Grant: Operating Grant

Cells read DNA using proteins that recognize specific sequences. Knowledge of the sequence preferences of DNA-binding proteins is critical for understanding how genomes function. We now have genome sequences from all major branches of the eukaryotic kingdom - that is, all non-bacterial life forms. These sequences also provide lists of proteins, from which we can identify those that are likely to bind DNA. My laboratory has implemented a high-throughput technique for determining the sequence preferences of DNA-binding proteins, and we also have a computational system for projecting these data among related proteins. In the next five years we will endeavor to use these systems to determine or infer the sequence preferences of all eukaryotic DNA-binding proteins. These data will be of widespread utility in biomedical research.