Grant: Operating Grant

DNA is the carrier of genetic information that is passed from one generation to the next, and it contains crucial instructions for all cellular function. Cells constantly encounter DNA damage that may be caused by internal or external agents such as oxidative stress or UV light. Repair of DNA damage is crucial to prevent passing on mutated DNA to the next generation. In humans, defects in the DNA damage response may lead to cancer or genetic diseases such as ataxia telangiectasia. Due to the critical importance of the DNA damage response, cells have complex mechanisms to recognize and repair DNA damage, and these pathways are highly conserved in all species. Much of the basic knowledge about DNA repair processes has been discovered in budding yeast, since it is a great model organism for understanding fundamental pathways in the cell. This proposal will study how yeast uses certain genes to enable the proper response to DNA damage. A better understanding of the DNA damage response will provide the basis for studying the defective processes in cancer or genetic diseases, and will ultimately contribute to the development of therapeutics.