Cryo-EM of macromolecular machines

Our laboratory is interested in understanding how macromolecular machines control the flow of genetic information and modulate genome integrity. One of our research aims is to investigate the molecular mechanisms that regulate horizontal gene transfer. Transposable elements often depend on the assembly of large and dynamic multisubunit complexes to prevent spurious double-strand breaks and promote efficient DNA transposition. Our group combines cryo-electron microscopy, x-ray crystallography, together with biochemical and functional assays, to develop atomic-level models to explain how these elements disseminate antibiotic resistance genes, modify gene expression, and generate genomic instability.