Projects in the Trakselis laboratory center on understanding the molecular mechanisms of DNA replication and repair and exploiting this knowledge for cancer therapeutics, biotechnology, and nanoscale applications. We utilize a model archaeal DNA replication system which shares significant homology to that of higher eukaryotes but is amenable to in vitro biochemistry experiments. This allows us to draw parallels between different domains of life using simpler replication systems. Additionally, we utilize cellular biology approaches in human cells to investigate the roles of various enzymes in double strand break repair. In this vain, we utilize molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics, cell biology and biophysical methods to probe this area of research.