Dr. Liu is combining single-molecule fluorescence and force spectroscopy to study dynamic interactions between meiotic double-strand break (DSB) proteins and DNA. Meiotic recombination initiates with DSBs that are generated by the protein Spo11. Spo11 and its partner proteins ensure that DSBs occur at the right chromosome sites and at the right time. Dysregulated DSBs lead to chromosome instability, a hallmark of cancer cells. Dr. Liu’s study will elucidate the dynamics of DSB formation during meiosis, which will shed light on cancer formation and pave the way for new therapeutic alternatives.