Cloning by genetic complementation and restriction mapping of the yeast HEM1 gene coding for 5-aminolevulinate synthase

Summary We have cloned the structural gene HEM1 for 5-aminolevulinate (ALA) synthase from Saccharomyces cerevisiae by transformation and complementation of a yeast hem1–5 mutant which was previously shown to lack ALA synthase activity (Urban-Grimal and Labbe Bois 1981) and had no immunodetectable ALA synthase protein when tested with yeast ALA synthase antiserum. The gene was selected from a recombinant cosmid pool which contained wild-type yeast genomic DNA fragments of an average size of 40 kb. The cloned gene was identified by the restauration.of growth on a non fermentable carbon source without addition of exogenous ALA. Sub cloning of partial Sau3A digests and functional analysis by transformation allowed us to isolate three independent plasmids, each carrying a 6 kb yeast DNA fragment inserted in either orientation into the single BamHI site of the vector pHCG3 and able to complement hem1–5 mutation. Analysis of the three plasmids by restriction endonucleases showed that HEM1 is contained within a 2.9 kb fragment. The three corresponding yeast trans formants present a 1, 2.5 and 16 fold increase in ALA synthase activity as compared to the wild-type strain. The gene product immunodetected in the transformant yeast cells has identical size as the wild-type yeast ALA synthase and its amount correlates well with the increase in ALA synthase activity.     

The overproducing CYP1 and the underproducing hap1 mutations are alleles of the same gene which regulates in trans the expression of the structural genes encoding iso-cytochromes c

Summary The CYP1 gene has previously been identified as coding for a positive trans active factor that activates the expression of CYC1 and CYP3, which are the structural genes for isol- and iso2-cytochrome c. Two phenotypically distinct classes of CYP1 mutations can be obtained indicating that CYC1 and CYP3 are differentially regulated by the product of CYP1. The HAP1 gene codes for a product which has previously been proved to be necessary for the expression of the heme dependent CYC1-UAS1 cis regulatory sequence. In this article, we show by complementation and recombination that CYP1 and HAP1 are the same gene, moreover we identify hap1-1 as an iso2-cytochrome c underproducer mutation of the CYP1 gene.     

Altered patterns of protein synthesis induced by heat shock of yeast

Summary The products of protein synthesis from exponential phase cultures of Saccharomyces cerevisiae grown at 23 °C or at 36 °C appear to be essentially identical. However, yeast cells respond to a shift in culture temperature from 23 °C to 36 °C with the rapid de novo synthesis of a polypeptide species of molecular weight 100,000. Within 60–90 min after the shift this polypeptide represents approximately 2.5% of the total cellular protein, a 5–10 fold increase over the preshift level. The level of this polypeptide then decreases with continued growth of the cells at 36 °C. Analyses by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of polypeptides obtained from cells pulse labeled with [³⁵S]methionine demonstrate that following a temperature shift from 23 °C to 36 °C the synthetic rate of the 100,000 molecular weight polypeptide (as well as a number of other polypeptide species) increases to a level at least 10 fold higher than that observed prior to the shift. A concomittant decrease is observed in the synthesis of a large number of polypeptide species which were actively synthesized before the shift. Maximum changes in synthetic rates are observed 20–30 min after the shift and preshift synthetic patterns are regained within 60–90 min. Synthetic changes of the same magnitude and time course can be produced by short (20–30 min) exposures to 36 °C implicating a heat shock response. Several of the transiently induced polypeptides, including the 100,000 molecular weight species, show an affinity for DNA as determined by DNA-cellulose chromatography.     

The budding yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, as a model for aging research: a critical review

In this review we discuss the yeast as a paradigm for the study of aging. The budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, which can proliferate in both haploid and diploid states, has been used extensively in aging research. The budding yeast divides asymmetrically to form a ‘mother’ cell and a bud. Two major approaches, ‘budding life span’ and ‘stationary phase’ have been used to determine ‘senescence’ and ‘life span’ in yeast. Discrepancies observed in metabolic behavior and longevity between cells studied by these two systems raise questions of how ‘life span’ in yeast is defined and measured. Added to this variability in experimental approach and results is the variety of yeast strains with different genetic make up used as ‘wild type’ and experimental organisms. Another problematic genetic point in the published studies on yeast is the use of both diploid and haploid strains. We discuss the inherent, advantageous attributes that make the yeast an attractive choice for modern biological research as well as certain pitfalls in the choice of this model for the study of aging. The significance of the purported roles of the Sir2 gene, histone deacetylases, gene silencing, rDNA circles and stress genes in determination of yeast ‘life span’ and aging is evaluated. The relationship between cultivation conditions and longevity are assessed. Discrepancies between the yeast and mammalian systems with regard to aging are pointed out. We discuss unresolved problems concerning the suitability of the budding yeast for the study of basic aging phenomena.     

Evolutionary conservation of genomic sequences related to the GGP1 gene encoding a yeast GPI-anchored glycoprotein

Summary The GGP1 gene encodes the only GPI-anchored glycoprotein (gp115) that has been purified todate in the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. It is a single-copy gene whose deduced amino-acid sequence shares no significant homology to any other known protein. In this paper we report a Southern hybridization analysis of genomic DNA from different eukaryotic organisms to identify homologues of the GGP1 gene. We have analyzed DNA prepared from a unicellular green alga (Chlamydomonas eugametos), from two distantly related yeast species (Candida cylindracea and Schizosaccharomyces pombe), and from the common bean Phasoleus vulgaris. The moderate stringency of the experimental conditions and the high specificity of the probes used indicate that a single-copy of GGP1-related sequences exists in all these eukaryotic organisms. The chromosomal localization of the GGP1 gene in S. cerevisiae has also been determined.     

A genetic analysis of an alpha-amylase super-secretor in yeast; implications for the regulatory pathway

Summary Extracellular glucoamylase activity was increased by a gene, which is present in super-secretor, but absent in low-secretor, strains of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Genetic data indicated that this super-secretor gene is linked to the STA3 structural gene for glucoamylase. This gene appears to act specifically since it increased the secretion of glucoamylase but not of other secreted enzymes like acid phosphatase and invertase.     

The STA2 and MEL1 genes of Saccharomyces cerevisiae are idiomorphic

Summary The STA2 (glucoamylase) gene of Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been mapped close to the end of the left arm of chromosome II. Meiotic analysis of a cross between a haploid strain containing STA2, and another strain carrying the melibiase gene MEL1 (which is known to be at the end of the left arm of chromosome II) produced parental ditype tetrads only. Since there is no significant DNA sequence similarity between the STA2 and MEL1 genes, or their respective flanking regions, we conclude that these two genes are carried by separate non-hybridizing sequences of chromosomal DNA, either of which can reside at the end of the left arm of chromosome II. By analogy with the mating-type locus of Neurospora crassa, we suggest that the STA2 and MEL1 genes are idiomorphs with respect to one another.     

Overexpression of HAM1 gene detoxifies 5-bromodeoxyuridine in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae

5-Bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) is known to modulate expression of particular genes, and eventually arrest cell division in mammalian and yeast cells. To study a molecular basis for these phenomena, we adopted a genetic approach with a yeast cell system. We screened multicopy suppressor genes that confer resistance to BrdU with a thymidine-auxotrophic strain of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. One of such genes was found to encode Ham1 protein, which was originally identified as a possible triphosphatase for N-6-hydroxylaminopurine triphosphate. Consistent with this, overexpression of the HAM1 gene reversed growth arrest caused by BrdU, and blocked incorporation of BrdU into genomic DNA. On the contrary, disruption of the gene sensitized cells to BrdU. A crude extract from Ham1-overproducing cells showed a high activity to hydrolyze BrdUTP to BrdUMP and pyrophosphate in addition to abnormal purine nucleotides. Purified recombinant Ham1 protein showed the same activity. These results demonstrate that Ham1 protein detoxifies abnormal pyrimidine as well as purine nucleotides.     

High frequency recombination and the expression of genes cloned on chimeric yeast plasmids: Identification of a fragment of 2-μm circle essential for transformation

Summary We have carried out experiments aimed at explaining the observed variations in transformation frequencies when Saccharomyces cerevisiae or Saccharomyces carlbergensis are transformed with chimeric plasmids that contain one of 4 possible EcoRI fragments of the yeast 2-m circle. These plasmids fall into 2 classes when used to transform 2 different yeast his3 auxotrophs, one (strain LL20) harbours indigenous 2-m circle, and the other (strain YF233) is devoid of this plasmid. Hybrid plasmids containing either the 2.4 mega-dalton (mD) R-form EcoRI fragment (pYF88) or the l.4 mD L-form EcoRI fragment (pYF177) of 2-m circle transform either of the two hosts at a high frequency (50,000 colonies per Mg in LL20 and 10,000 colonies per g in YF233). Hybrid plasmids containing the 1.5 mD R-form EcoRI fragment (pYF87) or the 2.5 mD L-form EcoRI fragment (pYF178) of the 2-m circle transform LL20 at a reduced frequency (6,000–16,000 colonies per g) and YF233 at extremely low frequencies (1–5 colonies per g). All plasmids retrieved from strain YF233 that had been transformed with pYF88 or pYF177 were identical to the original transforming plasmid. Of the plasmids retrieved from strain LL20 that had been transformed with pYF87 and pYF178, approximately half had acquired an extra copy of the 2-m circle. Of the plasmids retrieved from strain LL20 that had been transformed with pYF88 and pYF177, an average of only approximately 13% had acquired an extra copy of 2-m circle. Taken together, these observations indicate that the transformation of yeast by a plasmid lacking the ability to replicate (pYF87 and pYF1780) occurs by the recombinational acquisition of 1 copy of the host 2-m circle, which serves to supply the incoming plasmid with missing essential sequences. A comparison of 2-m circle DNA fragments carried by pYF88 and pYF177 indicates that the region of 2-m circle required for high frequency transformation is a 1.2 mD segment that is common to the 2.4 mD R-form and 1.4 ml) L-form EcoRI fragments. This region extends from the EcoRI cut site adjacent to the PstI site, through to the end of the inverted repeat. However, the inverted repeat sequence alone is not sufficient to bestow high frequency transformation of yeast.     

Structure and regulation of the isocitrate lyase gene ICL1 from the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae

The ICL1 gene encoding the isocitrate lyase from Saccharomyces cerevisiae was cloned and sequenced. A reading frame of 557 amino acids showing significant similarity to isocitrate lyases from seven other species could be identified. Construction of icl1 null mutants led to growth defects on C₂ carbon sources while utilization of sugars or C₃ substrates remained unaffected. Using an ICL1-lacZ fusion integrated at the ICL1 locus, a more than 200-fold induction of -galactosidase activity was observed after growth on ethanol when compared with glucose-repressed conditions. A preliminary analysis of the ICL1 upstream region identified a 364-bp fragment necessary and sufficient for this regulatory phenotype. Sequence motifs also present in the upstream regions of co-regulated genes were found within this region.     

Physical mapping of the MEL gene family in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Nine members, MEL2–MEL10, of the MEL gene family coding for -galactosidase were physically mapped to the ends of the chromosomes by chromosome fragmentation. Genetic mapping of the genes supported the location of all the MEL genes in the left arm of their resident chromosomes.     

Hybridization and cytoduction among yeast cells of the same mating type

Summary Use of a selective system for cytoduction in Saccharomyces cerevisiae allowed us to monitor hybrid formation and to clone the haploid nuclei of cells which have participated in illegitimate matings: a × a, × . Our approach has made it possible to select nuclei with mating-type switches and mutations within the MAT locus. It was shown that matings in × crosses often proceed through nonheritable genetic changes located within chromosome III. We suggest that these non-heritable genetic changes are due to premutational lesions, expressed phenotypically as transient -matingtype. After a mating event these lesions are either repaired or converted to true mutations within the MAT locus.     

Antisense RNA regulation of the ILV2 gene in yeast: a correction

A previous report of the use of antisense RNA to regulate gene expression in yeast is incorrect.     

Normal mitochondrial structure and genome maintenance in yeast requires the dynamin-like product of the MGM1 gene

The isolation and characterization of MGM1, and yeast gene with homology to members of the dynamin gene family, is described. The MGM1 gene is located on the right arm of chromosome XV between STE4 and PTP2. Sequence analysis revealed a single open reading frame of 902 residues capable of encoding a protein with an approximate molecular mass of 101 kDa. Loss of MGM1 resulted in slow growth on rich medium, failure to grow on non-fermentable carbon sources, and loss of mitochondrial DNA. The mitochondria also appeared abnormal when visualized with an antibody to a mitochondrial-matrix marker. MGM1 encodes a dynamin-like protein involved in the propagation of functional mitochondria in yeast.     

The ogd1 and kgd1 mutants lacking 2-oxoglutarate dehydrogenase activity in yeast are allelic and can be differentiated by the cloned amber suppressor

The activity of mitochondrial 2-oxoglutarate dehydrogenase in S. cerevisiae can be impaired either by the ogd1 or the kgd1 mutation. The OGD1 gene and two suppressor genes were isolated by complementation of the ogd1 mutant. The complementation of the kdg1 mutant by the OGD1 gene, an allelism test, and meiotic mapping, revealed that the ogd1 and kgd1 mutations are allelic. The two mutations were differentiated by the cloned suppressor gene which was able to partially complement ogd1, but not kgd1. The molecular analysis of the suppressor gene revealed its identity with the natural tRNA _CAG ^Gln gene found in the upstream region of URA10.     

Isolation of the TRP2 and the TRP3 genes of Saccharomyces cerevisiae by functional complementation in yeast

Summary This paper describes the isolation of the TRP2 and the TRP3 genes of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Two pools of plasmids consisting of BamHI and Sa1GI yeast DNA inserts into the bifunctional yeast — Escherichia coli vector pLC544 (Kingsman et al. 1979) were constructed in E. coli and used for the isolation of the two genes by selection for functional complementation of trp2 and trp3 mutations, respectively, in yeast.The TRP2 gene was isolated on a 6.2 kb BamHl and a 5.8 kb Sa1GI yeast DNA fragment which shared an identical 4.5 kb BamHI-SaIGI fragment. The TRP3 gene was located on a 5.2 kb BamHl fragment.By physical, genetic and physiological experiments it could be shown that the cloned yeast DNA fragments contained the whole structural sequences as well as the regulatory regions of the TRP2 and the TRP3 genes.     

Cloning and identification of a DNA fragment coding for the sup1 gene of Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Summary A plasmid, pYsup1-1, containing a DNA fragment able to suppress the recessive mutant phenotype of the suppressor locus sup1 (allele sup1-ts36) of Saccharomyces cerevisiae was isolated from a bank of yeast chromosomal DNA cloned in cosmid p3030. The complementing gene was localized on a 2.6 kb DNA fragment by further subcloning. Evidence is presented that the cloned DNA segment codes for the sup1 structural gene (chromosome IIR).     

Generation of an ilv bradytrophic phenocopy in yeast by antisense RNA

Summary We report for the first time on the regulation of gene expression in yeast by antisense RNA. Chimaeric genes were constructed containing the 5 upstream and partial coding sequence of SMR1 — a sulfometuron methyl resistant allele of the ILV2 locus. Such fragments were placed 5 to 3 and 3 to 5 under control of the GAL10 promoter and CYCl terminator in a high copy YEp plasmid. Following galactose induction only transformants containing antisense RNA genes showed biological activity against SMR1 gene expression. Antisense RNA inhibited synthesis of the SMR1 gene product acetolactate synthase and thus repressed cellular growth which resulted in a bradytrophic auxotroph revertable by addition of isoleucine and valine. Antisense RNA inhibition was enhanced in galactose medium containing sulfometuron methyl and in gcn4 cells deficient for positive regulation of the ILV2 locus. This system can be used to study factors that interfere with antisense RNA function and to assign biological function to randomly cloned DNA fragments.