Functional organization of the mammalian genome
Research summary:
Copying and decoding the genomic information in a timely and accurate fashion is essential for life. Both tasks (DNA replication and transcription) are remarkably complex in scale and regulation, and the molecular machineries involved in them translocate on the same DNA template, often in opposite directions and at different rates. This impose cells to employ efficient mechanisms to coordinate both processes. Failure of these mechanisms can lead to catastrophic effects on genome stability and cell viability. Very likely, dealing with this potential conflicts strongly influences many key parameters of cellular function, including genome organization, chromatin structure or mutagenesis rates. Unraveling the intricate relationship between the processes of replication and transcription and the impact of this crosstalk on genome homeostasis is the central goal of our research. Besides its relevance for fundamental biology, this knowledge might have important implications in disease scenarios, especially in cancer cells where upregulation of transcription is suspected to be a major contributor of oncogene-induced replication stress. To address this general objective we integrate multigenomic approaches with quantitative molecular biology, genetic engineering, and synthetic activators.
Our lab belongs to the “Network of excellence” CHROMOdyst (MINECO).
We welcome commited applicants to do their Master thesis, PhD, or postdoc in our group. If you are interested in joining us, please send an updated cv and a motivation letter to María Gómez (mgomez@cbm.csic.es).
Fig 1.
| Last name | Name | Laboratory | Ext.* | Professional category | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Álvarez Montero | Alvaro Eugenio | 405 | 4702 | Becario Erasmus | |
| Fernández Justel | José Miguel | 405 | 4702 | jmfernandez(at)cbm.csic.es | Tit.Sup.Activ.Técn.y Profes. GP1 66% |
| Gómez Vicentefranqueira | María | 405 | 4724/4702 | mgomez(at)cbm.csic.es | E.Científicos Titulares de Organismos Públicos de Investigación |
| Isoler Alcaraz | Javier | 405 | 4702 | jisoler(at)cbm.csic.es | GJ_PRE_Titulado Sup. Actividades Técn. y Prof.GP1 |
| Martín Vírgala | Sara | 405 | 4702 | sara.martin(at)cbm.csic.es | Titulado Sup. Actividades Tecn. y Prof.GP1 |
| Santa María Tobías | Cristina | 405 | 4702 | csantamaria(at)cbm.csic.es | Titulado Sup. Actividades Tecn. y Prof.GP1 |
Relevant publications:
- Jodkowska K, Pancaldi V, Almeida R, Rigau M, Graña O, Fernández-Justel JM, Rodríguez-Acebes S, Rubio-Camarillo M, Carrillo-de Santa Pau E, Pisano D, Al-Sharour F, Valencia A, *Gómez M and *Méndez J. 2019. Three-dimensional connectivity and chromatin environment mediate the stochastic activation of stress-responsive DNA replication origins. BioRxiv 644971 doi:10.1101/644971 *CO-CORRESPONDING AUTHORS
- Almeida, R., Fernández-Justel, J. M., Santa-María, C., Cadoret, J. C., Cano-Aroca, L., Lombraña, R., Herranz, G., Agresti, A. and Gómez, M. 2018. Chromatin conformation regulates the coordination between DNA replication and transcription. Nat Commun, 9:1590. PUBLICACIÓN RECOMENDADA EN FACULTY OF 1000
- Lombraña, R., Álvarez, A., Fernández-Justel, J. M., Almeida, R., Poza-Carrión, C., Gomes, F., Calzada, A., Requena, J. M. and Gómez, M. 2016. Transcriptionally driven DNA replication programme of the human parasite Leishmania major. Cell Rep, 16: 1-13.
- Lombraña, R., Almeida, R., Revuelta, I., Madeira, S., Herranz, G., Saiz, N., Bastolla, U. and Gómez, M. 2013. High-resolution analysis of DNA synthesis start sites and nucleosome architecture at efficient mammalian replication origins. EMBO J. 32: 2631-2644.
