In this project we aim to identify novel functions and conditions that facilitate RecBFI recombination pathway in E. coli and A-EJ pathway (and accompanying genome rearrangements) in D. radiodurans. The research will engage next-generation sequencing and advanced bioinformatic tools for (i) identification of suppressor mutations that facilitate RecBFI pathway in E. coli and (ii) identification of various types of genome rearrangements in D. radiodurans. In addition, genetic, molecular biology and cell biology (microscopy) approaches will be used to study the effect of different mutations of interest on bacterial growth, viability and DNA repair capacity as well as on chromosome morphology and segregation. Given that homologous recombination is a highly conserved process, our research on bacteria could be instructive for research on cancer and other human diseases associated with DNA recombination defects and genome rearrangements.