Rad1p

Rad1p is a protein found in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. It is a component of the DNA damage checkpoint pathway, which plays a crucial role in cell cycle progression and genomic stability. Specifically, Rad1p is part of the Rad1-Mec1 complex, which is involved in DNA repair mechanisms, particularly those that deal with stalled replication forks and DNA double-strand breaks. This complex is thought to act as a nuclease, excising DNA lesions to facilitate repair. The presence of functional Rad1p is essential for cells to arrest their cell cycle in response to DNA damage, preventing the propagation of mutations. Mutations in the RAD1 gene can lead to increased sensitivity to DNA-damaging agents and a higher rate of genomic instability. Its function is conserved across various organisms, highlighting its fundamental importance in maintaining DNA integrity.