Gene Silencing

Speaker: Dr. Joshua Milstein

Institute: University of Toronto

Location: ABB 102

Description:

DNA is traditionally seen as a linear sequence of instructions for cellular functions that are expressed through biochemical processes. DNA, however, is also organized as a complex hierarchical structure with a mosaic of mechanical features, and a growing body of evidence is now emerging to imply that these mechanical features are connected to genetic function. Transcription factors and chromosomal packaging proteins regularly bend and twist DNA resulting in mechanical and conformational changes to the molecule that may act to control gene transcription. I will discuss how single-molecule experiments can provide quantitative insight into biophysical mechanisms for controlling gene expression, and present recent data on a biomechanical pathway to silencing acquired foreign genes in bacteria.