Joann Sweasy, PhD
Professor, Department of Therapeutic Radiology and Genetics and Cancer Genetics Program
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joann.sweasy@yale.edu Phone: 203.737.2626 Appt Phone: Fax: 203.785.6309 Yale University School of Medicine Department of Therapeutic Radiology P.O. Box 208040 New Haven, Connecticut 06520-8040 |
Degrees/Education:
B.A., Beaver College (1980)
Ph.D., Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey (1989)
Faculty Appointments:
Assistant Professor, Yale University School of Medicine, Department of Therapeutic Radiology (1995-98)
Associate Professor, Yale University School of Medicine, Department of Therapeutic Radiology (1998-Present)
Certifications/Honors:
Argall and Anna Hull Award
American Cancer Society Junior Faculty Research Award
Donaghue Investigator Award
Research Interests:
- Genome Stability
- Mutagenesis
- DNA Replication
- DNA Repair
- Carcinogenesis
A major goal of the research conducted in my laboratory is to study the relationship between mutations and cancer. Therefore we concentrate our efforts on studying the mechanism of mutagenesis by a DNA polymerase, polymerase ~ (Pol beta). We are currently taking two approaches to achieve this goal. In the first, we employ genetic screens to identify amino acid residues of Pol beta that function in promoting the fidelity of DNA synthesis. The Pol beta mutant proteins identified in these screens are then analyzed using kinetics to characterize the mechanism(s) Pol beta employs to synthesize DNA accurately. The second approach we are taking is to characterize the cancer-associated mutants of Pol beta. Approximately 30% of tumors studied to have mutations within the Pol ß gene. Our lab has found that the Pol bet variants resulting from these mutations synthesize DNA inaccurately in vitro and in cells. Thus, these mutations may be linked to the etiology of cancer. We also study the cellular role of Pol beta and have shown that Pol beta particpates in meiosis. We are currently constructing and characterizing mutant mice to further our understanding of the role of Pol beta in meiosis.
Selected PubMed article listing
Training:
Postdoctoral Fellowship: University of Washington , Seattle, WA with Dr. Lawrence A. Loeb.
