Identification of two factors which bind to the upstream sequences of a number of nuclear genes coding for mitochondrial proteins and to genetic elements important for cell division in yeast

Genetic variants in the promoter region of the IGF-I gene as a reason for short stature

DNA obtained from the blood cells of 88 adolescent patients with short stature, with low blood serum IGF-I concentrations, normal growth hormone (GH) secretion and normal GH receptor (GHR) structure, was analyzed in the promoter region for the IGF-I gene. A total of 24 genetic variants was detected in the DNA of 13 patients. An attempt was also made to analyze the impact of identified mutations on DNA-protein interactions using EMSA.

Mitochondrial involvement in bladder function and dysfunction

Benign bladder pathology resulting from prostatic hypertrophy or other causes is a significant problem associated with ageing in humans. This condition is characterized by increased bladder mass, decreased urinary flow rate, decreased compliance, and these and other changes in bladder function often subject patients to increased risk of urinary tract infection. While the physiologic attributes of benign bladder pathology have been extensively described in humans and in various animal model systems, the biochemical and molecular genetic bases for that pathology have only recently been investigated in detail. Studies demonstrate that mitochondrial energy production and utilization are severely impaired in bladder smooth muscle during benign bladder disease, and to a large extent this realization has provided a rational basis for understanding the characteristic alterations in urinary flow and compliance in bladder tissue. Recent investigations targeting the detailed molecular basis for impaired mitochondrial function in the disease have shown that performance of the organellar genetic system, and to a large extent that of relevant portions of the nuclear genetic system as well, is severely aberrant in bladder tissue. In this article, we discuss the physiologic aspects of benign bladder disease, summarize biochemical evidence for the altered mitochondrial energy metabolism that appears to underlie bladder pathology, review the structure and function of the mitochondrial genetic system, and discuss molecular genetic studies of that system which have begun to provide a mechanistic explanation for the biochemical and physiological abnormalities that characterize the disease. We also discuss areas for further research which will be critically important in increasing our understanding of the detailed causes of benign bladder pathology.

Regulation of gene expression during meiosis in Saccharomyces cerevisiae: SPR3 is controlled by both ABFI and a new sporulation control element

The SPR3 gene encodes a sporulation-specific homolog of the yeast Cdc3/10/11/12 family of bud neck filament proteins. It is expressed specifically during meiosis and sporulation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Analysis of the sporulation-specific regulation of SPR3 has shown that it is strongly activated under sporulating conditions but shows low levels of expression under nonsporulating conditions. A palindromic sequence located near the TATA box is essential to the developmental regulation of this gene and is the only element directly activating SPR3 at the right time during sporulation. Within the palindrome is a 9-bp sequence, gNCRCAAA(A/T) (midsporulation element [MSE]), found in the known control regions of three other sporulation genes. A previously identified ABFI element is also needed for activation. The MSE has been shown to activate a heterologous promoter (CYC1) in a sporulation-specific manner. Related sequences, including an association of MSE and ABFI elements, have been found upstream of other genes activated during the middle stage of S. cerevisiae sporulation. One group of these may be involved in spore coat formation or maturation.

Decreased expression of nuclear and mitochondrial DNA-encoded genes of oxidative phosphorylation in association neocortex in Alzheimer disease

We recently reported 50% decreases in mRNA levels of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA)-encoded cytochrome oxidase (COX) subunits I and III in Alzheimer disease (AD) brains. The decreases were observed in an association neocortical region (midtemporal cortex) affected in AD, but not in the primary motor cortex unaffected in AD. To investigate whether the decreases are specific to mtDNA-encoded mRNA, we extended this analysis to nuclear DNA (nDNA)-encoded subunits of mitochondrial enzymes of oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS). Brains from five AD patients showed 50-60% decreases in mRNA levels of nDNA-encoded subunit IV of COX and the beta-subunit of the F0F1-ATP synthase in midtemporal cortex compared with mRNA levels from midtemporal cortex of control brains. In contrast, these mRNAs were not reduced in primary motor cortices of the AD brains. The amount of nDNA-encoded beta-actin mRNA and the amount of 28S rRNA were not altered in either region of the AD brain. The results suggest that coordinated decreases in expression of mitochondrial and nuclear genes occur in association cortex of AD brains and are a consequence of reduced neuronal activity and downregulation of OXPHOS machinery.

Interactions of the yeast centromere and promoter factor, Cpf1p, with the cytochrome c1 upstream region and functional implications on regulated gene expression

The upstream activation site (UAS) of the cytochrome c1 gene, CYT1, contains sequences for DNA-binding of several transcription factors. Among them are the heme-dependent protein, Hap1p, and the multiprotein complex, Hap2/3/4/5, which mediate transcriptional induction under aerobic conditions and after exhaustion of glucose, respectively. The multiple interactions of nuclear proteins with the UAS region of CYT1 observed in electrophoretic mobility shift experiments are influenced by carbon source and oxygen tension, but are independent of both regulators, Hap1p and Hap2/3/4/5. All protein-DNA complexes obtained are solely due to the association of the centromere and promoter factor 1 (Cpf1p) with the centromere determining element (CDE I)-like motif at the 5' boundary of the UAS(CYT1). This motif overlaps with a consensus sequence for the binding of the general factor Abf1p. Functional analyses after the separate introduction of point mutations into both elements reveal no role for the latter protein and only a minor role for Cpf1p in the regulated expression of CYT1/lacZ chimaeric proteins. However, in cpf1-mutants, induction of CYT1 reaches higher steady state levels and adaptation to aerobic conditions occurs faster than in wild-type. Thus, Cpf1p seems to reduce CYT1 promoter activity under partly inducing conditions, e.g. when only one of the activators, Hap1p or the Hap2 complex, exerts its function.

The multifunctional transcription factors Abf1p, Rap1p and Reb1p are required for full transcriptional activation of the chromosomal PGK gene in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

We have identified two new transcription factor binding sites upstream of the previously defined UAS within the phosphoglycerate kinase (PGK) gene promoter in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. These sites are bound in vitro by the multifunctional factors Cpf1p and Reb1p. We have generated targeted deletions of Rap1p, Abf1p and Reb1p binding sites in the promoter of the chromosomal copy of the PGK gene. Northern blot analysis confirmed that most PGK promoter activity is mediated through the Rap1p binding site. However, significant effects are also mediated through both the Reb1p and Abf1p sites. In contrast, when the promoter is present on a high-copy-number plasmid, both the Abf1p and Reb1p sites play no role in transcriptional activation. The role of Cpf1p was examined using a cpf1 null strain. Cpf1p was found to have little if any, effect on activation of either the chromosomal or plasmid-borne PGK gene.

Regulation of mitochondrial biogenesis in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Intricate interplay between general and specific transcription factors in the promoter of the QCR8 gene

Transcription of the QCR8 gene, encoding subunit VIII of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae mitochondrial ubiquinol-cytochrome c oxidoreductase (QCR), is controlled by the carbon-source-dependent heme-activator protein complex HAP2/3/4 and the general transcriptional regulators autonomous replication-site-binding factor ABF1 and centromere-binding and promoter-binding factor CPF1. In this study, we investigate and dissect the relative contributions and mutual interactions of these regulators in transcriptional control. Transcription was analyzed both under steady-state conditions and during nutritional shifts, in hap delta mutants and after site-specific mutagenesis of the various binding sites in the chromosomal context of the QCR8 gene. We present evidence for both direct and indirect interactions between ABF1 and HAP2/3/4, and show that HAP2/3/4 is essential for a rapid transcriptional induction during transition from repressed to derepressed conditions. However, the activator is not the only determinant for carbon-source-dependent regulation, and we observe a functional difference between HAP2/3/4 and the HAP2/3 subcomplex. ABF1 is required for maintainance of basal repressed and derepressed transcription in the steady state of growth. The repressive action of the negative modulator CPF1 during escape from glucose repression is overcome through the cooperative action of ABF1 and HAP2/3/4. The implications of the intricate interactions of these DNA-binding regulators for control of expression of mitochondrial protein genes are discussed.

A 67-kDa protein binding to the curved DNA in the main regulatory region of the rat mitochondrial genome

We have purified, by sequence-specific affinity chromatography, a mitochondrial (mt) matrix protein which binds to the curved DNA located between the replication origin (ori) of the leading strand (ori-H) and the two transcription promoters in the rat mt genome. The protein was characterized by gel electrophoresis as a 67-kDa polypeptide and seems to be involved in the DNA contact on the mt light strand. This protein differs (in the size and location of its DNA-binding site) from other DNA-binding proteins studied so far in animal mt systems. We suggest a role for the 67-kDa protein, assisted by other proteins, in regulating the initiation of leading-strand replication.

ABF1 Ser-720 is a predominant phosphorylation site for casein kinase II of Saccharomyces cerevisiae

ABF1 is a multifunctional phosphoprotein that binds specifically to yeast origins of replication and to transcriptional regulatory sites of a variety of genes. We isolated a protein kinase from extracts of Saccharomyces cerevisiae on the basis of its ability to specifically phosphorylate the ABF1 protein. Physical and biochemical properties of this kinase identify it as casein kinase II (CKII). The purified kinase has a high affinity for the ABF1 substrate as indicated by a relatively low Km value. Furthermore, when incubated with ABF1 and anti-ABF1 antibodies, the kinase forms an immunocomplex active in the phosphorylation of ABF1. Biochemical and genetic mapping localized a major site for phosphorylation at Ser-720 near the C terminus of the ABF1 protein. This serine is embedded within a domain enriched for acidic amino acid residues. A Ser-720 to Ala mutation abolishes phosphorylation by CKII in vitro. The same mutation also abolishes phosphorylation of this site in vivo, suggesting that CKII phosphorylates Ser-720 in vivo as well. Although three CKII enzymes, yeast, sea star, and recombinant human, utilize casein as a substrate with similar efficiencies, only the yeast enzyme efficiently phosphorylates the ABF1 protein. This suggests that ABF1 is a specific substrate of the yeast CKII and that this specificity may reside within one of the beta regulatory subunits of the enzyme. Thus, phosphorylation of ABF1 by yeast CKII may prove to be a useful system for studying targeting mechanisms of CKII to a physiological substrate.

Expression of the AAC2 gene encoding the major mitochondrial ADP/ATP carrier in Saccharomyces cerevisiae is controlled at the transcriptional level by oxygen, heme and HAP2 factor

Expression of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae AAC2 gene encoding the major mitochondrial ADP/ATP carrier was examined. The intracellular level of the carrier protein, as well as the level of the AAC2-gene-specific mRNA, is influenced by the presence or absence of oxygen or of heme, and it is subject to carbon-source control. In addition, the expression of AAC2 gene requires the products of the HAP2 and HAP3 genes, but not that of the HAP1 gene. The 5'-flanking region of the gene was isolated, sequenced and fused to the lacZ reporter gene in order to study the effect of carbon sources and of specific deletion mutations on expression of the gene in yeast transformants. The expression of the reporter gene reveals that the AAC2 gene possesses a strong inducible promoter. The promoter analysis, combined with expression studies in the wild-type as well as in various mutant strains, identified an upstream activation site (UAS) contained within a sequence between -393 bp and -268 bp, and several major initiation sites of AAC2 mRNA between -105bp and -95 bp. Deletion analysis also shows that the TATA boxes located 45 bp and 104 bp upstream of the 5'-ends of AAC2 mRNA are not essential for the transcription. The UAS of the AAC2 gene is required for activation by HAP2 and heme and for release from glucose repressin. A restriction fragment containing the UAS conferred oxygen and carbon source regulation when placed upstream of another yeast gene encoding ADP/ATP carrier (AAC3), deleted of its regulatory sequences. The UAS of the AAC2 gene contains at least two distinct motifs for DNA-binding transcriptional activators, including one which is identical with the core HAP2/3/4 binding motif, and a second one with the ABF1 consensus binding sequence. Our results indicate that these sequences mediate the effects of the respective transactivator on the oxygen- and carbon-source-dependent transcription of the AAC2 gene.

The glucose-dependent transactivation activity of ABF1 on the expression of the TDH3 gene in yeast

Autonomously replicating sequence binding factor 1 (ABF1) has been implicated in the control of a variety of gene expressions in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. In this paper evidence is presented that ABF1 is involved in the glucose-dependent expression of the TDH3 gene which encodes glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase. ABF1 binds to consensus sites located between -420 and -250, and between +77 and +200, and acts as a transactivator in an orientation-independent manner on both upstream and downstream sites. TDH3-lacZ fusions having an ABF1 consensus motif showed glucose-dependent expression of TDH3, whereas in the abf1 mutant strain JCA35 glucose-dependent expression disappeared. These findings suggest that ABF1 functions as a glucose-dependent transactivator for the expression of the TDH3 gene.

Isolation and characterisation of the linked genes, FPS1 and QCR8, coding for farnesyl-diphosphate synthase and the 11 kDa subunit VIII of the mitochondrial bc1-complex in the yeast Kluyveromyces lactis

The KlQCR8 gene of the yeast Kluyveromyces lactis encoding subunit VIII of the mitochondrial bc1 complex is 70.2% identical to its counterpart in Saccharomyces cerevisiae (ScQCR8). As in S. cerevisiae, chromosomal linkage between the K. lactis QCR8 and FPS1 genes is conserved, the two genes being separated by only 292 bp. Disruption of the KlQCR8 gene results in a respiratory-deficient phenotype. Compared with S. cerevisiae, expression of the KlQCR8 gene in glucose-grown cells is relatively high, yet is significantly induced when the cells are grown on non-fermentable carbon sources. The QCR8 promoters regions of the two yeasts lack overall DNA sequence similarity, but share DNA-binding sites for the transcription factors ABF1, CPF1 and HAP2/3/4. Deletion from the KlQCR8 promoter of a 93 bp region containing these sites significantly lowers mRNA levels during growth on either glucose or ethanol/glycerol, with a consequent reduction of growth rate on ethanol/glycerol.

Twelve open reading frames revealed in the 23.6 kb segment flanking the centromere on the Saccharomyces cerevisiae chromosome XIV right arm

The nucleotide sequence of 23.6 kb of the right arm of chromosome XIV is described, starting from the centromeric region. Both strands were sequenced with an average redundancy of 4.87 per base pair. The overall G+C content is 38.8% (42.5% for putative coding regions versus 29.4% for non-coding regions). Twelve open reading frames (ORFs) greater than 100 amino acids were detected. Codon frequencies of the twelve ORFs agree with codon usage in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and all show the characteristics of low level expressed genes. Five ORFs (N2019, N2029, N2031, N2048 and N2050) are encoded by previously sequenced genes (the mitochondrial citrate synthase gene, FUN34, RPC34, PRP2 and URK1, respectively). ORF N2052 shows the characteristics of a transmembrane protein. Other elements in this region are a tRNA(Pro) gene, a tRNA(Asn) gene, a tau 34 and a truncated delta 34 element. Nucleotide sequence comparison results in relocation of the SIS1 gene to the left arm of the chromosome as confirmed by colinearity analysis.

Gene structure and cell type-specific expression of the human ATP synthase alpha subunit

The gene structure of the human ATP synthase alpha subunit (hATP1) was determined by cloning and sequencing. This gene is approximately 14 kbp in length and contains 12 exons interrupted by 11 introns. Mapping of the clones of hATP1 and Southern blot analysis of the genomic gene showed that there were a single copy of bona fide hATP1 gene and two pseudogenes. Primer extension and S1 mapping analysis showed the presence of multiple transcription initiation sites of the hATP1 gene. No TATA box or CAAT box was found near the transcription initiation sites. Comparison with the bovine gene showed that the 5'-flanking region of the hATP1 gene has an unconserved guanine-cytosine (GC) rich region, including several binding motifs of transcriptional factors, such as Sp1, AP-2, and GCF. By functional assay of gene expression, the basal promoter activity was located near the GC rich region. Comparison of the 5'-upstream region of the hATP1 gene with those of the genes for bovine ATP synthase alpha, human beta, and human gamma subunits indicated three common sequences, suggesting that putative cis-elements coordinate the expressions of the three subunit genes for the ATP synthase. The enhancer activities derived from the 5'-deletion mutants of a hATP1-CAT chimeric gene were different in cell lines from four different human tissues, suggesting the existence of cell type-specific gene regulation.

Centromere promoter factors (CPF1) of the yeasts Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Kluyveromyces lactis are functionally exchangeable, despite low overall homology

The KlCPF1 gene, coding for the centromere and promoter factor CPF1 from Kluyveromyces lactis, has been cloned by functional complementation of the methionine auxotrophic phenotype of a Saccharomyces cerevisiae mutant lacking ScCPF1. The amino-acid sequences of both CPF1 proteins show a relatively-low overall identity (31%), but a highly-homologous C-terminal domain (86%). This region constitutes the DNA-binding domain with basic-helix-loop-helix and leucine-zipper motifs, features common to the myc-related transcription factor family. The N-terminal two-thirds of the CPF1 proteins show no significant similarity, although the presence of acidic regions is a shared feature. In KlCPF1, the acidic region is a prominent stretch of approximately 40 consecutive aspartate and glutamate residues, suggesting that this part might be involved in transcriptional activation. In-vitro mobility-shift experiments were used to establish that both CPF1 proteins bind to the consensus binding site RTCACRTG (CDEI element). In contrast to S. cerevisiae, CPF1 gene-disruption is lethal in K. lactis. The homologous CPF1 genes were transformed to both S. cerevisiae and K. lactis cpf1-null strains. Indistinguishable phenotypes were observed, indicating that, not withstanding the long nonconserved N-terminal region, the proteins are sufficiently homologous to overcome the phenotypes associated with cpf1 gene-disruption.

Saccharomyces cerevisiae BUF protein binds to sequences participating in DNA replication in addition to those mediating transcriptional repression (URS1) and activation

The heteromeric BUF protein was originally shown to bind to URS1 elements which are situated upstream of many genes in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and mediate negative control of their transcription. Among the genes regulated through the URS1 site and the proteins interacting with it are those participating in carbon, nitrogen, and inositol metabolism; electron transport; meiosis; sporulation; and mating-type switching. We show here that pure BUF protein, in addition to binding to the negatively acting URS1 site, also binds to CAR1 sequences supporting transcriptional activation (upstream activation sequences). To determine the BUF protein structure, we cloned and sequenced the BUF1 and BUF2 genes and found them to be identical to the RF-A (RP-A) gene whose products participate in yeast DNA replication as single-stranded DNA binding proteins. These data argue that BUF protein-binding sites serve multiple roles in transcription and replication.

Saccharomyces cerevisiae BUF protein binds to sequences participating in DNA replication in addition to those mediating transcriptional repression (URS1) and activation

The heteromeric BUF protein was originally shown to bind to URS1 elements which are situated upstream of many genes in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and mediate negative control of their transcription. Among the genes regulated through the URS1 site and the proteins interacting with it are those participating in carbon, nitrogen, and inositol metabolism; electron transport; meiosis; sporulation; and mating-type switching. We show here that pure BUF protein, in addition to binding to the negatively acting URS1 site, also binds to CAR1 sequences supporting transcriptional activation (upstream activation sequences). To determine the BUF protein structure, we cloned and sequenced the BUF1 and BUF2 genes and found them to be identical to the RF-A (RP-A) gene whose products participate in yeast DNA replication as single-stranded DNA binding proteins. These data argue that BUF protein-binding sites serve multiple roles in transcription and replication.

The multifunctional regulatory proteins ABF1 and CPF1 are involved in the formation of a nuclease-hypersensitive region in the promoter of the QCR8 gene

The abundant DNA-binding proteins ABF1 and CPF1 are members of a family of global regulators with diverse chromosomal functions in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Recent evidence suggests that these protein factors may be involved in establishing and maintaining well-defined chromatin in promoter regions and other genetic elements. We have investigated the involvement of ABF1 and CPF1 in chromatin organization at the QCR8 gene, encoding subunit VIII of the mitochondrial ubiquinol-cytochrome c oxidoreductase. The promoter region of the QCR8 gene contains overlapping binding sites for ABF1 and CPF1. Nucleosome positioning studies indicate that the QCR8 gene is associated with a phased array of nucleosomes under both catabolite-repressed and derepressed growth conditions. Analysis of binding site mutants reveals that both ABF1 and CPF1 are involved in maintaining a nuclease-hypersensitive region in the QCR8 promoter. The chromatin structure at QCR8 during steady-state growth is, however, mainly dependent on binding of ABF1 to the promoter region. Implications of these findings for the role played by ABF1 and CPF1 in the regulation of mitochondrial biogenesis and other processes important for cell growth and division will be discussed.

The mitochondrial genome on its way to the nucleus: different stages of gene transfer in higher plants

The vast majority of mitochondrial proteins are in all eukaryotes encoded in the nuclear genomes by genes which have been transferred from the original endosymbiont. DNA as well as RNA was and is exchanged between organelles. A functionally successful information transfer, however, requires complex structural and regulatory alterations of the concerned gene. The recently identified variations of the information content in mitochondrial genomes of different plant species represent different stages of the transfer process. These evolutionary intermediates allow a definition of requirements and chances of successful gene transfers.

Upstream region of a nuclear gene encoding the alpha-subunit of the human mitochondrial F0F1 ATP synthase

An expressed nuclear gene (ATPA) that encodes the alpha-subunit of the human mitochondrial F0F1 ATP synthase complex was isolated from a human genomic library. The nucleotide sequence of the 5'-flanking region of this gene was determined. No typical TATA or CCAAT boxes were found in this region. The 5'-flanking region of this gene contains several sequences that are found in a number of nuclear genes that encode proteins of the mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation system and which might play a role in regulating their expression. The nucleotide sequence of the 5'-flanking region of the human ATPA gene is highly homologous (overall homology approx. 70%) to the corresponding region of the bovine ATPA1 gene.

Structural organization of a nuclear gene for the alpha-subunit of the bovine mitochondrial ATP synthase complex

The structural organization of an expressed bovine gene (ATPA1) that encodes an isoform of the alpha-subunit of the mitochondrial F0F1 ATP synthase was determined. The gene extends over 10 kilobase-pairs and is divided into 12 exons. The first exon encodes the 5' untranslated region and approximately one-half of the presequence that targets this protein to the mitochondrion. The remainder of the presequence, together with three amino acids of the mature protein, are encoded by exon 2. Primer extension and nuclease protection analyses revealed multiple sites of transcription initiation. The 5' flanking region of the ATPA1 gene can drive the transcription of a reporter gene in an orientation-dependent manner. This promoter region contains several sequence elements which might play an important role in regulating the expression of this gene, including possible TATA and CCAAT boxes, putative Sp1-binding sites, and sequences resembling AP-1, AP-2, AP-4 and cAMP-responsive elements. The ATPA1 gene also contains sequences homologous to several motifs that are shared among some nuclear genes encoding mitochondrial proteins. These include Mt1, Mt3, Mt4, a respiratory enhancer, and NRF-2 sites. Tissue-specific differences in the ATPA1 mRNA levels were observed with high levels found in skeletal muscle and heart, and lower levels in other tissues.

ABF1 is a phosphoprotein and plays a role in carbon source control of COX6 transcription in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Previously, we have shown that the Saccharomyces cerevisiae DNA-binding protein ABF1 exists in at least two different electrophoretic forms (K. S. Sweder, P. R. Rhode, and J. L. Campbell, J. Biol. Chem. 263: 17270-17277, 1988). In this report, we show that these forms represent different states of phosphorylation of ABF1 and that at least four different phosphorylation states can be resolved electrophoretically. The ratios of these states to one another differ according to growth conditions and carbon source. Phosphorylation of ABF1 is therefore a regulated process. In nitrogen-starved cells or in cells grown on nonfermentable carbon sources (e.g., lactate), phosphorylated forms predominate, while in cells grown on fermentable carbon sources (e.g., glucose), dephosphorylated forms are enriched. The phosphorylation pattern is affected by mutations in the SNF1-SSN6 pathway, which is involved in glucose repression-depression. Whereas a functional SNF1 gene, which encodes a protein kinase, is not required for the phosphorylation of ABF1, a functional SSN6 gene is required for itsd ephosphorylation. The phosphorylation patterns that we have observed correlate with the regulation of a specific target gene, COX6, which encodes subunit VI of cytochrome c oxidase. Transcription of COX6 is repressed by growth in medium containing a fermentable carbon source and is derepressed by growth in medium containing a nonfermentable carbon source. COX6 repression-derepression is under the control of the SNF1-SSN6 pathway. This carbon source regulation is exerted through domain 1, a region of the upstream activation sequence UAS6 that binds ABF1 (J. D. Trawick, N. Kraut, F. Simon, and R. O. Poyton, Mol. Cell Biol. 12:2302-2314, 1992). We show that the greater the phosphorylation of ABF1, the greater the transcription of COX6. Furthermore, the ABF1-containing protein-DNA complexes formed at domain 1 differ according to the phosphorylation state of ABF1 and the carbon source on which the cells were grown. From these findings, we propose that the phosphorylation of ABF1 is involved in glucose repression-derepression of COX6 transcription.

ABF1 is a phosphoprotein and plays a role in carbon source control of COX6 transcription in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Previously, we have shown that the Saccharomyces cerevisiae DNA-binding protein ABF1 exists in at least two different electrophoretic forms (K. S. Sweder, P. R. Rhode, and J. L. Campbell, J. Biol. Chem. 263: 17270-17277, 1988). In this report, we show that these forms represent different states of phosphorylation of ABF1 and that at least four different phosphorylation states can be resolved electrophoretically. The ratios of these states to one another differ according to growth conditions and carbon source. Phosphorylation of ABF1 is therefore a regulated process. In nitrogen-starved cells or in cells grown on nonfermentable carbon sources (e.g., lactate), phosphorylated forms predominate, while in cells grown on fermentable carbon sources (e.g., glucose), dephosphorylated forms are enriched. The phosphorylation pattern is affected by mutations in the SNF1-SSN6 pathway, which is involved in glucose repression-depression. Whereas a functional SNF1 gene, which encodes a protein kinase, is not required for the phosphorylation of ABF1, a functional SSN6 gene is required for itsd ephosphorylation. The phosphorylation patterns that we have observed correlate with the regulation of a specific target gene, COX6, which encodes subunit VI of cytochrome c oxidase. Transcription of COX6 is repressed by growth in medium containing a fermentable carbon source and is derepressed by growth in medium containing a nonfermentable carbon source. COX6 repression-derepression is under the control of the SNF1-SSN6 pathway. This carbon source regulation is exerted through domain 1, a region of the upstream activation sequence UAS6 that binds ABF1 (J. D. Trawick, N. Kraut, F. Simon, and R. O. Poyton, Mol. Cell Biol. 12:2302-2314, 1992). We show that the greater the phosphorylation of ABF1, the greater the transcription of COX6. Furthermore, the ABF1-containing protein-DNA complexes formed at domain 1 differ according to the phosphorylation state of ABF1 and the carbon source on which the cells were grown. From these findings, we propose that the phosphorylation of ABF1 is involved in glucose repression-derepression of COX6 transcription.

Possible cross-regulation of phosphate and sulfate metabolism in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

CP1 (encoded by the gene CEP1) is a sequence-specific DNA binding protein of Saccharomyces cerevisiae that recognizes a sequence element (CDEI) found in both yeast centromeres and gene promoters. Strains lacking CP1 exhibit defects in growth, chromosome segregation and methionine biosynthesis. A YEp24-based yeast genomic library was screened for plasmids which suppressed the methionine auxotrophy of a cep1 null mutant. The suppressing plasmids contained either CEP1 or DNA derived from the PHO4 locus. Subcloning experiments confirmed that suppression correlated with increased dosage of PHO4. PHO4c, pho80 and pho84 mutations, all of which lead to constitutive activation of the PHO4 transcription factor, also suppressed cep1 methionine auxotrophy. The suppression appeared to be a direct effect of PHO4, not a secondary effect of PHO regulon derepression, and was PHO2-dependent. Spontaneously arising extragenic suppressors of cep1 methionine auxotrophy were also isolated; approximately one-third of them were alleles of pho80. While PHO4 overexpression suppressed the methionine auxotrophy of a cep1 mutant, CEP1 overexpression failed to suppress the phenotype of a pho4 mutant; however, a cep1 null mutation suppressed the low inorganic phosphate growth deficiency of a pho84 mutant. The results may suggest that phosphate and sulfate metabolism are cross-regulated.

Analysis of the MSS51 region on chromosome XII of Saccharomyces cerevisiae

We have localized gene MSS51 on chromosome XII of Saccharomyces cerevisiae between the RDN1 and CDC42 loci. 'Head to head' with MSS51 is another gene, QRI5, the function of which is unknown. However, the proximity of these genes, the structure of the intergenic region and the presence of an ABF1 binding site right in the middle of this region suggest that the MSS51 and QRI5 expressions are submitted to a common regulatory process.

Global regulation of mitochondrial biogenesis in Saccharomyces cerevisiae: ABF1 and CPF1 play opposite roles in regulating expression of the QCR8 gene, which encodes subunit VIII of the mitochondrial ubiquinol-cytochrome c oxidoreductase

The multifunctional DNA-binding proteins ABF1 and CPF1 bind in a mutually exclusive manner to the promoter region of the QCR8 gene, which encodes 11-kDa subunit VIII of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae mitochondrial ubiquinol-cytochrome c oxidoreductase (QCR). We investigated the roles that the two factors play in transcriptional regulation of this gene. To this end, the overlapping binding sites for ABF1 and CPF1 were mutated and placed in the chromosomal context of the QCR8 promoter. The effects on transcription of the QCR8 gene were analyzed both under steady-state conditions and during nutritional shifts. We found that ABF1 is required for repressed and derepressed transcription levels and for efficient induction of transcription upon escape from catabolite repression, independently of DNA replication. CPF1 acts as a negative regulator, modulating the overall induction response. Alleviation of repression through CPF1 requires passage through the S phase. Implications of these findings for the roles played by ABF1 and CPF1 in global regulation of mitochondrial biogenesis are discussed.

Global regulation of mitochondrial biogenesis in Saccharomyces cerevisiae: ABF1 and CPF1 play opposite roles in regulating expression of the QCR8 gene, which encodes subunit VIII of the mitochondrial ubiquinol-cytochrome c oxidoreductase

The multifunctional DNA-binding proteins ABF1 and CPF1 bind in a mutually exclusive manner to the promoter region of the QCR8 gene, which encodes 11-kDa subunit VIII of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae mitochondrial ubiquinol-cytochrome c oxidoreductase (QCR). We investigated the roles that the two factors play in transcriptional regulation of this gene. To this end, the overlapping binding sites for ABF1 and CPF1 were mutated and placed in the chromosomal context of the QCR8 promoter. The effects on transcription of the QCR8 gene were analyzed both under steady-state conditions and during nutritional shifts. We found that ABF1 is required for repressed and derepressed transcription levels and for efficient induction of transcription upon escape from catabolite repression, independently of DNA replication. CPF1 acts as a negative regulator, modulating the overall induction response. Alleviation of repression through CPF1 requires passage through the S phase. Implications of these findings for the roles played by ABF1 and CPF1 in global regulation of mitochondrial biogenesis are discussed.

Regulation of yeast COX6 by the general transcription factor ABF1 and separate HAP2- and heme-responsive elements

Transcription of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae COX6 gene is regulated by heme and carbon source. It is also affected by the HAP2/3/4 transcription factor complex and by SNF1 and SSN6. Previously, we have shown that most of this regulation is mediated through UAS6, an 84-bp upstream activation segment of the COX6 promoter. In this study, by using linker scanning mutagenesis and protein binding assays, we have identified three elements within UAS6 and one element downstream of it that are important. Two of these, HDS1 (heme-dependent site 1; between -269 and -251 bp) and HDS2 (between -228 and -220 bp), mediate regulation of COX6 by heme. Both act negatively. The other two elements, domain 2 (between -279 and -269 bp) and domain 1 (between -302 and -281 bp), act positively. Domain 2 is required for optimal transcription in cells grown in repressing but not derepressing carbon sources. Domain 1 is essential for transcription per se in cells grown on repressing carbon sources, is required for optimal transcription in cells grown on a derepressing carbon source, is sufficient for glucose repression-derepression, and is the element of UAS6 at which HAP2 affects COX6 transcription. This element contains the major protein binding sites within UAS6. It has consensus binding sequences for ABF1 and HAP2. Gel mobility shift experiments show that domain 1 binds ABF1 and forms different numbers of DNA-protein complexes in extracts from cells grown in repressing or derepressing carbon sources. In contrast, gel mobility shift experiments have failed to reveal that HAP2 or HAP3 binds to domain 1 or that hap3 mutations affect the complexes bound to it. Together, these findings permit the following conclusions: COX6 transcription is regulated both positively and negatively; heme and carbon source exert their effects through different sites; domain 1 is absolutely essential for transcription on repressing carbon sources; ABF1 is a major component in the regulation of COX6 transcription; and the HAP2/3/4 complex most likely affects COX6 transcription indirectly.

Regulation of yeast COX6 by the general transcription factor ABF1 and separate HAP2- and heme-responsive elements

Transcription of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae COX6 gene is regulated by heme and carbon source. It is also affected by the HAP2/3/4 transcription factor complex and by SNF1 and SSN6. Previously, we have shown that most of this regulation is mediated through UAS6, an 84-bp upstream activation segment of the COX6 promoter. In this study, by using linker scanning mutagenesis and protein binding assays, we have identified three elements within UAS6 and one element downstream of it that are important. Two of these, HDS1 (heme-dependent site 1; between -269 and -251 bp) and HDS2 (between -228 and -220 bp), mediate regulation of COX6 by heme. Both act negatively. The other two elements, domain 2 (between -279 and -269 bp) and domain 1 (between -302 and -281 bp), act positively. Domain 2 is required for optimal transcription in cells grown in repressing but not derepressing carbon sources. Domain 1 is essential for transcription per se in cells grown on repressing carbon sources, is required for optimal transcription in cells grown on a derepressing carbon source, is sufficient for glucose repression-derepression, and is the element of UAS6 at which HAP2 affects COX6 transcription. This element contains the major protein binding sites within UAS6. It has consensus binding sequences for ABF1 and HAP2. Gel mobility shift experiments show that domain 1 binds ABF1 and forms different numbers of DNA-protein complexes in extracts from cells grown in repressing or derepressing carbon sources. In contrast, gel mobility shift experiments have failed to reveal that HAP2 or HAP3 binds to domain 1 or that hap3 mutations affect the complexes bound to it. Together, these findings permit the following conclusions: COX6 transcription is regulated both positively and negatively; heme and carbon source exert their effects through different sites; domain 1 is absolutely essential for transcription on repressing carbon sources; ABF1 is a major component in the regulation of COX6 transcription; and the HAP2/3/4 complex most likely affects COX6 transcription indirectly.

The complete sequence of a 10.8 kb segment distal of SUF2 on the right arm of chromosome III from Saccharomyces cerevisiae reveals seven open reading frames including the RVS161, ADP1 and PGK genes

We have entirely sequenced a 10,835 bp segment of the right arm from chromosome III contained in the J11D and J11D-K3B GF clones. The segment contains seven open reading frames longer then 100 amino acids. Three of them, RVS161 (Urdaci et al., 1990; Crouzet et al., 1991), ADP1 (Purnelle et al., 1991) and PGK1 (Hitzeman et al., 1982) have been described previously. YCR10C encodes a putative membrane protein. YCR8W (encoding a putative protein kinase) and YCR14C extend inside the D10H (Skala et al., 1991) and 62B5-2D clones respectively. Four ARS elements previously reported by Palzkill et al. (1986) are located between RVS161 and YCR10C.

Role of multifunctional autonomously replicating sequence binding factor 1 in the initiation of DNA replication and transcriptional control in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Autonomously replicating sequence (ARS) binding factor 1 (ABF1) is an abundant DNA-binding protein that specifically recognizes the motif RTCRYN5ACG at many sites in the yeast genome, including promoter elements, mating-type silencers, and ARSs. Mutational analysis of these sites suggests that ABF1 is involved in constitutive and carbon source-regulated transcriptional activation, transcriptional silencing, and ARS activity. To better assess the role of ABF1 in DNA replication and transcriptional control, temperature-sensitive lethal mutations in the ABF1 gene were isolated. Several of the abf1(Ts) strains show rapid growth arrest at the nonpermissive temperature. At the semipermissive temperature, these strains show an ARS-specific defect in the mitotic stability of ARS-CEN plasmids, such that the abf1 mutants show defects in ARS function identical to those of mutants bearing the mutations in the cis-acting ABF1 binding sites analyzed previously by numerous investigators. Flow cytometric analysis and in vivo DNA labeling experiments on an alpha-factor synchronized abf1(Ts) strain showed that at the nonpermissive temperature, these cells fail to progress efficiently from G1 through S phase and synthesize DNA at 25% of the level seen in the isogenic ABF1 strain. RNA synthesis is also reduced in the abf1(Ts) strains. In addition, transcriptional activation by an ABF1 binding site upstream activation sequence is completely defective in an abf1(Ts) strain at the semipermissive temperature. These phenotypes provide evidence that the same protein, ABF1, functions in the initiation of DNA replication and transcriptional activation.

Expression of yeast cytochrome c1 is controlled at the transcriptional level by glucose, oxygen and haem

The nuclear gene for cytochrome c1 in Saccharomyces cerevisiae (CYT1) was localized on chromosome XV. Its upstream region was identified by functional complementation. Fusion to the lacZ reporter gene on a CEN plasmid allowed study of the effect of carbon sources and of specific deletion mutations on expression of the gene in yeast transformants. Detailed promoter analysis combined with expression studies in recipient strains defective in regulatory genes identified cis-acting sites and transcription factors involved in the regulated expression of the cytochrome c1 gene. These analyses showed that, in the presence of glucose, transcription of CYT1 is positively controlled by oxygen, presumably through the haem signal, and mediated by the HAP1-encoded transactivator. It is additionally regulated by the HAP2/3/4 complex which mediates gene activation mainly under glucose-free conditions. Basal transcription is, in part, effected by CPF1, a centromere and promoter-binding factor.

Role of multifunctional autonomously replicating sequence binding factor 1 in the initiation of DNA replication and transcriptional control in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Autonomously replicating sequence (ARS) binding factor 1 (ABF1) is an abundant DNA-binding protein that specifically recognizes the motif RTCRYN5ACG at many sites in the yeast genome, including promoter elements, mating-type silencers, and ARSs. Mutational analysis of these sites suggests that ABF1 is involved in constitutive and carbon source-regulated transcriptional activation, transcriptional silencing, and ARS activity. To better assess the role of ABF1 in DNA replication and transcriptional control, temperature-sensitive lethal mutations in the ABF1 gene were isolated. Several of the abf1(Ts) strains show rapid growth arrest at the nonpermissive temperature. At the semipermissive temperature, these strains show an ARS-specific defect in the mitotic stability of ARS-CEN plasmids, such that the abf1 mutants show defects in ARS function identical to those of mutants bearing the mutations in the cis-acting ABF1 binding sites analyzed previously by numerous investigators. Flow cytometric analysis and in vivo DNA labeling experiments on an alpha-factor synchronized abf1(Ts) strain showed that at the nonpermissive temperature, these cells fail to progress efficiently from G1 through S phase and synthesize DNA at 25% of the level seen in the isogenic ABF1 strain. RNA synthesis is also reduced in the abf1(Ts) strains. In addition, transcriptional activation by an ABF1 binding site upstream activation sequence is completely defective in an abf1(Ts) strain at the semipermissive temperature. These phenotypes provide evidence that the same protein, ABF1, functions in the initiation of DNA replication and transcriptional activation.

Regulation of gene expression by oxygen in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

The oxygen regulation of two broad categories of yeast genes is discussed in this review. The first is made up of genes regulated by heme, and the second is made up of genes whose regulation is heme independent. Heme-regulated genes fall into two classes: heme-activated and heme-repressed genes. Activation is achieved through one of two transcriptional activators, the heme-dependent HAP1 protein or the heme-activated, glucose-repressed HAP2/3/4 complex. Some of the properties and the DNA-binding sites of these activators are discussed. Heme repression is achieved through the action of the ROX1 repressor, the expression of which is transcriptionally activated by heme. Once ROX1 is synthesized, its function is heme independent. Evidence that ROX1 binds to DNA or is part of a DNA-binding complex is described. Factors which modulate the function of these regulatory proteins are discussed, and a schematic of heme activation and repression is presented. The mitochondrial subunits of cytochrome c oxidase are induced by oxygen in a heme-independent fashion. The translation of one, cytochrome c oxidase subunit III, is dependent upon three nucleus-encoded initiation factors. One of these, PET494, is itself translationally regulated by oxygen in a heme-independent fashion. The expression of at least four other mitochondrially encoded cytochrome subunits is dependent upon specific translation factors, raising the potential for translational regulation as a general mechanism. Finally, a number of anaerobic genes that show heme-independent, oxygen-repressed expression have been identified. These fall into two kinetic classes, suggesting that there are at least two different regulatory circuitries.

Molecular cloning and physical analysis of an 8.2 kb segment of chromosome XI of Saccharomyces cerevisiae reveals five tightly linked genes

The nucleotide sequence of 6472 base pairs of an 8.2 kb segment of Saccharomyces cerevisiae chromosome XI has been determined. The sequence contains a cluster of four long open reading frames (ORF) designated YKL2, YKL3, YKL4 and TGL1 in the same orientation, flanked at the 5'-end by a divergent incomplete ORF (YKL1). Transcription and Southern analysis of the four complete ORFs showed that all are expressed and are present in single copy on the haploid genome. The average codon adaptation index of the coding regions is approximately 0.2, suggesting that these genes are lowly expressed. The upstream regions of all four genes as well as the YKL1 ORF contain putative promoter elements previously found to be characteristic of nuclear genes encoding mitochondrial proteins. Significant sequence similarities were found between the YKL3 protein and Escherichia coli ribosomal protein S2 as well as between the TGL1 protein and triglyceride lipases from rat salivary gland and human gastric tissue. The 3'-end of the 6472 bp nucleotide sequence overlaps with the upstream region of the previously identified CTK1 gene, encoding the largest subunit of CTD kinase (Lee, J.M. and Greenleaf, A.L., 1991, Gene Expression 2, 149-167), thereby increasing the number of genes on the 8.2 kb fragment to at least five. The transcripts of these genes represent approximately 83% of the DNA fragment, making it one of the most highly transcribed regions of the yeast chromosome analysed to date.

Structural organization and regulatory regions of the human medium-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase gene

Medium-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (MCAD) is a highly regulated mitochondrial flavo-enzyme that catalyzes the initial reaction in fatty acid beta-oxidation. Deficiency of MCAD is a common inherited defect in energy metabolism. We have previously shown that the mRNA encoding MCAD in an MCAD-deficient child is homozygous for the point mutation A985 to G [Kelly et al. (1990) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 87, 9236-9420]. To define the molecular basis of MCAD deficiency and as an initial step in the study of the regulation of MCAD gene expression, we determined the structure and organization of the human MCAD gene. The gene is comprised of 12 exons which span 44 kb of DNA. Comparison of the MCAD gene to MCAD mRNAs from the MCAD-deficient child revealed that missplicing was common, resulting in a variety of exon deletions and intron insertions. The MCAD gene promoter region is extremely GC-rich and lacks prototypical TATA and CAAT boxes. Several regions upstream of the promoter are homologous with mitochondrial enhancers purportedly involved in coordinate expression of nuclear genes encoding mitochondrial proteins. Transfection of chimeric plasmid constructs with 299 bp of upstream sequence into HepG2 cells revealed high-level transcriptional activity. We conclude that the precursor MCAD mRNA is misspliced to a high degree and complexity in association with the G985 mutation and the MCAD gene contains a strong promoter which shares some structural features with other "housekeeping" genes encoding mitochondrial proteins.

A human binding site for transcription factor USF/MLTF mimics the negative regulatory element of human immunodeficiency virus type 1

Transcriptional regulation of the proviral form of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) is exerted by its 5' long terminal repeat (LTR), which contains recognition sites for several cell factors. By gel retardation and DNase I footprinting experiments we have identified a binding site for a human nuclear protein between nucleotides -152 to -174 upstream of transcription start site, in a region previously recognized as a negative regulator of transcription (negative regulatory element, NRE). The recognized sequence contains the dyad symmetry element CACGTG, which represents a binding motif, very conserved through evolution, present in a putative human DNA replication origin (pB48), in the upstream element of the major late promoter (MLP-UE) of adenovirus, and, as transcriptional element, upstream of many eukaryotic genes. Common binding activities exist in human nuclear extracts for pB48, MLP-UE and the HIV-1 LTR; at least three protein species recognize the LTR sequence, of 44 (corresponding to transcription factor USF/MLTF), 70, and 110 kDa, respectively. Chloramphenicol acetyltransferase assays suggest that the USF/MLTF binding site located in the HIV-1 LTR acts as a negative regulator of transcription, and that it contributes to the overall negative function exerted by the NRE. An oligonucleotide corresponding to another characterized human USF/MLTF binding site can functionally replace part of the activity of the NRE. This negative function is exerted both in presence or absence of tat transactivation, in different cell lines, and after PMA stimulation.

Participation of ABF-1 protein in expression of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae CAR1 gene

DNA fragments previously shown to be required for expression of the CAR1 (arginase) gene in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and to support transcriptional activation of a reporter gene in a heterologous expression vector were shown to bind purified regulatory protein ABF-1. Two ABF-1 sites were identified in the CAR1 upstream region, one to which ABF-1 protein bound with high affinity and a second to which it bound much less avidly. The higher-affinity ABF-1 binding site upstream of CAR1 was an effective competitor of the HMRE, ARS1 B domain, and COR2-GFI binding sequences for protein binding. Point mutations in the CAR1 high-affinity ABF-1 binding site resulted in a 12-fold loss of transcriptional activation of a reporter gene compared with the wild-type CAR1 DNA fragment. These data are consistent with the suggestion that ABF-1 protein is one of the transcription factors involved in expression of the CAR1 gene.

In vivo characterization of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae centromere DNA element I, a binding site for the helix-loop-helix protein CPF1

The centromere DNA element I (CDEI) is an important component of Saccharomyces cerevisiae centromere DNA and carries the palindromic sequence CACRTG (R = purine) as a characteristic feature. In vivo, CDEI is bound by the helix-loop-helix protein CPF1. This article describes the in vivo analysis of all single-base-pair substitutions in CDEI in the centromere of an artificial chromosome and demonstrates the importance of the palindromic sequence for faithful chromosome segregation, supporting the notion that CPF1 binds as a dimer to this binding site. Mutational analysis of two conserved base pairs on the left and two nonconserved base pairs on the right of the CDEI palindrome revealed that these are also relevant for mitotic CEN function. Symmetrical mutations in either half-site of the palindrome affect centromere activity to a different extent, indicating nonidentical sequence requirements for binding by the CPF1 homodimer. Analysis of double point mutations in CDEI and in CDEIII, an additional centromere element, indicate synergistic effects between the DNA-protein complexes at these sites.

In vivo characterization of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae centromere DNA element I, a binding site for the helix-loop-helix protein CPF1

The centromere DNA element I (CDEI) is an important component of Saccharomyces cerevisiae centromere DNA and carries the palindromic sequence CACRTG (R = purine) as a characteristic feature. In vivo, CDEI is bound by the helix-loop-helix protein CPF1. This article describes the in vivo analysis of all single-base-pair substitutions in CDEI in the centromere of an artificial chromosome and demonstrates the importance of the palindromic sequence for faithful chromosome segregation, supporting the notion that CPF1 binds as a dimer to this binding site. Mutational analysis of two conserved base pairs on the left and two nonconserved base pairs on the right of the CDEI palindrome revealed that these are also relevant for mitotic CEN function. Symmetrical mutations in either half-site of the palindrome affect centromere activity to a different extent, indicating nonidentical sequence requirements for binding by the CPF1 homodimer. Analysis of double point mutations in CDEI and in CDEIII, an additional centromere element, indicate synergistic effects between the DNA-protein complexes at these sites.

The nuclear coded mitoribosomal proteins YmL27 and YmL31 are both essential for mitochondrial function in yeast

Using synthetic oligonucleotides deduced from the N-terminal amino acid sequence of purified mitoribosomal protein (mt r-protein) YmL27, the corresponding nuclear gene MRP-L27 of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been cloned and sequenced. The MRP-L27 gene codes for 146 amino acids and is located on chromosome X. The mature YmL27 protein consists of 130 amino acids - after cleaving the putative mitochondrial signal peptide - with a net charge of +17 and a calculated relative molecular mass of 14,798 Da. The YmL27 protein as well as the yeast mitoribosomal protein YmL31, which had been characterized and its gene (MRP-L31) cloned previously, is essential for mitochondrial function as shown by the inability of gene disrupted mutants for the MRP-L27 or MRP-L31 genes to grow on non-fermentable carbon sources.

The multifunctional protein OBF1 is phosphorylated at serine and threonine residues in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

We have purified a DNA replication enhancer-binding protein, OBF1, from yeast cells grown in a medium containing 32P-labeled orthophosphate. The purified 32P-labeled protein comigrated on polyacrylamide gels with OBF1 bands identified by immunoblotting with anti-OBF1 antibodies. Furthermore, trypsin treatment of the 32P-labeled OBF1 revealed several phosphorylated peptides, suggesting that OBF1 is multiply phosphorylated in vivo. Incubation of phosphorylated peptides with calf intestinal phosphatase liberated the radiolabel as free phosphate, indicating a phosphoester linkage. Acid hydrolysis of the tryptic peptides revealed 32P-label label comigrating with phosphoserine; some of it, however, was also identified as phosphothreonine. Using anti-OBF1 antibodies, we cloned the OBF1 gene from a lambda gt11 yeast expression library. The DNA sequence of the isolated gene and its over-expression in yeast indicated that OBF1 is identical to ABF-1 and BAF1 proteins, believed to have a role in transcriptional repression and activation. Therefore, we suggest that OBF1 is a multifunctional protein, acting in transcription and replication, and that these activities are regulated by phosphorylation.

Multi-functional DNA proteins in yeast: the factors GFI and GFII are identical to the ARS-binding factor ABFI and the centromere-binding factor CPF1 respectively

GFI and GFII are abundant DNA-binding proteins in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Binding sites for GFI conform to the sequence 5'-RTCRYNNNNNACG-3'. This consensus can also accommodate the recognition sequence for the ARS1-binding factor ABFI. Results of retardation-competition assays, limited proteolysis experiments, molecular weight determinations based on denaturation-renaturation procedures and mobility shift assays of protein-DNA complexes formed in the presence of a monoclonal antibody raised against ABFI suggest strongly that GFI and ABFI are the same protein. Similarly, GFII appears to be identical to the centromere-binding protein CPF1 (alias CP1), since both proteins bind to the CDEI motif of yeast centromeres (5'-RTCACRTG-3') and cannot be detected in a cpf1 disruption mutant yeast strain. In addition, based on denaturation-renaturation studies, both factors appear to have molecular weights in the same range of 53-62 kDa.

Yeast CBP1 mRNA 3' end formation is regulated during the induction of mitochondrial function

Alternative mRNA processing is one mechanism for generating two or more polypeptides from a single gene. While many mammalian genes contain multiple mRNA 3' cleavage and polyadenylation signals that change the coding sequence of the mature mRNA when used at different developmental stages or in different tissues, only one yeast gene has been identified with this capacity. The Saccharomyces cerevisiae nuclear gene CPB1 encodes a mitochondrial protein that is required for cytochrome b mRNA stability. This 66-kDa protein is encoded by a 2.2-kb mRNA transcribed from CPB1. Previously we showed that a second 1.2-kb transcript is initiated at the CBP1 promoter but has a 3' end near the middle of the coding sequence. Furthermore, it was shown that the ratio of the steady-state level of 2.2-kb CBP1 message to 1.2-kb message decreases 10-fold during the induction of mitochondrial function, while the combined levels of both messages remain constant. Having proposed that regulation of 3' end formation dictates the amount of each CBP1 transcript, we now show that a 146-bp fragment from the middle of CBP1 is sufficient to direct carbon source-regulated production of two transcripts when inserted into the yeast URA3 gene. This fragment contains seven polyadenylation sites for the wild-type 1.2-kb mRNA, as mapped by sequence analysis of CBP1 cDNA clones. Deletion mutations upstream of the polyadenylation sites abolished formation of the 1.2-kb transcript, whereas deletion of three of the sites only led to a reduction in abundance of the 1.2-kb mRNA. Our results indicate that regulation of the abundance of both CBP1 transcripts is controlled by elements in a short segment of the gene that directs 3' end formation of the 1.2-kb transcript, a unique case in yeast cells.