Our research interest is focused on the function of the three eukaryotic SMC complexes; cohesin, condensin and Smc5/6. Structural Maintenance of Chromosomes (SMC) complexes are sophisticated machines capable of remodelling chromosome architecture during the essential processes of the cell cycle. They form ring-shaped structures and use ATP hydrolysis to fuel their manipulation in order to change the topology of chromatin fibers. SMC function is therefore closely linked to that of topoisomerases.  The ability to manipulate DNA allows SMC complexes to alter local chromatin structure cooperatively to ensure that higher-order manipulation of chromosomes is achieved as required during distinct cellular processes. We use biochemical and biophysical techniques on purified proteins to investigate mechanisms of SMC complex function, and combine these in vitro approaches with studies in yeast and human cells to gain an understanding of the function of these protein complexes inside eukaryotic cells.

SMC complexes are essential in eukaryotic and bacterial cells, therefore inhibitors of SMC function, and associated factors (i.e. topoisomerases), have diverse therapeutic applications, from antimicrobials to cancer. We interested in the translational potential of SMC complexes and are currently working on the “reverse antibiotic” nybomycin for the treatment of fluoroquinolone-resistance (antimicrobial resistance – AMR) infections.