Abstract

The development and application of genetic tools and resources has enabled a partial genetic-interaction network for the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae to be compiled. Analysis of the network, which is ongoing, has already provided a clear picture of the nature and scale of the genetic interactions that robustly sustain biological systems, and how cellular buffering is achieved at the molecular level. Recent studies in yeast have begun to define general principles of genetic networks, and also pave the way for similar studies in metazoan model systems. A comparative understanding of genetic-interaction networks promises insights into some long-standing genetic problems, such as the nature of quantitative traits and the basis of complex inherited disease.

Author affiliations

1. Banting & Best Department of Medical Research and Terrence Donnelly Centre for Cellular & Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, 160 College Street, Toronto M5S 3E1, Canada.
2. Department of Biology, McGill University, 1205 Docteur Penfield, Montreal H3A 1B1, Quebec, Canada.

Correspondence to: Charles Boone¹ Email: charlie.boone@utoronto.ca

Correspondence to: Brenda J. Andrews¹ Email: brenda.andrews@utoronto.ca

MORE ARTICLES LIKE THIS

These links to content published by NPG are automatically generated.