Dr Anne Donaldson

Institute of Medical Sciences
University of Aberdeen
Aberdeen

Using yeast cells to understand cancer

Dr Anne Donaldson uses tiny yeast cells to understand how DNA is copied to create new cells. Cancer starts when too many new cells are produced, so studying yeast can give vital clues to how this happens.

Every time a cell divides in two it needs to make an exact copy of its DNA – the genetic ‘instruction manual’ within every cell. The DNA inside a cell is arranged in chromosomes – long strands capped at each end with protective structures called telomeres. Dr Donaldson’s research focuses on how the chromosomes are copied during cell division.

Each time a cell divides, the telomere caps on the chromosomes get a bit shorter. If the telomeres get very short, then there’s a risk that the DNA in the cell can get damaged, increasing the chances of cancer developing.

Most cells stop dividing when their telomeres reach a certain size. This acts as a molecular ‘timer’, telling the cell when to stop copying itself. But in cancer cells the telomere caps don't get shorter over time. Instead, an enzyme called telomerase keeps repairing them. This allows the cells to carry on and on dividing, making them immortal.

Dr Donaldson is studying exactly how the telomerase enzyme works in yeast cells, as well as looking at other processes in the cell that control how the chromosomes are copied. Because yeast cells share many characteristics with our own, her work will give us valuable knowledge of how cancer cells grow out of control, inspiring new ideas for targeting the disease.