Mutator phenotype

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In genetics, a mutator phenotype is understood to be a phenotype in which an increase in the mutation frequency is observed in the entire genome . It is caused by mutations in certain genes that lead to genetic instability. More precisely, these mutations take place in genes of DNA repair mechanisms , as a result of which errors in DNA replication can no longer be completely eliminated. As a result, an increase in the mutation rate can be observed.

The mutator phenotype can play an important role in the adaptation of bacteria to certain living conditions.

Mutations in tumor suppressor genes in particular , such as the p53 gene, result in a mutator phenotype.

literature

  • Brigitte Marian (Ed.): Illness, causes and symptoms of illness . facultas wuv universitätsverlag, Vienna 2007, ISBN 978-3-7089-0183-1 .
  • LA Loeb: Microsatellite instability: Marker of a mutator phenotype in cancer . In: Cancer Research . 54, No. 19, 1994, pp. 5059-5063, ISSN  0008-5472 .