Dr. Beth Montelone

Area of study: Division of Biology
Email: bethmont@ksu.edu
Website: Homepage

“We study the genetic alterations that occur in cells exposed to radiation and other cancer-causing agents. It is well known that such changes are responsible for cancer formation and progression. All cells possess repair systems that help to avoid these harmful genetic errors. We use the model system bakers’ yeast to dissect the functions and interactions of genes involved in DNA repair. Because these genes are very similar to those of all animals, we can exploit the ease and advantages of doing experiments in yeast and, in many cases, ask questions that would not be possible in humans. These studies let us understand how repair systems accurately correct DNA damage, as well as the consequences when repair systems are absent or overloaded.”