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Robin Clemens Köhler

Postdoctoral Researcher, RG Murray
MPI for Terrestrial Microbiology
Mail: robin.koehler@synmikro.mpi-marburg.mpg.de

Project: DNA Segregation by the ParABS System: Cooperative Binding and Its Role in Faithful Inheritance of Genetic Material

Project summary:
The ParABS system plays a critical role in the segregation of plasmids within bacterial cells, a key element in the mechanics of genetic inheritance. Plasmids often encode traits, such as antibiotic resistance or pathogenicity, underscoring their significance in public health context. Yet, the detailed workings of the ParABS system remain elusive. Here, we focus on ParA's DNA interaction, proposing, from simulation evidence, that it binds DNA cooperatively and not only nonspecifically. To explore the behavior of ParA, we combine bio layer interferometry, microfluidics, and computational modeling to dissect ParA-DNA dynamics. This interdisciplinary approach seeks to elucidate the complex behavior of ParA and its influence on genetic inheritance, offering novel insights into bacterial cell biology.

Cooperation with: Martin Thanbichler (UMR), Thomas Heimerl (UMR)