Cohesin dysfunction: potential new route to tumourigenesis

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This proposal aims to investigate the role of a newly-discovered chromosomal and DNA repair protein, Rad21, in breast cancer. Rad21 is a gene, present in many species and essential for accurate chromosome separation. Based on its' known function in different species, it is conceivable that its' dysfunction could fuel cancer progression by promoting genetic instability, eg. gains or losses of chromosomes, commonly associated with human cancers. No definitive data currently exists as regards the potential role of this gene in cancer development. This study is thus the first systematic investigation towards understanding the function of this potential cancer-causing gene. Although the proposed study focuses on breast cancers, it could, in principle, apply to other cancer types in which its' overactivity has recently be oberserved. This study could also have implications for the response of humans to radio- and chemo-therapy for cancer treatment