Location: Lectureroom A, DelftChemTech, Julianalaan 136

We employ single-molecule techniques to study the mechanics of nucleic acids as well as DNAand RNA-protein interactions, and we have focused on processes related to topology, transcription, and replication. For example, by studying single tethered nucleic acids, we have examined the mechanisms of Type I Topoisomerases (Koster et al., Nature 2005), their interaction with chemotherapeutic drugs (Koster et al., Nature 2007), the intercalation of small molecules into DNA, and the mechanisms employed by RNA-dependent RNA polymerases (RdRPs).

I will give an overview of the techniques that are currently employed in the lab, focusing on how we both constantly use the polymer properties of nucleic acids as well as extend our knowledge of them. I will then illustrate how this serves as a basis for understanding DNA- and RNA-protein interactions described above. I will also indicate where the future challenges lie and how we will address these.

Background:

1994-1999 Ph.D., Harvard (Experimental atomic physics)

2000-2002 Postdoc, ENS Paris (Experimental biological physics)

Principal Investigator:

2002-2006 Assistant professor at Kavli Institute, TU Delft (Experimental biological physics)

2006-2008 Associate professor at Delft

2008- Full professor at Delft

Member of the Young Academy of Arts & Sciences

Member of the Council, Biophysical Society

EURYI Awardee