R-loop sensor

Abstract

This invention relates to a method of detecting an R-loop in a cell comprising culturing an isolated cell expressing a DNA:RNA hybrid-binding fusion protein that comprises (a) two or more hybrid binding domains (HBDs); and (b) a detectable reporter domain, such that the fusion protein binds to R-loops in the cell. The distribution of the fusion protein within the cell is then determined. An accumulation of fusion protein is indicative of an R-loop in the cell. Also provided are DNA:RNA hybrid-binding fusion proteins, encoding nucleic acids, and methods of screening for compounds that modulate R-loops.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.