Gaëlle Legube Understanding chromatin’s role in repairing DNA double-strand breaks

DNA damage

“Radiation, chemotherapy and stress can damage DNA. We are particularly interested in a type of lesion called a double-strand break, which literally cuts the DNA molecule in half. This is the most serious DNA damage as it can lead to various mutations or chromosomal aberrations. I'm trying to understand how the structure of the chromatin that compacts the DNA influences its repair.”

DNA, the long molecule that makes up chromosomes, is packed inside our cells’ nuclei and codes genetic information in the form of genes. This molecule is essential yet fragile and can be damaged by many environmental or metabolic factors.

In her laboratory, Dr. Legube's team has developed an innovative cellular model called DIvA, which makes it possible to induce controlled multiple breaks at known locations in the human genome. DIvA allows them to study a new break repair pathway. They use high-throughput sequencing-based approaches to simultaneously analyze the repairs occurring on all double-strand breaks.

The foundation’s support

In early 2020, Dr. Legube's team moved into the new Center for Integrative Biology in Toulouse. The Bettencourt Prize to Boost French Research will allow them to acquire extractor hoods and incubators to boost their cell culture capacity. With the foundation's backing, they will also be able to set up an advanced genomics platform.