Vincent Sutera

Focus on Studies: The principal investigations I have researched over the years with the counsel of Dr. Susan Lovett have centered around dynamic DNA rearrangements due to recombination and mutational repair events found in Escherichia coli. These studies have focused on both plasmid and chromosomal based systems that take a closer look at internal and external factors that cause genetic modifications and the response such modifications can elicit. Over the course of our studies we have examined a range of proteins that have diverse functions but contribute to the overall maintenance and integrity of DNA. My initial project was centered on the further characterization of RecJ, an exonuclease that removes deoxyribonucleotides in a five prime to three prime direction. RecJ was shown by other members of our group to assist in mutational repair by removing segments of DNA that have been damaged or altered in some way. Our research expanded in uncovering additional roles of factors that were originally categorized as being involved in replication and nucleoid maintenance. SeqA and DnaA are two proteins that play an important role in DNA replication in Escherichia coli. DnaA is the main proponent in DNA initiation of replication and SeqA is attributed to controlling the timing of such initiation. Part of knowing how these factors control replication has led to insights on how mutations can arise and how they can be repaired. Through the process of inducing DNA damage to the cell in the forms of chemical, environmental or oxidative stresses we have determined that its role in suppressing initiation of DNA replication is important for enhancing its survival by allowing repair to occur. Currently my concentration is focused on the characterization of YoaA, a putative helicase that we believe is associated with the replisome during the process of repair by its interaction with a protein HolC. HolC is part of the clamp loading complex of DNA polymerase III that hydrolyzes ATP to facilitate attaching the beta clamp to primed DNA. Our aim is to investigate the interactions between YoaA and HolC by targeting amino acid residues that may interrupt their association. It is also our objective to obtain purified YoaA and test its putative helicase function.

Developmental Note: Having been one of the contributors in building the foundation of Dr. Susan Lovett’s lab, I was provided with a unique environment where the responsibilities I was given over the course of time changed the nature of my position to what is has evolved into today. As the laboratory grew in size, the opportunities to learn more management, administrative and research skills became available. After acquiring a foundational skill set as a result of this development, I was entrusted to mentor undergraduates and graduate students alike in their research project and thesis. During this process I continued to do research and through this evolution gained more independence and freedom with my scientific investigations until I achieved the position of Senior Research Associate. One of the more fulfilling achievements in my career advancement was to be awarded the Instructor position for the Masters in Biotechnology Program. Through these advancements my position came to be a combination of Research Associate Scientist, Graduate Level Instructor, Scientific Mentor, and Laboratory Administrator. All of these attributes have rounded out my career in this field and can be attributed, in part, to the guidance and support of Dr. Susan Lovett.