Within each cell of our bodies, genes order the production of thousands of proteins to carry out or halt particular biological processes. Since many proteins act in concert with other proteins, studies of these diverse interactions are fundamental to determining what individual proteins do and how defects may lead to cancer or other diseases. For example, if a gene that normally shuts down cell division or growth is damaged, this mutant gene may give rise to cancer by generating a protein that functions abnormally or failing to produce enough normal protein to suppress tumor growth. Golemis uses yeast cells as tools to determine how such anticancer genes and their proteins function. She then looks for characteristic changes in cell shape and growth patterns that might predict cancerous changes in human cells.
Scientists use two-hybrid systems to study a number of protein classes.
The new system incorporates controls for false positives or non-specific interactions in a single step. This latter feature would permit simultaneous comparison of both a normal and a mutant form of the same protein. Such a test may be of particular use in conjunction with the development of highly targeted new drugs. The nonprofit Merck Genome Research Institute was established to support the development of scientific technology that will expedite the analysis and understanding of human genetic traits and help determine the biological function of genes associated with specific diseases. The Institute encourages and sponsors projects that enable scientists to develop innovative assays and methodologies aimed at improving the accuracy and speed in which functional associations can be made with gene sequences.