Replifate Consortium

Sometimes DNA replication hits a 🛑 roadblock.
Cells don’t stop; they take clever detours (DNA damage tolerance) 🚗💨 to keep genomes intact.

That’s the focus of our new review in @cp-trendsbiochem.bsky.social:
“Just bypass it: mechanisms of DNA damage tolerance”

🔗 doi.org/10.1016/j.ti...

It is not always safe to repair DNA Damage. Sometimes, cells "just bypass it".

During DNA replication, repair of lesions on DNA can be dangerous. Cells instead "tolerate" DNA damage and focus on finishing replication.

Read our review and find out why and how: doi.org/10.1016/j.ti...

USP1/UAF1 targets polyubiquitinated PCNA with an exo-cleavage mechanism that can temporarily enrich for monoubiquitinated PCNA - Nature Communications DNA damage tolerance is regulated by ubiquitination of PCNA. Here, the authors present kinetic and structural studies showing that USP1/UAF1 prefers trimming K63- and K48-ubiquitin chains down over cl...

New cool research alert!

Tita Sixma #RepliFate lab uncovered the preferred exo-cleavage mechanism by which USP1/UAF1 can cleave ubiquitin chains on polyubiquitinated PCNA and temporarily enrich for monoubiquitinated PCNA.

Read the full study: doi.org/10.1038/s414...

Another exciting research article from a member of the #RepliFate network!

The Altmeyer lab identified the CNOT1-CCR4-NOT complex as a multi-level suppressor of the 53BP1-p53-p21 signaling axis.

Check out their findings here: doi.org/10.1016/j.ce...

DNA polymerase α/primase extraction from chromatin by VCP/p97 restricts ATR activation during unperturbed DNA replication - Nature Communications The replication stress response ensures genomic stability throughout DNA duplication. Here, the authors show that VCP/p97 extracts the DNA polymerase α/Primase complex from chromatin, preventing exces...

Just published!

Lecona (@emlecona.bsky.social ) & Méndez #RepliFate labs show that VCP/p97 removes Pol α/primase from chromatin to avoid excess ATR activation during normal #DNAreplication

VCP/p97 = checkpoint gatekeeper!

Read the full study: doi.org/10.1038/s414...

More info about Helen Pynor's art work here: www.helenpynor.com

This unique collaboration aims to spark new dialogues between scientific research 🧬 and contemporary art 🎭, culminating in experimental works and public engagement activities that translate complex biology into compelling artistic experiences.

We’re excited to welcome artist Helen Pynor to @cbm-csic-uam.bsky.social as part of the #RepliFate artist-in-residence program! 🎨🧬

From June 24–July 5, she’ll explore how #DNAreplication shapes cell fate & cancer, bridging science & art with our researchers.

#SciArt #ArtInScience

Frogs in the lab? Yep! 🐸

This week, RepliFate PhD students are diving into the Xenopus egg extract system at the @duxinlab.bsky.social (@bric-ucph.bsky.social, @ucph.bsky.social) -where test tubes meet frog magic to unravel the mysteries of DNA replication and genome integrity.

Our lab’s a little more crowded (and a lot more curious) this week! 🧠🐸

We’re thrilled to welcome @RepliFate students for a hands-on course in Xenopus egg extracts.

They're diving into the Xenopus world and learning how this powerful system helps us explore DNA replication and genome stability.

#EuropeDay2025

On May 8, Emilio Lecona @emlecona.bsky.social and PhD students Ran Tong (@csic.es) & Scott Brian Churcher (@cbm-csic-uam.bsky.social) presented our network to students to show how we train researchers to study DNA replication in the fight against cancer 💡🧬

🔬 Science Through an Artistic Lens🎨

🧬Led by Prof. Maria-Elena Torres-Padilla, the #RepliFate Artist-in-Residence Program brings #artists and #scientists together.

👉 t1p.de/j5pi8

@epihmgu.bsky.social @metorrespadilla.bsky.social @ec.europa.eu @annadumitriu.bsky.social @replifate.bsky.social

Great initiative from the CSIC!

We're proud to see RepliFate science shared with the public on #EuropeDay2025 — science belongs to everyone!

🌍 #ClimateActionDay is here!

For the first time, the University of Copenhagen @ucph.bsky.social is joining forces to take real steps toward a greener future

At BRIC @bric-ucph.bsky.social, we’re putting words into action!

Small changes can make a big impact 🌱

#GreenLabs #SustainableScience

It’s time for new duo: Julius Thomas & his PI Lorenza Penengo from the University of Zurich.
They study the ISG15 system in DNA replication—but there’s more! One could be found scaling alpine peaks, while the other might just trade the lab for the thrill of mushroom hunting. Curious to know more? 🍄

We’re kicking off our RepliFate introductions with @Phuc and her PI, @sylvie-noordermeer.bsky.social ! As part of the RepliFate network, they are contributing to exciting research in double-strand break (DSB) repair. Wanna know more about their work, hobbies, and fun facts? Check out their profiles!

Her goal? To observe, learn, and draw inspiration from the molecular world we study, translating the complexities of DNA replication into artistic expression. #SciArt

🎨 🔬 Science Meets Art
This week, we are excited to welcome Pei-Ying Lin to the @duxinlab.bsky.social as part of the RepliFate Artists in Residence program. Pei will spend two days immersed in our lab routine.

Over the coming weeks, we’ll spotlight both PhD students and PIs, sharing not only their research interests but also a glimpse into their personalities.

Ever wondered where a scientist spends most of their time in the lab? Or what they would be doing if they weren’t researchers?

We are excited to launch a series introducing the RepliFate researchers driving innovation in DNA Replication and Cell Fate.