CDK-regulated dimerization of M18BP1 on a Mis18 hexamer is necessary for CENP-A loading.

Centromeres are unique chromosomal loci that promote the assembly of kinetochores, macromolecular complexes that bind spindle microtubules during mitosis. In most organisms, centromeres lack defined genetic features. Rather, they are specified epigenetically by a centromere-specific histone H3 variant, CENP-A.

Targeting BRCA1 and BRCA2 Deficiencies with G-Quadruplex-Interacting Compounds.

G-quadruplex (G4)-forming genomic sequences, including telomeres, represent natural replication fork barriers. Stalled replication forks can be stabilized and restarted by homologous recombination (HR), which also repairs DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) arising at collapsed forks. We have previously shown that HR facilitates telomere replication.

HJURP involvement in de novo CenH3(CENP-A) and CENP-C recruitment.

Although our understanding of centromere maintenance, marked by the histone H3 variant CenH3(CENP-A) in most eukaryotes, has progressed, the mechanism underlying the de novo formation of centromeres remains unclear. We used a synthetic system to dissect how CenH3(CENP-A) contributes to the accumulation of CENP-C and CENP-T, two key components that are necessary for the formation of functional kinetochores. We find that de novo CENP-T accumulation depends on CENP-C and that recruitment of these factors requires two domains in CenH3(CENP-A): the HJURP-binding region (CATD) and the CENP-C-binding region (CAC).

Software for empirical building of biokinetic models for normal and decorporation-affected data.

This paper describes software ("RATDOSE") developed to analyze data from animal experiments investigating the efficacy of chelating agents. An empirical model building approach is used where, starting from the simplest model structures, one minimizes χ(2) by varying transfer rates in the model. Model complexity is increased as needed until the minimum attained value of χ(2) per data point decreases to about 1.

RAD51 paralogs: roles in DNA damage signalling, recombinational repair and tumorigenesis.

Chromosomal double-strand breaks (DSBs) have the potential to permanently arrest cell cycle progression and endanger cell survival. They must therefore be efficiently repaired to preserve genome integrity and functionality. Homologous recombination (HR) provides an important error-free mechanism for DSB repair in mammalian cells.

Fiber-optic heterodyne phase-shift easurement of plasma current.

By combining twisted optical sensing fiber and heterodyne phase detection of circular irefringence we have (a) overcome the distortion problem caused by residual linear birefringence in the Faraday rotation method of measuring enclosed current and (b) used only a single output detector without requiring intensity normalization. Resolution of 400 ampere-turns has been obtained in the hostile electromagnetic environment of a working thermonuclear fusion research device. The fiber was simply wound around the existing machine.