Double strand break repair in mitochondrial DNA: identification and characterization of pathway

• Grant number: 12/02339-2
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Visiting Researcher Grant - International
• Start date: May 16, 2012
• End date: May 19, 2012
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Genetics - Molecular Genetics and Genetics of Microorganisms
• Principal Investigator: Nadja Cristhina de Souza Pinto
• Grantee: Nadja Cristhina de Souza Pinto
• Visiting researcher: Carlos Torres Moraes
• Visiting researcher institution: University of Miami, United States
• Host Institution: Instituto de Química (IQ). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 10/51906-1 - Mitochondrial bioenergetics, ion transport, redox state and DNA metabolism, AP.TEM

Abstract

Our group has been collaborating with Dr. Moraes' group in a project aiming to characterize the molecular pathways involved in double strand break repair in mammalian mitochondria. For that, we use an approach developed by his group, in which a bacterial endonulcease has been mutagenized to be expressed in mammalian cells, and a mitochondrial targeting signal has been added to the protein to ensure mitochondrial localization. This approach allows us to identify proteins that specifically bind to the break, as we know the specific sequence in which it has been introduced. This system has been developed by Dr. Moraes' group and the plasmid containing the insert has been transferred to us. The student Valquiria Tiago Santos is now sub-cloning the insert into the mammalian expression system. During his visit, Dr. Moraes will learn about our latest developments in the project, and along with Valquiria design and test a strategy to introduce the unique double strand break. We will also take this opportunity to draw detailed plans for finalizing the first manuscript with these results. (AU)