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By studying how biological systems work, scientists often gain clues about how to counteract problems that arise when those systems malfunction. Cancer is the result of DNA mutation, incorrectly assembled or packaged chromosomes, or incorrectly modified histones (proteins within the chromosomes). Because some histone defects are linked to cancer in humans, understanding how this process is regulated is key to slowing or stopping the disease. Dr. Donna Lindsay is looking at how the Anaphase Promoting Complex (APC), a cell cycle regulator, controls histone acetylation in a species of yeast called Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Through previous research, Dr. Lindsay and colleagues working in the Harkness lab have shown that APC plays a critical role in histone acetylation, genomic stability, and normal aging. Because yeast is similar in structure to human cells, this current project should provide insights into how to battle cancer in humans.

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