Understanding the Mechanisms of DNA Mismatch Repair

diagram of DNA mismatch repair.

Study genome stability using a combination of genetic, biochemical and biophysical approaches to understand errors in DNA replication.

Project is Not Currently Available

This project has reached full capacity for the current term. Please check back next semester for updates.

Project description

Errors in DNA replication occur at the replication fork, leading to misincorporation events, which are potentially mutation. The mismatch repair system recognizes these errors and targets them for repair. In the absence of mismatch repair, mutations rates are significantly elevated. Mutations in the mismatch repair system are associated with many sporadic cancers as well as hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC), an hereditary cancer syndrome. We are particularly interested in the recognition step of mismatch repair, that is how mispairs are recognized and how that translates to repair through the recruitment of downstream factors. We use a combination of genetic, biochemical and biophysical approaches to understand this pathway, which is critical in maintaining genome stability.

Project outcome

The specific outcomes of this project will be identified by the faculty mentor at the beginning of your collaboration. 

Project details

Timing, eligibility and other details
Length of commitment To be determined by student/project mentor.
Start time Anytime
In-person, remote, or hybrid?
In-person
Level of collaboration Varies
Benefits Volunteer
Who is eligible All undergraduate students
Goldwater and the National Science Foundation

Students participating in this project might be interested in and eligible for the Goldwater Scholarship and the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship. Connect with the Office of Fellowships and Scholarships to learn more.

Project mentor

Jennifer A. Surtees

Associate Professor

Biochemistry

955 Main Street, Office 4230

Phone: (716) 829-6083

Email: jsurtees@buffalo.edu

Start the project

  1. Email the project mentor using the contact information above to express your interest and get approval to work on the project. (Here are helpful tips on how to contact a project mentor.)
  2. After you receive approval from the mentor to start this project, click the button to start the digital badge. (Learn more about ELN's digital badge options.) 

Preparation activities

Once you begin the digital badge series, you will have access to all the necessary activities and instructions. Your mentor has indicated they would like you to also complete the specific preparation activities below. Please reference this when you get to Step 2 of the Preparation Phase. 

  • Dr. Surtees will meet with students individually to discuss several relevant review and primary journal articles within the context of this research project. Contact her to get started using the contact information above.

Keywords

Biochemistry