Molecular Genetics - PhD and honours Projects - Role of ASCIZ in the DNA damage response and cancer development
Role of ASCIZ in the DNA damage response and cancer development
Project Type
PhD
Summary
DNA damage responses play a critical role in the natural prevention of cancer and in the cellular response to the majority of clinically used cancer chemotherapeutics. We have recently identified ASCIZ as a novel factor in the response to DNA base damage, and ASCIZ also has DNA damage-independent functions as a transcription factor. The aim of this project is to elucidate the molecular mechanisms by which ASCIZ affects repair of DNA base damage, using both biochemical and cell-based in vitro studies, as well as innovative in vivo mouse models of tumorigenesis and chemotherapeutic responses.
Recent publications: McNees et al, ASCIZ regulates lesion-specific Rad51 focus formation and apoptosis after methylating DNA damage, EMBO Journal 24, 2447-57 (2005); Jurado et al, Dual Functions of ASCIZ in the DNA base damage response and pulmonary organogenesis, PLoS Genetics 6, e1001170 (2010).