The RAD52 epistasis group is responsible for repairing the majority of double-stranded DNA breaks via homologous recombination in S. cerevisiae. This group contains at least nine genes: RAD50, RAD51, RAD52, RAD54, RAD55, RAD57, RAD59, MRE11, and XRS2 (1,2). Mutations in many of these genes result in an increased sensitivity to DNA damaging agents, such as ionizing radiation or methylmethanesulfonate, that produce double stranded DNA breaks (3,4). In addition, strains containing mutations in many members of this epistasis group are inviable when the cells go through meiosis, where homologous recombination is required (4,5). While considerable progress has been made toward elucidating the mechanistic steps of and determining the enzymes responsible for homologous recombination in bacteriophage T4 and in E. coli, our current level of understanding of eukaryotic DNA recombination remains limited. The focus of this proposal is to expand our knowledge of this process in S. cerevisiae. Currently, the roles of Rad5l protein, Rad52 protein and RPA are being investigated by the Kowalczykowski group and others. My goal is to use biochemical methods to define the function of the Rad54 protein in homologous recombination. Given the studies to date, I believe that Rad54 protein may have a role either as a DNA chromatin remodeling factor, or as an enzyme capable of stimulating the branch migration phase of homologous recombination. I plan to examine the enzymatic characteristics of Rad54 protein using the bacteriophage T4 and E. coli recombination systems to help guide the initial studies.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS)
Type
Postdoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (F32)
Project #
5F32GM020057-02
Application #
6179086
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-BIO (01))
Program Officer
Tompkins, Laurie
Project Start
1999-04-01
Project End
Budget Start
2000-04-01
Budget End
2001-02-28
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
2000
Total Cost
$34,727
Indirect Cost
Name
University of California Davis
Department
Microbiology/Immun/Virology
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
094878337
City
Davis
State
CA
Country
United States
Zip Code
95618