Sue Jinks-Robertson

My research focuses on the regulation of genetic stability and primarily uses budding yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) as a model genetic system.  The two primary research goals in the budding yeast system are (1) defining molecular structures and mechanisms of mitotic recombination intermediates and (2) understanding how and why transcription destabilizes the underlying DNA template.  We also have initiated studies of mutagenesis in the pathogenic fungus Cryptococcus neoformans.  We have found that a shift to the human body temperature mobilizes transposable elements, and suggest that this promotes rapid adaptation to the harsh host environment.