In addition, regulators of apoptosis such as bcl-2 can exert control over cell cycle and differentiation pathways. Another project involves a search for homologous pathway of cell death in yeast. Certain inducers of mammalian apoptosis, such as thermal stress and ethanol, have lethal effects in yeast and are influenced by mitochondrial function. We are looking for biochemical and genetic similarities in these processes, with the goal of using yeast genetic techniques to isolate additional genes regulating apoptosis. A final area of interest is to understand the basis of Fanconi s anemia.
FA cells are hypersensitive to DNA alkylating agents.
This may represent a defect in a specific DNA-damage response pathway causing chromosomal breaks and excess cell death. Mutations have been mapped to two genes of unknown function in two FA groups.