Postdoctoral Researcher

The research group of Nagaraja Chappidi investigates how macromolecular assemblies and compartment-like structures contribute to accurate DNA replication and DNA repair. The research combines purified replication and repair factors with quantitative biochemical and biophysical approaches—such as TIRF microscopy and optical tweezers—and integrates these findings with cell-based and, where appropriate, disease-relevant models. Key questions include how replication and repair factors self-organize into mesoscale structures, which emergent biophysical properties arise from this organization, and how such compartmentalization improves accuracy, efficiency, and regulation of genome maintenance. The overarching goal is to define the principles governing coordinated factor assembly, selective compartment formation, spatial confinement of enzymatic activities, and the timely exchange of substrates between molecular players.