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Fellows Directory

John Diffley

John Diffley

Dr John Diffley FMedSci FRS

Fellow


Elected: 2005

Biography

John Diffley is known for his elegant use of genetics, biochemistry, molecular and cellular biology to elaborate the events that occur at origins of eukaryotic DNA replication throughout the cell cycle. His most significant contribution was the discovery and characterisation of the pre-replicative complex (pre-RC), which contains the origin recognition complex (ORC), Cdc6 and the Mcm2-7 complex. His laboratory showed that cyclin-dependent kinases prevent pre-RC assembly in budding yeast by inhibiting ORC, and by regulating Cdc6 proteolysis and Mcm2-7 nuclear localisation.

Additionally, cyclin-dependent kinase promotes initiation by phosphorylating Sld2 and Sld3. Recently, his laboratory has reconstituted regulated initiation with purified proteins. His laboratory also contributed to understanding how replication origins are regulated by checkpoint kinases in response to DNA damage. Together, John’s work has led to a deeper understanding of how chromosomal DNA replication is controlled.

Professional positions

Associate Research Director, The Francis Crick Institute
Associate Research Director, The Francis Crick Institute

Interest and expertise

Subject groups

  • Biochemistry and molecular cell biology
    • Biochemistry and molecular biology, Cell biology (incl molecular cell biology)

Keywords

DNA Replication, Cell Cycle,  DNA Damage Checkpoints

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