Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

Dirk Remus @dirkremus.bsky.social · 9d

Great work from Michelle Wang’s group at Cornell exploring how RNAP II and associated R-loops act as intrinsic roadblocks during mechanical DNA unzipping. These findings have mechanistic implications for transcription–replication conflict.

rdcu.be/eILVd

RNA polymerase II is a polar roadblock to a progressing DNA fork

Nature Communications - Transcription–replication conflicts can threaten genome stability. Here, the authors show that RNA polymerase II (Pol II) is a stronger roadblock to a DNA fork in the...

rdcu.be

2 7 24

Reposted by Dirk Remus

Agnel Sfeir @agnelsfeir.bsky.social · 21d

Congrats Maria! very well deserved... @mskcancercenter.bsky.social @mskeducation.bsky.social

The Rockefeller University @rockefeller.edu · 26d

Maria Jasin, whose fundamental research on repair of damaged DNA in cells has transformed our understanding of cancers linked to inherited gene mutations, has been selected as the 2025 recipient of the Pearl Meister Greengard Prize. Congratulations! #WomenInScience

Developmental biologist Maria Jasin wins the 2025 Pearl Meister Greengard Prize - News

Maria Jasin, whose fundamental research on repair of damaged DNA in cells has transformed our understanding of cancers linked to inherited gene mutations, has been selected as the 2025 recipient of the Pearl Meister Greengard Prize. Awarded annually by ...

www.rockefeller.edu

2 18

Reposted by Dirk Remus

Uli Rass @u-rass.bsky.social · Sep 3

My first post on bsky to share our latest research in @nature.com: “DNA2 enables growth by restricting recombination-restarted replication” - defines DNA2’s essential function & elucidates links with primordial dwarfism and cancer. Thanks to the lab, collaborators & @ukri.org @acmedsci.bsky.social

DNA2 enables growth by restricting recombination-restarted replication - Nature

DNA2 suppresses recombination-restarted replication and checkpoint activation at stalled forks, and its loss triggers recombination-dependent synthesis, checkpoint signalling and cell-cycle exit, high...

www.nature.com

7 19 39

Reposted by Dirk Remus

The Charles Sawyers Lab @sawyerslabmskcc.bsky.social · Jun 10

Just out: BRCA2 reversion mutation–independent resistance to PARP inhibition through impaired DNA prereplication complex function | PNAS www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/... @mskcancercenter.bsky.social @kyriepappas.bsky.social #SawyersLabMSKCC

PNAS

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), a peer reviewed journal of the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) - an authoritative source of high-impact, original research that broadly spans...

www.pnas.org

5 6

Reposted by Dirk Remus

duderstadtlab.bsky.social @duderstadtlab.bsky.social · Apr 9

If you have not already, make sure to check out two fantastic recent preprints from the Patel and Wang labs on the same topic investigated using magnetic tweezers and angular optical trapping:
doi.org/10.1101/2024... and doi.org/10.1101/2024...

Torsion is a Dynamic Regulator of DNA Replication Stalling and Reactivation

The inherent helical structure of DNA dictates that a replisome must rotate relative to DNA during replication, presenting inevitable topological challenges to replication. However, little is known ab...

doi.org

1 4 3

Reposted by Dirk Remus

duderstadtlab.bsky.social @duderstadtlab.bsky.social · Apr 9

🚨New preprint🚨We developed a transverse flow imaging approach to directly visualize bacterial replisomes challenged by topological barriers and discovered a fast rotational mode of replisome operation. Fantastic work by thomasmretzer.bsky.social and Hamdan Lab! tinyurl.com/replisomerot...

Real-time imaging of rotation during synthesis by the replisome

During chromosome replication, unwinding by the helicase and synthesis by the polymerases can lead to overwinding and supercoiling of DNA. The mechanical consequences of these events and resulting loc...

tinyurl.com

1 6 13

Reposted by Dirk Remus

Lucas Farnung @lucas.farnunglab.com · Apr 6

🔬 New from the Farnung Lab: We established a fully in vitro reconstituted chromatin replication system and report the first cryo-EM snapshots of the human replisome engaging nucleosomes. Brilliant work by @felixsteinruecke.bsky.social with support from @jonmarkert.bsky.social! tinyurl.com/replisome

10 57 180

Reposted by Dirk Remus

stadtfeldlab.bsky.social @stadtfeldlab.bsky.social · Mar 13

Our work on the regulation is out www.cell.com/stem-cell-re...! Congrats to our collaborators in the Vierbuchen and Mezey labs. It turns out that genetic variation has to be very much considered if you want to harness stem cells safely in biomedicine. #pluripotency #epigenetics #stemcells

Genetic variation modulates susceptibility to aberrant DNA hypomethylation and imprint deregulation in naive pluripotent stem cells

Pluripotent stem cells are susceptible to acquiring detrimental epigenetic abnormalities, posing a hurdle to their safe use in biomedical applications. Using pluripotent cells with defined genetic bac...

www.cell.com

8 14

Reposted by Dirk Remus

Agnel Sfeir @agnelsfeir.bsky.social · Mar 10

Combining bacterial end joining with programmable nucleases, we induced mtDNA deletions in human cells at varying heteroplasmy and examined their metabolic and cellular effects. Simple tool to apply across any cell type and engineer pathogenic mtDNA deletions. www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...

Engineering mtDNA deletions by reconstituting end joining in human mitochondria

Recent breakthroughs in the genetic manipulation of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) have enabled precise base substitutions and the efficient elimination of…

www.sciencedirect.com

4 29 100

Dirk Remus @dirkremus.bsky.social · Mar 8

Congrats!!

1

Dirk Remus @dirkremus.bsky.social · Mar 7

Shout out to Sloan Kettering @mskcancercenter.bsky.social for supporting basic science / foundational biology...

www.mskcc.org/news/cryo-el...

Cryo-Electron Microscopy Reveals Hidden Mechanics of DNA Replication, Sheds New Light on Cancer Target

MSK researchers shed new light on G-quadruplexes, a type of secondary DNA structure that has attracted attention as a potential therapeutic target in cancer.

www.mskcc.org

1 7 35

Reposted by Dirk Remus

Hasan Yardimci @hyardimci.bsky.social · Mar 7

In our latest preprint, we uncover how CMG helicase overcomes covalent DNA-protein crosslinks. Check out our findings here:
www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1...

3 22

Reposted by Dirk Remus

Sahil Batra @sahilbatra.bsky.social · Mar 6

Thrilled to share first part of my post-doc work, published today in @science.org www.science.org/doi/10.1126/...
We use reconstituted replication system and cryo-EM to unravel an unexpected mechanism of DNA translocation employed by eukaryotic replicative helicase.

G-quadruplex–stalled eukaryotic replisome structure reveals helical inchworm DNA translocation

DNA G-quadruplexes (G4s) are non–B-form DNA secondary structures that threaten genome stability by impeding DNA replication. To elucidate how G4s induce replication fork arrest, we characterized fork ...

www.science.org

1 7 32

Dirk Remus @dirkremus.bsky.social · Mar 6

How do replisomes walk on DNA? And what happens when they run into a G-quadruplex? @sahilbatra.bsky.social and @benallwein.bsky.social provide unexpected insight in our latest paper with Richard Hite @mskcancercenter.bsky.social @science.org www.science.org/doi/10.1126/.... Congrats to all authors!

G-quadruplex–stalled eukaryotic replisome structure reveals helical inchworm DNA translocation

DNA G-quadruplexes (G4s) are non–B-form DNA secondary structures that threaten genome stability by impeding DNA replication. To elucidate how G4s induce replication fork arrest, we characterized fork ...

www.science.org

8 48 110

Reposted by Dirk Remus

Ben Allwein @benallwein.bsky.social · Mar 6

I am so proud to share a major part of my graduate school research, published today in Science, where we use cell-free replication assays and cryo-EM to describe a central mechanism of eukaryotic DNA replication:

www.science.org/doi/10.1126/...

G-quadruplex–stalled eukaryotic replisome structure reveals helical inchworm DNA translocation

DNA G-quadruplexes (G4s) are non–B-form DNA secondary structures that threaten genome stability by impeding DNA replication. To elucidate how G4s induce replication fork arrest, we characterized fork ...

www.science.org

5 17

Reposted by Dirk Remus

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center @mskcancercenter.bsky.social · Mar 4

MSK has been recognized as one of the national's top workplaces for inclusion and diversity by @newsweek.com magazine. 🎉

MSK earned five stars, the highest ranking, among mid to large employers in America. Learn more: www.newsweek.com/rankings/ame...

America's Greatest Workplaces for Inclusion & Diversity 2025

Newsweek is partnering with Plant-A Insights Group to honor America's Greatest Workplaces for Inclusion & Diversity 2025. These companies are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse work envir...

www.newsweek.com

9 20

Reposted by Dirk Remus

Alessandra Brambati @alebrambati.bsky.social · Feb 27

In the midst of all the NIH & NSF chaos, I want to take a moment to focus on some good news and talk about science! 🧬✨

🚨 New preprint alert! 🚨 doi.org/10.1101/2025...
🧵👇 (1/)

doi.org

2 4 14

Reposted by Dirk Remus

Hamperl Lab @hamperllab.bsky.social · Feb 20

Proud to share our latest publication in @narjournal.bsky.social! A fantastic team effort led by @marcelwerner.bsky.social and Manuel T., where we explore the chromatin dynamics at transcription-replication conflicts (TRC) sites and their impact on genome stability using a novel TRC reporter system.

Marcel Werner @marcelwerner.bsky.social · Feb 20

I am delighted to share the main work of my PhD project in the @hamperllab.bsky.social now out in @narjournal.bsky.social. TRCs drive R-loop-dependent nucleosome eviction and require DOT1L activity for transcription recovery.
academic.oup.com/nar/article/...

#TRC #r-loop #chromatin

More below 👇

Transcription-replication conflicts drive R-loop-dependent nucleosome eviction and require DOT1L activity for transcription recovery

Abstract. Progressing transcription and replication machineries profoundly impact their underlying chromatin template. Consequently, transcription-replicat

academic.oup.com

3 5 21

Reposted by Dirk Remus

John Maciejowski @johnmaciejowski.bsky.social · Feb 17

Please check out our preprint where we find that mitotic transcription helps ensure ecDNA inheritance through chromosomal tethering:

www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1...

www.biorxiv.org

2 16 61

Reposted by Dirk Remus

Jesper Svejstrup @jsvejstrup.bsky.social · Feb 13

Setting up shop in advance of closing our profile on X.

1 2 13

Reposted by Dirk Remus

MSKEducation @mskeducation.bsky.social · Feb 3

Deadline to apply (Feb 10) is quickly approaching. If you are interested in learning about a postdoc opportunity at MSK, don't wait to apply.

MSKEducation @mskeducation.bsky.social · Jan 14

Calling senior graduate students interested in doing a postdoc at @mskcancercenter.bsky.social to join us virtually at the MSK View postdoc recruitment event on Feb 26 & 27. We strongly encourage students from underrepresented minority groups to apply at msk.org/mskview

MSK View
A postdoc recruitment event for MSK scientific laboratories
February 26 & 27, 2025
Deadline to apply: February 10, 2025
Apply at msk.org/mskview

Join us for the eighth MSK View, designed to provide senior-level
graduate students and early-stage postdocs insights about training
as a postdoc at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK).
During this virtual recruitment event, attendees will:
• learn about the cutting-edge science being conducted at MSK,
• hear from current postdoctoral researchers why they chose to pursue their postdoctoral training at MSK,
• gain insights from peers on how to plan and navigate career
development after graduate school and postdoctoral training.
In addition, 10 selected attendees will:
• present their research to the MSK community,
• hear MSK faculty discuss the factors they consider when selecting postdocs for their labs,
• be connected to MSK faculty for follow up conversations on their research.
Participation in the first day of MSKView will be open to most applicants, on day 2, selected applicants will be invited to present their work.

We are accepting applications from trainees in biology/ biomedicine, chemistry, engineering, physics and computational sciences who are:
• PhD or MD/PhD students within 2 years of defending their thesis,
• PhD, MD, or MD/PhD researchers interested in a second postdoc position.
Students from historically underrepresented groups in biomedical fields are strongly encouraged to apply.

KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Craig B. Thompson, MD
SKI Member and
MSK President Emeritus

Questions? Email us at opa@mskcc.org.

1 1

Reposted by Dirk Remus

Zierhut Lab @zierlab.bsky.social · Jan 14

Fascinating and thought-provoking new study by Tony Cesare's lab! It was a pleasure to write a News & Views about this work together with @villungerlab.bsky.social
www.nature.com/articles/s41...

Tony Cesare @thecesarelab.bsky.social · Jan 13

1/Delighted to announce the newest paper from our lab, “Homologous recombination promotes non-immunogenic mitotic cell death upon DNA damage”, is out today in @naturecellbiology.bsky.social, www.nature.com/articles/s41....

Homologous recombination promotes non-immunogenic mitotic cell death upon DNA damage - Nature Cell Biology

Szmyd et al. show that DNA repair pathways impact whether cells with DNA lesions arrest in mitosis. The formation of homologous recombination-driven double Holliday junctions elicits mitotic cell deat...

www.nature.com

2 3 13

Reposted by Dirk Remus

Naama Aviram @naamaaviram.bsky.social · Jan 2

New year, new beginnings! 🎉

The Aviram Lab will officially open its doors on March 1st @mskcancercenter.bsky.social!

We’ll study microbial immune systems and their connection to fundamental cellular processes like #RNA transcription and #DNA integrity.

#NewPI #AcademicSky #WomenInSTEM
(1/2)

7 18 69

Reposted by Dirk Remus

ZhaoLab @zhaolabski.bsky.social · Jan 4

Happy to share a new work from the lab on how DNA damage checkpoint can be down-regulated. rdcu.be/d5o3E. Congrats to all authors at @mskcancercenter.bsky.social and our Weill BCMB student @tzippora.bsky.social. gradschool.weill.cornell.edu/bcmb-allied-...

1 9 22

Reposted by Dirk Remus

Clausen Lab @clausenlab.bsky.social · Dec 21

🎄 xmas preprint 🎄 we are excited to share our cryo-EM structure of UBR4 in complex with KCMF1 and CALM1. the PQC ligase forms a massive ubiquitination arena, primed to amplify ubiquitin chains (E4 activity) and boost degradation of defective proteins. www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1...

Architecture of the 1.3 MDa complex of human UBR4 (2 x UBR4/KCMF1/CALM1). Picture shows top and side views of the cryo-EM density map and the modeled structure, colored by protein components and domains.

3 37 130