Role of mouse rad21 and rec8 genes in recombination and ionising radiation response

Funded Activity Summary

We have created a line of mice and are creating a second mouse line which lack two specific genes known as Mrec8 and Mrad21. These genes have a number of roles in mammals. These roles include acting as a glue to hold chromosomes together and allowing exchange of DNA between separate DNA molecules. The latter is important in physiological processes such as genetic exchange during meiosis, but also in the response of the cell to DNA damage, specifically, breakages in both strands of the DNA helix. In the studies proposed here, we will breed these mice both with each other and with other mice that have specific, single gene defects which lead to abnormal responses to DNA strand breakages. We shall assess the effects of the different genes on response to DNA strand breaking agents in the animals, as well as in cells which have been derived from the animals. These experiments are expected to shed light onto the consequences of defects in DNA repair for the stability of cells and animals, and may provide information which ultimately benefits cancer patients, especially those having radiotherapy.

Funded Activity Details

Start Date: 01-01-2003

End Date: 01-01-2005

Funding Scheme: NHMRC Project Grants

Funding Amount: $403,750.00

Funder: National Health and Medical Research Council

Research Topics

ANZSRC Field of Research (FoR)

Radiotherapy And Nuclear Medicine

ANZSRC Socio-Economic Objective (SEO)

There are no SEO codes available for this funding activity

Other Keywords

Cancer | Cancer therapy | DNA repair | Homologous recombination | Infertility | Radiation biology | Radiosensitivity

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