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P2064
A Genome-wide siRNA Screen for Identifying Novel Genes Involved in Maintaining Genomic Stability
Presenter Deena Soni, Stanford University, USA
Additional Authors: Renee Paulsen, David Solow-Codero, Karlene Cimprich, Jayne Hesley, Steve Miller, Evan Cromwell
The stability of our genome is constantly challenged by DNA damage caused by intrinsic and extrinsic agents. Cells have therefore evolved complex pathways to prevent DNA damage. Loss of these processes can lead to the formation of double stranded breaks that serve as one of the most potent sources of DNA rearrangements and mutations and cause an overall increase in genomic instability. To identify novel genes involved in maintaining genome stability, we have recently conducted a genome-wide siRNA screen in mammalian cells. This was an unbiased screen that analyzed the phosphorylation of H2AX, a marker for double-strand break formation in HeLa cells treated with or without the replication inhibitor aphidicolin. The primary screen generated over 800 hits that were further validated by several criteria to narrow upon a subset of 300 genes for follow-up analysis. In-depth studies are currently in progress to understand the mechanisms by which these novel genes promote genomic stability.