The invention provides a method for identifying one or more genes in a
cell of a
cell type which interact with, e.g., modulate the effect of, an agent, e.g., a
drug. For example, an identified
gene may confer resistance or sensitivity to a
drug, i.e., reduces or enhances the effect of the
drug. The invention also provides STK6 and TPX2 as a
gene that exhibits synthetic lethal interactions with KSP encoding a
kinesin-like
motor protein, and methods and compositions for treatment of diseases, e.g., cancers, by modulating the expression of STK6 or TPX2
gene and / or the activity of STK6 or TPX2
gene product. The invention also provides genes involved in cellular response to
DNA damage, and their therapeutic uses.