Two duplicated genes DDI2 and DDI3 in budding yeast encode a cyanamide hydratase and are induced by cyanamide.

Two DNA damage-inducible genes in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, DDI2 and DDI3, are identical and encode putative HD domain-containing proteins, whose functions are currently unknown. Because Ddi2/3 also shows limited homology to a fungal cyanamide hydratase that converts cyanamide to urea, we tested the enzymatic activity of recombinant Ddi2. To this end, we developed a novel enzymatic assay and determined that the Km value of the recombinant Ddi2/3 for cyanamide is 17.

Isolation of yeast nucleic acids.

Saccharomyces cerevisiae is a well-established model organism used to study multiple facets of eukaryotic organisms. The manipulation and isolation of DNA is a key element of basic genetic research. Meanwhile, the isolation of RNA is required for the study of transcriptional regulation.

Selective tumor killing based on specific DNA-damage response deficiencies.

Organisms constantly undergo various stresses within their life span, which can damage their DNA. In order to maintain genomic stability and counteract the development of unwanted genomic mutations, organisms have evolved a DNA-damage response (DDR) to protect their genome. Due to the critical roles played by DDR in genomic stability, its defects can lead to cellular transformation and potentially tumorigenesis.