Designing A Genetic Screen To Search For Genes Involved In Repair of DNA Double Strand Breaks in Fruit Flies
Poster Number
9
Format
Poster Presentation
Abstract/Artist Statement
The focus of our lab has been the study of two Drosophila genes, DmRad51D and DmXRCC2. The mammalian versions of these genes are part of an elaborate genetic pathway that helps repair double-strand DNA breaks created by x-rays, gamma-rays, and certain chemical carcinogens. When we look directly at how these genes function in mammals, we see that mutations in these genes in mice cause the mouse embryos to die, and it is difficult to carry out a proper analysis of a genetic pathway in dead mice. My project has been to design a genetic screen in fruit flies that will allow us to discover new genes involved in this DNA repair pathway, giving us new insight into how this pathway might work in human cells to repair DNA damage. I am currently using site-directed mutagenesis to build plasmids that will allow us to search for mutations that disrupt the repair of the white eye color gene after we have cut it with the I-SceI endonuclease to create a double-strand break.
Location
Pacific Geosciences Center
Start Date
30-4-2005 1:00 PM
End Date
30-4-2005 3:00 PM
Designing A Genetic Screen To Search For Genes Involved In Repair of DNA Double Strand Breaks in Fruit Flies
Pacific Geosciences Center
The focus of our lab has been the study of two Drosophila genes, DmRad51D and DmXRCC2. The mammalian versions of these genes are part of an elaborate genetic pathway that helps repair double-strand DNA breaks created by x-rays, gamma-rays, and certain chemical carcinogens. When we look directly at how these genes function in mammals, we see that mutations in these genes in mice cause the mouse embryos to die, and it is difficult to carry out a proper analysis of a genetic pathway in dead mice. My project has been to design a genetic screen in fruit flies that will allow us to discover new genes involved in this DNA repair pathway, giving us new insight into how this pathway might work in human cells to repair DNA damage. I am currently using site-directed mutagenesis to build plasmids that will allow us to search for mutations that disrupt the repair of the white eye color gene after we have cut it with the I-SceI endonuclease to create a double-strand break.