DNA shape as a regulatory element in transcription factor activity. The regulation of gene activity is fundamental to biology. Transcription factors control gene expression by selectively recognizing

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DNA shape as a regulatory element in transcription factor activity. The regulation of gene activity is fundamental to biology. Transcription factors control gene expression by selectively recognizing DNA motifs near target genes. However, these motifs often exhibit highly similar primary DNA sequence, raising the question how transcription factors discriminate and activate genes based on cellular needs. Using interdisciplinary approaches, this project aims to demonstrate that transcription factor binding specificity is encoded in DNA shape and dynamics. The findings that the intrinsic DNA shape determines gene regulatory outcomes, will deepen our understanding of cell biology and guide future efforts to modulate cellular activity rationally.. Scheme: Discovery Early Career Researcher Award. Field: 3101 - Biochemistry and Cell Biology. Lead: Dr Serafima Guseva