My research involves a mathematical study of the mechanisms of type
II topoisomerases. Topoisomerases are enzymes that pass one DNA strand
through another via an enzyme-bridged transient break in the DNA.
Topoisomerases act locally on DNA to solve problems of global DNA entanglement.
Type II topoisomerases reduce/induce supercoiling and perform cleavage,
passage and ligation action on double-stranded DNA. We are interested
in the topological species produced and controlled by type II topoisomerases.
By combining theory, simulation and experiment we hope to gain more insight
into the mechanism of these enzymes. |
