J. M. Berger

Chromatinization Modulates Topoisomerase II Processivity

This study shows that chromatin enhances topoisomerase II processivity under both high and low torsional stress, with topo II relaxing over 6000 DNA turns on plectonemic DNA.

Using energy to go downhill - a genoprotective role for ATPase activity in DNA topoisomerase II

This study shows that ATPase activity in type II topoisomerases prevents excessive DNA damage by regulating strand passage and cleavage.

Dimensional Reduction for Single Molecule Imaging of DNA and Nucleosome Condensation by Polyamines, HP1α and Ki-67

This paper uses single-molecule imaging to study DNA and nucleosome condensation by polyamines, HP1α, and Ki-67, revealing kinetic differences in condensation and dissolution.

DNA-Stimulated Liquid-Liquid Phase Separation by Eukaryotic Topoisomerase II Modulates Catalytic Function

This study shows that DNA-induced phase separation of eukaryotic type IIA topoisomerases switches their function from DNA unlinking to catenation.

Molecular determinants of phase separation for Drosophila DNA replication licensing factors

This study identifies molecular mechanisms underlying phase separation in Drosophila DNA replication licensing factors, showing that DNA-bridging and hydrophobic interactions drive condensate formation and specificity.

Control of topoisomerase II activity and chemotherapeutic inhibition by TCA cycle metabolites

This study identifies TCA cycle metabolites as regulators of topoisomerase II activity and shows their impact on drug sensitivity in vivo.

The molecular coupling between substrate recognition and ATP turnover in a AAA+ hexameric helicase loader

This study investigates how ATPase elements in E. coli DnaC regulate helicase loading and DNA unwinding, identifying a new element called the arginine-coupler that prevents futile ATP cycling.

Toward computational design of protein crystals with improved resolution

This paper develops a computational method to improve protein crystal resolution by designing point mutations, finding that resolution can be enhanced and space group altered through such mutations.

A Primase-Induced Conformational Switch Controls the Stability of the Bacterial Replisome

This study identifies a primase-induced conformational switch that enhances the stability of the bacterial replisome by strengthening the interaction between the polymerase holoenzyme and the replicative helicase.