Signification and Application of Mutator and Antimutator Phenotype-Induced Genetic Variations in Evolutionary Adaptation and Cancer Therapeutics

Mutations present a dichotomy in their implications for cellular processes. They primarily arise from DNA replication errors or damage repair processes induced by environmental challenges. Cumulative mutations underlie genetic variations and drive evolution, yet also contribute to degenerative diseases such as cancer and aging. The mutator phenotype elucidates the heightened mutation rates observed in malignant tumors. Evolutionary adaptation, analogous to bacterial and eukaryotic systems, manifests through mutator phenotypes during changing environmental conditions, highlighting the delicate balance between advantageous mutations and their potentially detrimental consequences. Leveraging the genetic tractability of Saccharomyces cerevisiae offers unique insights into mutator phenotypes and genome instability akin to human cancers. Innovative reporter assays in yeast model organisms enable the detection of diverse genome alterations, aiding a comprehensive analysis of mutator phenotypes. Despite significant advancements, our understanding of the intricate mechanisms governing spontaneous mutation rates and preserving genetic integrity remains incomplete. This review outlines various cellular pathways affecting mutation rates and explores the role of mutator genes and mutation-derived phenotypes, particularly prevalent in malignant tumor cells. An in-depth comprehension of mutator and antimutator activities in yeast and higher eukaryotes holds promise for effective cancer control strategies.