Kex2-dependent processing of yeast K1 killer preprotoxin includes cleavage at ProArg-44

An N terminomics toolbox combining 2-pyridinecarboxaldehyde probes and click chemistry for profiling protease specificity

Proteomic profiling of protease-generated N termini provides key insights into protease function and specificity. However, current technologies have sequence limitations or require specialized synthetic reagents for N-terminal peptide isolation. Here, we introduce an N terminomics toolbox that combines selective N-terminal biotinylation using 2-pyridinecarboxaldehyde (2PCA) reagents with chemically cleavable linkers to enable efficient enrichment of protein N termini. By incorporating a commercially available alkyne-modified 2PCA in combination with Cu(I)-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC), our strategy eliminates the need for chemical synthesis of N-terminal probes. Using these reagents, we developed PICS2 (Proteomic Identification of Cleavage Sites with 2PCA) to profile the specificity of subtilisin/kexin-type proprotein convertases (PCSKs). We also implemented CHOPPER (chemical enrichment of protease substrates with purchasable, elutable reagents) for global sequencing of apoptotic proteolytic cleavage sites. Based on their broad applicability and ease of implementation, PICS2 and CHOPPER are useful tools that will advance our understanding of protease biology.

Analysis of Yeast Killer Toxin K1 Precursor Processing via Site-Directed Mutagenesis: Implications for Toxicity and Immunity

The killer phenotype in the baker’s yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae relies on two double-stranded RNA viruses that are persistently present in the cytoplasm. As they carry the same receptor populations as sensitive cells, killer yeast cells need—in contrast to various bacterial toxin producers—a specialized immunity mechanism. The ionophoric killer toxin K1 leads to the formation of cation-specific pores in the plasma membrane of sensitive yeast cells. Based on the data generated in this study, we were able to update the current model of toxin processing, validating the temporary inactivation of the toxic α subunit during maturation in the secretory pathway of the killer yeast.

K1 represents a heterodimeric A/B toxin secreted by virus-infected Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains. In a two-staged receptor-mediated process, the ionophoric activity of K1 leads to an uncontrolled influx of protons, culminating in the breakdown of the cellular transmembrane potential of sensitive cells. K1 killer yeast necessitate not only an immunity mechanism saving the toxin-producing cell from its own toxin but, additionally, a molecular system inactivating the toxic α subunit within the secretory pathway. In this study, different derivatives of the K1 precursor were constructed to analyze the biological function of particular structural components and their influence on toxin activity as well as the formation of protective immunity. Our data implicate an inactivation of the α subunit during toxin maturation and provide the basis for an updated model of K1 maturation within the host cell’s secretory pathway.

IMPORTANCE The killer phenotype in the baker’s yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae relies on two double-stranded RNA viruses that are persistently present in the cytoplasm. As they carry the same receptor populations as sensitive cells, killer yeast cells need—in contrast to various bacterial toxin producers—a specialized immunity mechanism. The ionophoric killer toxin K1 leads to the formation of cation-specific pores in the plasma membrane of sensitive yeast cells. Based on the data generated in this study, we were able to update the current model of toxin processing, validating the temporary inactivation of the toxic α subunit during maturation in the secretory pathway of the killer yeast.

Production of protein-based polymers in Pichia pastoris

Materials science and genetic engineering have joined forces over the last three decades in the development of so-called protein-based polymers. These are proteins, typically with repetitive amino acid sequences, that have such physical properties that they can be used as functional materials. Well-known natural examples are collagen, silk, and elastin, but also artificial sequences have been devised. These proteins can be produced in a suitable host via recombinant DNA technology, and it is this inherent control over monomer sequence and molecular size that renders this class of polymers of particular interest to the fields of nanomaterials and biomedical research. Traditionally, Escherichia coli has been the main workhorse for the production of these polymers, but the methylotrophic yeast Pichia pastoris is finding increased use in view of the often high yields and potential bioprocessing benefits. We here provide an overview of protein-based polymers produced in P. pastoris. We summarize their physicochemical properties, briefly note possible applications, and detail their biosynthesis. Some challenges that may be faced when using P. pastoris for polymer production are identified: (i) low yields and poor process control in shake flask cultures; i.e., the need for bioreactors, (ii) proteolytic degradation, and (iii) self-assembly in vivo. Strategies to overcome these challenges are discussed, which we anticipate will be of interest also to readers involved in protein expression in P. pastoris in general.

Propeptide genesis by Kex2-dependent cleavage of yeast wall protein 1 (Ywp1) of Candida albicans

Candida albicans is a prevalent fungal resident and opportunistic pathogen of humans, exhibiting a variety of ovoid and filamentous morphologies. Anchored within the cell wall of the ovoid yeast form of C. albicans is an abundant glycoprotein termed yeast wall protein 1 (Ywp1). Ywp1 has an antiadhesive effect that may facilitate yeast cell dispersal; it also contributes to the masking of the glucan matrix of the yeast cell wall, potentially providing shielding from recognition by the human immune system. Mature Ywp1 consists of an O-glycosylated core of 378 amino acids associated with an N-glycosylated propeptide that originates from an N-terminal segment of Ywp1. A tribasic (-RRR-) sequence in the immature Ywp1 polypeptide is separated by 8 amino acids from a dibasic (-KR-) sequence that is a canonical site for cleavage by the intracellular endopeptidase Kex2, and cleavage occurs at both of these sites to generate an 11 kilodalton (kDa) propeptide that remains strongly associated with the mature core of Ywp1. Previous studies demonstrated an absence of the 11 kDa propeptide in strains lacking Kex2, but the presence of lesser amounts of a 12 kDa propeptide ostensibly (and paradoxically) arising from cleavage at the dibasic site. Subsequent studies of wild type strains, however, suggested that post-secretion cleavages were carried out in vitro by acid proteases in unbuffered cultures to generate the 12 kDa propeptide. Here, intact and Gfp-tagged Ywp1 are utilized to show that neither of the two multibasic sites is normally cleaved in the absence of Kex2, but that uncleaved Ywp1 is still N-glycosylated and subsequently anchored to the cell wall. This furthers our understanding of the multistep cleavage of this highly conserved sequence, as well as the possible contributions of the cleaved propeptide to the maturation and functioning of Ywp1.

Enemies with benefits: mutualistic interactions of viruses with lower eukaryotes

Viruses represent some of the deadliest pathogens known to science. Recently they have been reported to have mutualistic interactions with their hosts, providing them direct or indirect benefits. The mutualism and symbiogenesis of such viruses with lower eukaryotic partners such as fungi, yeast, and insects have been reported but the full mechanism of interaction often remains an enigma. In many instances, these viral interactions provide resistance against several biotic and abiotic stresses, which could be the prime reason for the ecological success and positive selection of the hosts. These viruses modulate host metabolism and behavior, so both can obtain maximum benefits from the environment. They bring about micro- and macro-level changes in the hosts, benefiting their adaptation, reproduction, development, and survival. These virus-host interactions can be bilateral or tripartite with a variety of interacting partners. Exploration of these interactions can shed light on one of the well-coordinated biological phenomena of co-evolution and can be highly utilized for various applications in agriculture, fermentation and the pharmaceutical industries.

[KIL-d] Protein Element Confers Antiviral Activity via Catastrophic Viral Mutagenesis

Eukaryotic cells are targeted by pathogenic viruses and have developed cell defense mechanisms against viral infection. In yeast, the cellular extrachromosomal genetic element [KIL-d] alters killer activity of M double-stranded RNA killer virus and confers cell resistance against the killer virus. However, its underlying mechanism and the molecular nature of [KIL-d] are unknown. Here, we demonstrate that [KIL-d] is a proteinaceous prion-like aggregate with non-Mendelian cytoplasmic transmission. Deep sequencing analyses revealed that [KIL-d] selectively increases the rate of de novo mutation in the killer toxin gene of the viral genome, producing yeast harboring a defective mutant killer virus with a selective growth advantage over those with WT killer virus. These results suggest that a prion-like [KIL-d] element reprograms the viral replication machinery to induce mutagenesis and genomic inactivation via the long-hypothesized mechanism of "error catastrophe." The findings also support a role for prion-like protein aggregates in cellular defense and adaptation.

Yeast response to LA virus indicates coadapted global gene expression during mycoviral infection

Viruses that infect fungi have a ubiquitous distribution and play an important role in structuring fungal communities. Most of these viruses have an unusual life history in that they are propagated exclusively via asexual reproduction or fission of fungal cells. This asexual mode of transmission intimately ties viral reproductive success to that of its fungal host and should select for viruses that have minimal deleterious impact on the fitness of their hosts. Accordingly, viral infections of fungi frequently do not measurably impact fungal growth, and in some instances, increase the fitness of the fungal host. Here we determine the impact of the loss of coinfection by LA virus and the virus-like particle M1 upon global gene expression of the fungal host Saccharomyces cerevisiae and provide evidence supporting the idea that coevolution has selected for viral infection minimally impacting host gene expression.

The Golgi-resident protease Kex2 acts in conjunction with Prm1 to facilitate cell fusion during yeast mating

The molecular machines that mediate cell fusion are unknown. Previously, we identified a multispanning transmembrane protein, Prm1 (pheromone-regulated membrane protein 1), that acts during yeast mating (Heiman, M.G., and P. Walter. 2000. J. Cell Biol. 151:719-730). Without Prm1, a substantial fraction of mating pairs arrest with their plasma membranes tightly apposed yet unfused. In this study, we show that lack of the Golgi-resident protease Kex2 strongly enhances the cell fusion defect of Prm1-deficient mating pairs and causes a mild fusion defect in otherwise wild-type mating pairs. Lack of the Kex1 protease but not the Ste13 protease results in similar defects. Deltakex2 and Deltakex1 fusion defects were suppressed by osmotic support, a trait shared with mutants defective in cell wall remodeling. In contrast, other cell wall mutants do not enhance the Deltaprm1 fusion defect. Electron microscopy of Deltakex2-derived mating pairs revealed novel extracellular blebs at presumptive sites of fusion. Kex2 and Kex1 may promote cell fusion by proteolytically processing substrates that act in parallel to Prm1 as an alternative fusion machine, as cell wall components, or both.

The expression and processing of two recombinant 2S albumins from soybean (Glycine max) in the yeast Pichia pastoris

Soybean seeds contain two 2S albumin storage proteins (AL1 and AL3) which may contribute to their industrial processing quality and allergenicity. We show that these proteins (AL1 and AL3) are well expressed by the methylotrophic yeast Pichia pastoris and that one of the secreted proteins (AL3) has a similar conformation and stability to that purified from soybean seeds. Further, we show that the subunits are post-translationally processed within the same loop region as the native protein but with some differences in the precise sites. This internal processing provides useful information on the endoproteolytic activity in P. pastoris. We also show that, similar to many plant allergens, the 2S albumins from soybean are stable to heat and chemical treatments.

The viral killer system in yeast: from molecular biology to application

Since the initial discovery of the yeast killer system almost 40 years ago, intensive studies have substantially strengthened our knowledge in many areas of biology and provided deeper insights into basic aspects of eukaryotic cell biology as well as into virus-host cell interactions and general yeast virology. Analysis of killer toxin structure, synthesis and secretion has fostered understanding of essential cellular mechanisms such as post-translational prepro-protein processing in the secretory pathway. Furthermore, investigation of the receptor-mediated mode of toxin action proved to be an effective means for dissecting the molecular structure and in vivo assembly of yeast and fungal cell walls, providing important insights relevant to combating infections by human pathogenic yeasts. Besides their general importance in understanding eukaryotic cell biology, killer yeasts, killer toxins and killer viruses are also becoming increasingly interesting with respect to possible applications in biomedicine and gene technology. This review will try to address all these aspects.

Mutational analysis of K28 preprotoxin processing in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae

K28 killer strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae are permanently infected with a cytoplasmic persisting dsRNA virus encoding a secreted alpha/beta heterodimeric protein toxin that kills sensitive cells by cell-cycle arrest and inhibition of DNA synthesis. In vivo processing of the 345 aa toxin precursor (preprotoxin; pptox) involves multiple internal and carboxy-terminal cleavage events by the prohormone convertases Kex2p and Kex1p. By site-directed mutagenesis of the preprotoxin gene and phenotypic analysis of its in vivo effects it is now demonstrated that secretion of a biological active virus toxin requires signal peptidase cleavage after Gly(36) and Kex2p-mediated processing at the alpha subunit N terminus (after Glu-Arg(49)), the alpha subunit C terminus (after Ser-Arg(149)) and at the beta subunit N terminus (after Lys-Arg(245)). The mature C terminus of the beta subunit is trimmed by Kex1p, which removes the terminal Arg(345) residue, thus uncovering the toxin's endoplasmic reticulum targeting signal (HDEL) which--in a sensitive target cell--is essential for retrograde toxin transport. Interestingly, both toxin subunits are covalently linked by a single disulfide bond between alpha-Cys(56) and beta-Cys(340), and expression of a mutant toxin in which beta-Cys(340) had been replaced by Ser(340) resulted in the secretion of a non-toxic alpha/beta heterodimer that is blocked in retrograde transport and incapable of entering the yeast cell cytosol, indicating that one important in vivo function of beta-Cys(340) might be to ensure accessibility of the toxin's beta subunit C terminus to the HDEL receptor of the target cell.

The methylotrophic yeast Hansenula polymorpha: a versatile cell factory

The development of heterologous overexpression systems for soluble proteins has greatly advanced the study of the structure/function relationships of these proteins and their biotechnological and pharmaceutical applications. In this paper we present an overview on several aspects of the use of the methylotrophic yeast Hansenula polymorpha as a host for heterologous gene expression. H. polymorpha has been successfully exploited as a cell factory for the large-scale production of such components. Stable, engineered strains can be obtained by site-directed integration of expression cassettes into the genome, for which various constitutive and inducible promoters are available to control the expression of the foreign genes. New developments have now opened the way to additional applications of H. polymorpha, which are unprecedented for other organisms. Most importantly, it may be the organism of choice for reliable, large-scale production of heterologous membrane proteins, using inducible intracellular membranes and targeting sequences to specifically insert these proteins stably into these membranes. Furthermore, the use of H. polymorpha offers the possibility to accumulate the produced components into specific compartments, namely peroxisomes. These organelles are massively induced during growth of the organism on methanol and may occupy up to 80% of the cell volume. Accumulation inside peroxisomes prevents undesired modifications (e.g. proteolytic processing or glycosylation) and is also in particular advantageous when proteins are produced which are toxic or harmful for the host.

High-yield secretion of recombinant gelatins by Pichia pastoris

Recombinant non-hydroxylated gelatins based on mouse type I and rat type III collagen sequences were secreted from the methylotrophic yeast Pichia pastoris, using the Saccharomyces cerevisiae alpha-mating factor prepro signal. Proteolytic degradation could be minimized to a large extent by performing fermentations at pH 3.0 and by adding casamino acids to the medium, even though gelatin is extremely susceptible to proteolysis due to its open, unfolded structure. Proteolytic cleavage at specific mono-arginylic sites, by a putative Kex2-like protease, could be successfully abolished by site-directed mutagenesis of these sites. Production levels as high as 14.8 g/l clarified both were obtained, using multicopy tranformants. To our knowledge, this represents the highest level of heterologous protein secretion reported to date for P. pastoris.

Quantitative assessment of enzyme specificity in vivo: P2 recognition by Kex2 protease defined in a genetic system

The specificity of the yeast proprotein-processing Kex2 protease was examined in vivo by using a sensitive, quantitative assay. A truncated prepro-alpha-factor gene encoding an alpha-factor precursor with a single alpha-factor repeat was constructed with restriction sites for cassette mutagenesis flanking the single Kex2 cleavage site (-SLDKR downward arrowEAEA-). All of the 19 substitutions for the Lys (P2) residue in the cleavage site were made. The wild-type and mutant precursors were expressed in a yeast strain lacking the chromosomal genes encoding Kex2 and prepro-alpha-factor. Cleavage of the 20 sites by Kex2, expressed at the wild-type level, was assessed by using a quantitative-mating assay with an effective range greater than six orders of magnitude. All substitutions for Lys at P2 decreased mating, from 2-fold for Arg to >10(6)-fold for Trp. Eviction of the Kex2-encoding plasmid indicated that cleavage of mutant sites by other cellular proteases was not a complicating factor. Mating efficiencies of strains expressing the mutant precursors correlated well with the specificity (kcat/KM) of purified Kex2 for comparable model peptide substrates, validating the in vivo approach as a quantitative method. The results support the conclusion that KM, which is heavily influenced by the nature of the P2 residue, is a major determinant of cleavage efficiency in vivo. P2 preference followed the rank order: Lys > Arg > Thr > Pro > Glu > Ile > Ser > Ala > Asn > Val > Cys > AsP > Gln > Gly > His > Met > Leu > Tyr > Phe > Trp.

Disruption of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae YAP3 gene reduces the proteolytic degradation of secreted recombinant human albumin

Expression of recombinant human albumin (rHA) in Saccharomyces cerevisiae resulted in secretion of both mature albumin and a 45 kDa degradation product, comprising an N-terminal fragment of rHA with heterogeneous C-termini between residues 403 and 409 (Geisow et al., 1991). Site-directed mutagenesis of the human albumin gene (HA) to change Arg410 to Ala (R410A) caused a significant reduction in the amount of fragment produced. Mutation of the adjacent dibasic site Lys413 Lys414 had little effect in isolation, but in combination with the R410A mutation resulted in a further reduction in the amount of rHA fragment produced. This reduction could be duplicated with nature-identical rHA by disruption of the gene for an aspartyl protease (YAP3), alone or in conjunction with disruption of the KEX2 gene. Disruption of KEX2 alone did not result in any improvement in the degree of degradation of the rHA. Reduced degradation was also observed when an rHA-human growth hormone fusion protein was secreted from a yap3 strain, suggesting that such strains may have a general utility for heterologous protein secretion.

Activation of the kexin from Schizosaccharomyces pombe requires internal cleavage of its initially cleaved prosequence

Members of the kexin family of processing enzymes are responsible for the cleavage of many proproteins during their transport through the secretory pathway. The enzymes themselves are made as inactive precursors, and we investigated the activation process by studying the maturation of Krp1, a kexin from the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe. Using a cell-free translation-translocation system prepared from Xenopus eggs, we found that Krp1 is made as a preproprotein that loses the presequence during translocation into the endoplasmic reticulum. The prosequence is also rapidly cleaved in a reaction that is autocatalytic and probably intramolecular and is inhibited by disruption of the P domain. Prosequence cleavage normally occurs at Arg-Tyr-Lys-Arg102/ (primary cleavage site) but can occur at Lys-Arg82 (internal cleavage site) and/or Trp-Arg99 when the basic residues are removed from the primary site. Cleavage of the prosequence is necessary but not sufficient for activation, and Krp1 is initially unable to process substrates presented in trans. Full activation is achieved after further incubation in the extract and is coincident with the addition of O-linked sugars. O glycosylation is not, however, essential for activity, and the crucial event appears to be cleavage of the initially cleaved prosequence at the internal site. Our results are consistent with a model in which the cleaved prosequence remains noncovalently associated with the catalytic domain and acts as an autoinhibitor of the enzyme. Inhibition is then relieved by a second (internal) cleavage of the inhibitory prosequence. Further support for this model is provided by our finding that overexpression of a Krp1 prosequence lacking a cleavable internal site dramatically reduced the growth rate of otherwise wild-type S. pombe cells, an effect that was not seen after overexpression of the normal, internally cleavable, prosequence or prosequences that lack the Lys-Arg102 residues.

An Aspergillus awamori acetylesterase: purification of the enzyme, and cloning and sequencing of the gene

An inducible acetylesterase was purified from the culture medium of Aspergillus awamori strain IFO4033 growing on wheat-bran culture by ion-exchange, gel-filtration and hydrophobic-interaction chromatographies. The purified enzyme had an Mr of 31000 and contained Asn-linked oligosaccharides. The enzyme liberated acetic acid from wheat bran, hydrolysed only alpha-naphthyl acetate and propionate when aromatic esters were used for the substrate, and was tentatively classified as a carboxylic esterase (EC 3.1.1.1). The gene encoding acetylesterase was cloned and sequenced. The deduced amino acid sequence showed that acetylesterase was produced as a 304-amino-acid-residue precursor, which was converted post-translationally into a 275-amino-acid-residue mature protein. Part of the sequence of acetylesterase was similar to the region near the active-site serine of lipases of Geotrichum candidum and Candida cylindracea. A unique site of putative Asn-linked oligosaccharides was presented.

Yeast killer systems

The killer phenomenon in yeasts has been revealed to be a multicentric model for molecular biologists, virologists, phytopathologists, epidemiologists, industrial and medical microbiologists, mycologists, and pharmacologists. The surprisingly widespread occurrence of the killer phenomenon among taxonomically unrelated microorganisms, including prokaryotic and eukaryotic pathogens, has engendered a new interest in its biological significance as well as its theoretical and practical applications. The search for therapeutic opportunities by using yeast killer systems has conceptually opened new avenues for the prevention and control of life-threatening fungal diseases through the idiotypic network that is apparently exploited by the immune system in the course of natural infections. In this review, the biology, ecology, epidemiology, therapeutics, serology, and idiotypy of yeast killer systems are discussed.

Heterologous expression of human cholecystokinin in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Evidence for a lysine-specific endopeptidase in the yeast secretory pathway

Precursors of the human regulatory peptide cholecystokinin (CCK) have been expressed in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and the post-translational processing of secreted CCK-related products analyzed. Recombinant plasmids expressing native human prepro-CCK and a hybrid molecule encompassing the prepro leader of the yeast alpha-mating pheromone fused to pro-CCK were examined. The latter construct resulted in considerably higher levels of pro-CCK secretion and was therefore analyzed in more detail. Two of the protein modifications essential for CCK bioactivity, C-terminal alpha-amidation and tyrosyl sulfation, were not detected in S. cerevisiae. Proteolytic cleavage of pro-CCK occurred C-terminally of three basic sites; (i) Arg105-Arg106 which, upon exposure to carboxypeptidase activity, leads to the production of glycine-extended CCK; (ii) Arg95 to produce CCK-8 related processing intermediates; and (iii) Lys81 resulting in CCK-22 related products. To elucidate which protease(s) are involved in these endoproteolytic cleavage events, pro-CCK was expressed in yeast mutants lacking various combinations of the Mkc7, Yap3, and Kex2 proteases. Only in S. cerevisiae strains deficient in Kex2 function was any of the above mentioned pro-CCK cleavages abolished, namely processing at the Arg105-Arg106 and Arg95 sites. This suggests that mammalian Kex2-like serine proteases may process pro-CCK at single arginine residues. Our data suggests that an as yet uncharacterized endopeptidase(s) in the S. cerevisiae secretory pathway is responsible for the lysine-specific cleavage of pro-CCK.

Cloning and expression of a cDNA copy of the viral K28 killer toxin gene in yeast

The killer toxin K28, secreted by certain killer strains of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae is genetically encoded by a 1.9 kb double-stranded RNA, M-dsRNA (M28), that is present within the cell as a cytoplasmically inherited virus-like particle (VLP). For stable maintenance and replication, M28-VLPs depend on a second dsRNA virus (LA), which has been shown to encode the major capsid protein (cap) and a capsid-polymerase fusion protein (cap-pol) that provides the toxin-coding M-satellites with their transcription and replicase functions. K28 toxin-coding M28-VLPs were isolated, purified and used in vitro for the synthesis of the single-stranded M28 transcript, which was shown to be of plus strand polarity and to bind to oligo(dT)-cellulose, indicating that M28(+)ssRNA contains an internal A-rich tract. Strand separation of the 1.9 kb M28-dsRNA and direct RNA sequencing of its 3' ends was performed in order to obtain specific DNA oligonucleotides that could be used as primers for cDNA synthesis. The nucleotide sequence of the toxin-coding M28-cDNA identified a single open reading frame (ORF) coding for a polypeptide of 345 amino acids, which contained two potential Kex2p/Kex1p processing sites and three potential sites for protein N-glycosylation. The toxin-coding cDNA was cloned and expressed in sensitive non-killer strains under the control of the yeast PGK promoter. Upon transformation, this construct conferred the complete K28 phenotype, demonstrating that both toxin and immunity determinants are contained within the cloned cDNA. In vitro translational analysis of the M28(+)ssRNA in vitro transcript identified the primary gene product of M28 as a K28 preprotoxin of 38 kDa (M-p38).

Use of beta-lactamase as a secreted reporter of promoter function in yeast

K1 preprotoxin is the 316 residue precursor of the K1 killer toxin secreted by the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The SP beta la reporter consists of the mature, secreted form of beta-lactamase (beta la) fused to S and P, two fragments of preprotoxin. S is the N-terminal 34 residues, including the secretion signal. P, a 67 residue 'processing' segment with three sites for N-glycosylation, terminates in a Lys Arg site for cleavage by the Kex2 protease. Expression of SP beta 1a in yeast results in efficient secretion, processing by signal peptidase and glycosylation in the endoplasmic reticulum, producing pro beta la. Kex2 cleavage of pro beta la in the lumen of a late Golgi compartment releases beta la, which accumulates stably in culture media buffered at pH 5.8-7. The half-life of secretion is 11 min at 30 degrees C; 10-12% of the total activity in exponential-phase cells is intracellular, mostly in the form of pro beta la, indicating that transit from the endoplasmic reticulum to the Golgi is rate limiting. We have used SP beta la expression in single- and multi-copy vectors to compare the PGK, GAL1, GAL10, PHO5 and CUP1 promoters under varying nutritional conditions. In exponential-phase cells, secretion of beta la over a 40-fold range and up to several micrograms/ml was proportional to transcript level, demonstrating that SP beta la can be employed as a convenient secreted reporter of promoter function in yeast.

Processing of Kex2 pro-region at two interchangeable cleavage sites

In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the Kex2 endoprotease (Kex2p) is required for the proteolytic maturation of alpha-pheromone and also for the removal of its own pro-region. Kex2p is specific for pairs of basic amino acid residues. Two putative processing sites are present in the pro-region of Kex2p. We have expressed processing site mutants of Kex2p and assayed the production of active Kex2p. Mutations affecting either putative cleavage site do not alter the activity. However, mutations affecting both sites led to a reduction in both Kex2 activity and the amount of protein. These results suggest that removal of Kex2p pro-peptide is required for the production of a stable enzyme and can occur at either processing site.

Role of the gamma component of preprotoxin in expression of the yeast K1 killer phenotype

K1 killer strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae secrete a polypeptide toxin to which they are themselves immune. The alpha and beta components of toxin comprise residues 45-147 and 234-316 of the 316-residue K1 preprotoxin. The intervening 86-residue segment is called gamma. A 26-residue signal peptide is removed on entry into the endoplasmic reticulum. The Kex2 protease excises the toxin components from the 290-residue glycosylated protoxin in a late Golgi compartment. Expression of a cDNA copy of the preprotoxin gene confers the complete K1 killer phenotype on sensitive cells. We now show that expression of immunity requires the alpha component and the N-terminal 31 residues of gamma. An additional C-terminal extension, either eight residues of gamma or three of four unrelated peptides, is also required. Expression of preprotoxin terminating at the alpha C-terminus, or lacking the gamma N-terminal half of gamma causes profound but reversible growth inhibition. Inhibition is suppressed in cis by the same 31 residues of gamma required for immunity to exocellular toxin in trans, but not by the presence of beta. Both immunity and growth inhibition are alleviated by insertions in alpha that inactivate toxin. Inhibition is not suppressed by kex2, chc1 or kre1 mutations, by growth at higher pH or temperature, or by normal K1 immunity. Inhibition, therefore, probably does not involve processing of the alpha toxin component at its N-terminus or release from the cell and binding to glucan receptors. Some insertion and substitution mutations in gamma severely reduce toxin secretion without affecting immunity. They are presumed to affect protoxin folding in the endoplasmic reticulum and translocation to the Golgi.

Genetic analysis of maintenance and expression of L and M double-stranded RNAs from yeast killer virus K28

The killer phenotype expressed by Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain 28 differs from that of the more extensively studied K1 and K2 killers with respect to immunity, mode of toxin action and cell wall primary toxin receptor. We previously demonstrated that the M28 and L28 dsRNAs found in strain 28 are present in virus-like particles (VLPs) and that transfection with these VLPs is sufficient to confer the complete K28 phenotype on a dsRNA-free recipient cell. We also demonstrated that L28, like the L-A-H species in K1 killers, has [HOK] activity required for maintenance of M1-dsRNA, and predicted that M28 would share with M1 dependence on L-A for replication. We now confirm this prediction by genetic and biochemical analysis of the effects of representative mak, ski and mkt mutations on M28 maintenance, demonstrating that M28 replication resembles M1 in all respects. We also show that L28 is an L-A-H species lacking [B] activity, and that M28 excludes both M1 and M2 from the same cytoplasm. Stable coexpression of K28 phenotype from M28 and of K1 phenotype from an M1-cDNA clone was demonstrated. Exclusion, therefore, acts at the level of dsRNA replication, presumably reflecting competition for the L-A-H encoded capsid and cap-pol fusion protein, rather than reflecting incompatibility of toxin or immunity expression. Finally, we show that expression of active K28 toxin, but not of K28 immunity, requires the Kex2 endoprotease.