Identification of New Genes that Regulate Telomerase and Telomere Length in Budding Yeast
Abstract
In order to identify proteins that play a role in telomeric processing, I took two approaches. The first was a candidate gene approach, and to this end, I directly tested a set of proteins for their involvement in processing the chromosome termini when end protection mechanisms are compromised. Secondly, I designed and carried out a large-scale genetic screen. The screen was based on the assumption that loss of processing at the telomere would make the essential protective function of Cdc13 dispensable. To this end, I screened for genes that, when mutated, resulted in the ability to bypass the lethality associated with loss of Cdc13 function. Unexpectedly, a large number of mutants were isolated from the screen, representing multiple disrupted genes, indicating that many different genes/pathways can contribute to telomeric processing. Many of the genes characterized have telomere phenotypes in otherwise wild-type backgrounds, supporting a potential role in telomere metabolism and maintenance. One class of mutants appears to have been isolated owing to the ability of its members to enhance a previously described recombination pathway for telomere maintenance. Further analysis is critical to understanding whether these proteins play a direct role at the chromosome termini, and if so, by what mechanism they do so.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 2002
- Accession Number
- ADA408093
Entities
People
- Erin Pennock
- Joel Otero
- Vicki Lundblad
Organizations
- Baylor College of Medicine