Bacterial genome integrity under growth-limiting conditions

Many bacteria live in environments where food and energy are scare. When this happens, they may start copying their DNA and then run out of resources mid-way, puuting their genetic material at risk of damage. This project will study how Escherichia coli protects its DNA under sudden nutrient starvation. We will track whether cells finish copying their DNA or stall , and we will identify the proteins that help stabilize and repair the copying machinery during stress. To do this, we will use safe lab strains with flow cytometry and live-cell fluorescence imaging , as well as a pull-down method (iPOND) to capture proteins located at sites of newly made DNA. The results will improve our basic understanding of microbial survival, inform future biotechnology, and support training in advanced experimental methods.

Faculty Supervisor:

Rodrigo Reyes Lamothe

Student:

Partner:

University of Namur

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Biotechnology; Life Sciences (not health)

University:

McGill University

Program: