Genetic Network Guards Against DNA Damage

Johns Hopkins scientists say the discovery in yeast cells of a genetic network that guards against lethal DNA damage is an important milestone.

The researchers in the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine say the discovery marks the first step in the creation of a database of disease-causing combinations of mutated human genes.

Led by Jef Boeke, the Hopkins team described a genetic network that is necessary for ensuring genomic stability in yeast. The study also identified previously unrecognized genes critical for maintaining DNA integrity and novel functions for well-known genes.

A lot of human diseases are caused by multiple gene mutations that are difficult to identify, said Boeke, who is a professor of molecular biology and genetics.

He said the yeast cell is an excellent model for such a study because 25 percent of human disease genes are also found in yeast.

The interactions we discovered in yeast could also help researchers select the human versions of these genes suitable as targets for the development of new, more targeted and less toxic cancer therapies, Boeke said.

He and his team report in the March 10 issue of the journal Cell.