Laboratory of Yeast Molecular Genetics Frederick R. Cross Professor

Cell cycle initiation in yeast and the genetics of cyclin-dependent kinases.

Using genetic and biochemical approaches, we examine specificity of the actions of cyclins, the positive regulatory subunits of the cyclin-dependent kinases that drive cell cycle events in eukaryotes. We work on three cyclin homologs that control the initiation of the budding yeast cell cycle, encoded by the CLN1, CLN2 and CLN3 genes. Although functionally redundant, these genes use different mechanisms, suggesting that the subunits contribute functional specificity to the kinase subunit Cdc28p. We also are examining mechanisms of functional specialization of B-type cyclins that drive DNA replication and mitosis. Finally, we are developing fine-structure genetics of the Cdc28p cyclin-dependent kinase, identifying mutations that affect its requirements for phosphorylation and for cyclin binding for activation.

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