Cancer genetics

Cancer genetics has for many years focused on mutational events that have their primary effect within the cancer cell. Recently that focus has widened, with evidence of the importance of epigenetic events and of cellular interactions in cancer development. The role of common genetic variation in determining the range of individual susceptibility within the population is increasingly recognized, and will be addressed using information from the Human Genome Project. These new research directions will highlight determinants of cancer that lie outside the cancer cell, suggest new targets for intervention, and inform the design of strategies for prevention in groups at increased risk.     

Exploiting genetics

Congressional hearings, chaired by Rep. Albert Gore, were held in June 1982 on the conflicts of interest that arise when academic personnel become involved with industry-sponsored genetic engineering research. Critics of such involvement are concerned that traditional freedom of inquiry will be compromised when university researchers are paid by corporations to work on outside projects that parallel their academic investigations. Although university administrators testified that concerned institutions are moving to regulate university-industry ties, other witnesses called for federal legislation that would require researchers to disclose potential conflict of interest situations.     

The new yeast genetics

Gene cloning and yeast DNA transformation techniques have greatly enhanced the power of classical yeast genetics. It is now possible to isolate any classically defined gene, to alter the yeast genome at will by replacing normal chromosomal sequences with mutated derivatives produced in vitro, and to create DNA molecules that behave as autonomous replicons or minichromosomes. These unique features of the new yeast genetics have been used to study many problems in eukaryotic molecular biology.