Dr Andy Bates MA PhD CChem MRSC

The study of supercoiling, knotting and linking of DNA in cells, and of the enzymes that regulate these features, the topoisomerases. In particular, I am interested in the mechanism of action of the type II topoisomerases, including DNA gyrase. These enzymes perform the notable feat of passing a double-stranded DNA through a break in a second double-stranded molecule, a process that requires the hydrolysis of ATP. I am particularly interested in the energetics of the mechanism. Interfering with this process is frequently lethal for cells, so these enzymes are targets for antibacterial and anti-tumour agents.

8-nitro guanine is a relatively unstudied DNA oxidative lesion, which may be involved in the progression to cancer in inflamed tissues. We are trying to understand the mutagenic effect of this altered nucleotide in vitro and in vivo, and its potential repair.