Composition and functional characterization of yeast 66S ribosome assembly intermediates

The pathway and complete collection of factors that orchestrate ribosome assembly are not clear. To address these problems, we affinity purified yeast preribosomal particles containing the nucleolar protein Nop7p and developed means to separate their components. Nop7p is associated primarily with 66S preribosomes containing either 27SB or 25.5S plus 7S pre-rRNAs. Copurifying proteins identified by mass spectrometry include ribosomal proteins, nonribosomal proteins previously implicated in 60S ribosome biogenesis, and proteins not known to be involved in ribosome production. Analysis of strains mutant for eight of these proteins not previously implicated in ribosome biogenesis showed that they do participate in this pathway. These results demonstrate that proteomic approaches in concert with genetic tools provide powerful means to purify and characterize ribosome assembly intermediates.

Ribosomal protein S14 of Saccharomyces cerevisiae regulates its expression by binding to RPS14B pre-mRNA and to 18S rRNA

Production of ribosomal protein S14 in Saccharomyces cerevisiae is coordinated with the rate of ribosome assembly by a feedback mechanism that represses expression of RPS14B. Three-hybrid assays in vivo and filter binding assays in vitro demonstrate that rpS14 directly binds to an RNA stem-loop structure in RPS14B pre-mRNA that is necessary for RPS14B regulation. Moreover, rpS14 binds to a conserved helix in 18S rRNA with approximately five- to sixfold-greater affinity. These results support the model that RPS14B regulation is mediated by direct binding of rpS14 either to its pre-mRNA or to rRNA. Investigation of these interactions with the three-hybrid system reveals two regions of rpS14 that are involved in RNA recognition. D52G and E55G mutations in rpS14 alter the specificity of rpS14 for RNA, as indicated by increased affinity for RPS14B RNA but reduced affinity for the rRNA target. Deletion of the C terminus of rpS14, where multiple antibiotic resistance mutations map, prevents binding of rpS14 to RNA and production of functional 40S subunits. The emetine-resistant protein, rpS14-EmRR, which contains two mutations near the C terminus of rpS14, does not bind either RNA target in the three-hybrid or in vitro assays. This is the first direct demonstration that an antibiotic resistance mutation alters binding of an r protein to rRNA and is consistent with the hypothesis that antibiotic resistance mutations can result from local alterations in rRNA structure.

Identification and characterization of human genes encoding Hprp3p and Hprp4p, interacting components of the spliceosome

Nuclear RNA splicing occurs in an RNA-protein complex, termed the spliceosome. U4/U6 snRNP is one of four essential small nuclear ribonucleoprotein (snRNP) particles (U1, U2, U5 and U4/U6) present in the spliceosome. U4/U6 snRNP contains two snRNAs (U4 and U6) and a number of proteins. We report here the identification and characterization of two human genes encoding U4/U6-associated splicing factors, Hprp3p and Hprp4p, respectively. Hprp3p is a 77 kDa protein, which is homologous to the Saccharomyces cerevisiae splicing factor Prp3p. Amino acid sequence analysis revealed two putative homologues in Caenorhabditis elegans and Schizosaccharomyces pombe. Polyclonal antibodies against Hprp3p were generated with His-tagged Hprp3p over-produced in Escherichia coli . This splicing factor can co-immunoprecipitate with U4, U6 and U5 snRNAs, suggesting that it is present in the U4/U6.U5 tri-snRNP. Hprp4p is a 58 kDa protein homologous to yeast splicing factor Prp4p. Like yeast Prp4p, the human homologue contains repeats homologous to the beta-subunit of G-proteins. These repeats are called WD repeats because there is a highly conserved dipeptide of tryptophan and aspartic acid present at the end of each repeat. The primary amino acid sequence homology between human Hprp4p and yeast Prp4p led to the discovery of two additional WD repeats in yeast Prp4p. Structural homology between these human and yeast splicing factors and the beta-subunit of G-proteins has been identified by sequence-similarity comparison and analysis of the protein folding by threading. Structural models of Hprp4p and Prp4p with a seven-blade beta-propeller topology have been generated based on the structure of beta-transducin. Hprp3p and Hprp4p have been shown to interact with each other and the first 100 amino acids of Hprp3p are not essential for this interaction. These experiments suggest that both Hprp3p and Hprp4p are components of human spliceosomes.

The yeast nucleolar protein Nop4p contains four RNA recognition motifs necessary for ribosome biogenesis

The Saccharomyces cerevisiae nucleolar protein Nop4p is necessary for processing of rRNA and assembly of 60 S ribosomal subunits. Nop4p is unusual in that it contains four RNA recognition motifs (RRMs) including one noncanonical RRM, as well as several auxiliary motifs, two acidic regions between the RRMs, and a carboxyl-terminal domain rich in lysines and arginines. To examine the functional importance of these motifs, we isolated random and site-directed mutations in NOP4 and assayed Nop4p function in vivo. Our results indicate that each RRM is essential for Nop4p function; mutations in conserved aromatic residues of Nop4p cause a temperature-sensitive lethal phenotype and diminished 60 S ribosomal subunit production. The carboxyl-terminal 68 amino acids are important but apparently not essential; carboxyl-terminal truncation of Nop4p causes slow growth, decreased ribosome production, and mislocalization of Nop4p. Deletion of both acidic motifs is lethal but replacement of most of the acidic residues with alanine has no apparent phenotype. These acidic residues may serve as spacers or tethers to separate the RRMs.

The yeast Prp3 protein is a U4/U6 snRNP protein necessary for integrity of the U4/U6 snRNP and the U4/U6.U5 tri-snRNP

Previously, yeast prp3 mutants were found to be blocked prior to the first catalytic step of pre-mRNA splicing. No splicing intermediates or products are formed from pre-mRNA in heat-inactivated prp3 mutants or prp3 mutant extracts. Here we show that Prp3p is a component of the U4/U6 snRNP and is also present in the U4/U6.U5 tri-snRNP. Heat inactivation of prp3 extracts results in depletion of free U6 snRNPs and U4/U6.U5 tri-snRNPs, but not U4/U6 snRNPs or U5 snRNPs. Free U4 snRNP, normally not present in wild-type extracts, accumulates under these conditions. Assays of in vivo levels of snRNAs in a prp3 mutant revealed that amounts of free U6 snRNA decreased, free U4 snRNA increased, and U4/U6 hybrids decreased slightly. These results suggest that Prp3p is required for formation of stable U4/U6 snRNPs and for assembly of the U4/U6.U5 tri-snRNP from its component snRNPs. Upon inactivation of Prp3p, spliceosomes cannot assemble from prespliceosomes due to the absence of intact U4/U6.U5 tri-snRNPs. Prp3p is homologous to a human protein that is a component of U4/U6 snRNPs, exemplifying the conservation of splicing factors between yeast and metazoans.

Prp31p promotes the association of the U4/U6 x U5 tri-snRNP with prespliceosomes to form spliceosomes in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

The PRP31 gene encodes a factor essential for the splicing of pre-mRNA in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Cell extracts derived from a prp31-1 strain fail to form mature spliceosomes upon heat inactivation, although commitment complexes and prespliceosome complexes are detected under these conditions. Coimmunoprecipitation experiments indicate that Prp31p is associated both with the U4/U6 x U5 tri-snRNP and, independently, with the prespliceosome prior to assembly of the tri-snRNP into the splicing complex. Nondenaturing gel electrophoresis and glycerol gradient analyses demonstrate that while Prp31p may play a role in maintaining the assembly or stability of tri-snRNPs, functional protein is not essential for the formation of U4/U6 or U4/U6 x U5 snRNPs. These results suggest that Prp31p is involved in recruiting the U4/U6 x U5 tri-snRNP to prespliceosome complexes or in stabilizing these interactions.

Involvement of lysine 270 and lysine 271 of yeast 5S rRNA binding protein in RNA binding and ribosome assembly

Contributions of the highly conserved K270 and its neighboring K271 in the C-terminal region of the yeast ribosomal protein L1 to 5S rRNA binding and ribosome assembly were examined by in vivo and in vitro studies on the consequences of 14 substitution mutations. All mutant proteins with a single amino-acid substitution at either position were able to bind 5S rRNA in vitro to an extent comparable to the wild-type. Yeast cells expressing these mutant proteins, except the K270G mutant, grew at nearly normal rates. Mutations of K270 appeared to produce more demonstrable effects than those of K271. The double mutant K270,271G bound RNA poorly and yeast cells expressing the mutant protein grew 30% slower. Double mutants K270,271E and K270,271R were lethal, although the mutant protein was assembled into the 60S ribosomal subunits. The resultant subunits were not stable leading eventually to cell death. The in vitro RNA binding ability of the respective protein was reduced by 60% and 20%. Taken together, the present data identified K270 and K271 as important amino-acid residues in the function of the yeast ribosomal protein L1.

The PRP31 gene encodes a novel protein required for pre-mRNA splicing in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

The pre-mRNA splicing factor Prp31p was identified in a screen of temperature-sensitive yeast strains for those exhibiting a splicing defect upon shift to the non- permissive temperature. The wild-type PRP31 gene was cloned and shown to be essential for cell viability. The PRP31 gene is predicted to encode a 60 kDa polypeptide. No similarities with other known splicing factors or motifs indicative of protein-protein or RNA-protein interaction domains are discernible in the predicted amino acid sequence. A PRP31 allele bearing a triple repeat of the hemagglutinin epitope has been generated. The tagged protein is functional in vivo and a single polypeptide species of the predicted size was detected by Western analysis with proteins from yeast cell extracts. Functional Prp31p is required for the processing of pre-mRNA species both in vivo and in vitro, indicating that the protein is directly involved in the splicing pathway.

Six novel genes necessary for pre-mRNA splicing in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

We have identified six new genes whose products are necessary for the splicing of nuclear pre-mRNA in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. A collection of 426 temperature-sensitive yeast strains was generated by EMS mutagenesis. These mutants were screened for pre-mRNA splicing defects by an RNA gel blot assay, using the intron- containing CRY1 and ACT1 genes as hybridization probes. We identified 20 temperature-sensitive mutants defective in pre-mRNA splicing. Twelve appear to be allelic to the previously identified prp2, prp3, prp6, prp16/prp23, prp18, prp19 or prp26 mutations that cause defects in spliceosome assembly or the first or second step of splicing. One is allelic to SNR14 encoding U4 snRNA. Six new complementation groups, prp29-prp34, were identified. Each of these mutants accumulates unspliced pre-mRNA at 37 degrees C and thus is blocked in spliceosome assembly or early steps of pre-mRNA splicing before the first cleavage and ligation reaction. The prp29 mutation is suppressed by multicopy PRP2 and displays incomplete patterns of complementation with prp2 alleles, suggesting that the PRP29 gene product may interact with that of PRP2. There are now at least 42 different gene products, including the five spliceosomal snRNAs and 37 different proteins that are necessary for pre-mRNA splicing in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. However, the number of yeast genes identifiable by this approach has not yet been exhausted.

Multiple regions of yeast ribosomal protein L1 are important for its interaction with 5 S rRNA and assembly into ribosomes

Yeast ribosomal protein L1 binds to 5 S rRNA and can be released from 60 S ribosomal subunits as an intact ribonucleoprotein particle. To identify residues important for binding of Saccharomyces cerevisiae rpL1 to 5 S rRNA and assembly into functional ribosomes, we have isolated mutant alleles of the yeast RPL1 gene by site-directed and random mutagenesis. The rpl1 mutants were assayed for association of rpL1 with 5 S rRNA in vivo and in vitro and assembly of rpL1 into functional 60 S ribosomal subunits. Consistent with previous data implicating the importance of the carboxyl-terminal 47 amino acids of rpL1 for binding to 5 S rRNA in vitro, we find that deletion of the carboxyl-terminal 8, 25, or 44 amino acids of rpL1 confers lethality in vivo. Missense mutations elsewhere in rpL1 also affect its function, indicating that multiple regions of rpL1 are important for its association with 5 S rRNA and assembly into ribosomes.

Feedback inhibition of the yeast ribosomal protein gene CRY2 is mediated by the nucleotide sequence and secondary structure of CRY2 pre-mRNA

The Saccharomyces cerevisiae CRY1 and CRY2 genes, which encode ribosomal protein rp59, are expressed at a 10:1 ratio in wild-type cells. Deletion or inactivation of CRY1 leads to 5- to 10-fold-increased levels of CRY2 mRNA. Ribosomal protein 59, expressed from either CRY1 or CRY2, represses expression of CRY2 but not CRY1. cis-Acting elements involved in repression of CRY2 were identified by assaying the expression of CRY2-lacZ gene fusions and promoter fusions in CRY1 CRY2 and cry1-delta CRY2 strains. Sequences necessary and sufficient for regulation lie within the transcribed region of CRY2, including the 5' exon and the first 62 nucleotides of the intron. Analysis of CRY2 point mutations corroborates these results and indicates that both the secondary structure and sequence of the regulatory region of CRY2 pre-mRNA are necessary for repression. The regulatory sequence of CRY2 is phylogenetically conserved; a very similar sequence is present in the 5' end of the RP59 gene of the yeast Kluyveromyces lactis. Wild-type cells contain very low levels of both CRY2 pre-mRNA and CRY2 mRNA. Increased levels of CRY2 pre-mRNA are present in mtr mutants, defective in mRNA transport, and in upf1 mutants, defective in degradation of cytoplasmic RNA, suggesting that in wild-type repressed cells, unspliced CRY2 pre-mRNA is degraded in the cytoplasm. Taken together, these results suggest that feedback regulation of CRY2 occurs posttranscriptionally. A model for coupling ribosome assembly and regulation of ribosomal protein gene expression is proposed.

Increased expression of Saccharomyces cerevisiae translation elongation factor 1 alpha bypasses the lethality of a TEF5 null allele encoding elongation factor 1 beta

Translation elongation factor 1beta (EF-1beta) catalyzes the exchange of bound GDP for GTP on EF-1alpha. The lethality of a null allele of the TEF5 gene encoding EF-1beta in Saccharomyces cerevisiae was suppressed by extra copies of the TEF2 gene encoding EF-1alpha. The strains with tef5::TRP1 suppressed by extra copies of TEF were slow growing, cold sensitive, hypersensitive to inhibitors of translation elongation and showed increased phenotypic suppression of +1 frameshift and UAG nonsense mutations. Nine dominant mutant alleles of TEF2 that cause increased suppression of frameshift mutations also suppressed the lethality of tef5::TRP1. Most of the strains in which tef5::TRP1 is suppressed by dominant mutant alleles of TEF2 grew more slowly and were more antibiotic sensitive than strains with tef5::TRP1 is suppressed by wild-type TEF2. Two alleles, TEF2-4 and TEF2-10, interact with tef5::TRP1 to produce strains that showed doubling times similar to tef5::TRP1 strains containing extra copies of wild-type TEF2. These strains were less cold sensitive, drug sensitive and correspondingly less efficient suppressor of +1 frameshift mutations. These phenotypes indicate that translation and cell growth are highly sensitive to changes in EF-1alpha and EF-1beta activity.

The final stages of spliceosome maturation require Spp2p that can interact with the DEAH box protein Prp2p and promote step 1 of splicing

Pre-mRNA processing occurs by assembly of splicing factors on the substrate to form the spliceosome followed by two consecutive RNA cleavage-ligation reactions. The Prp2 protein hydrolyzes ATP and is required for the first reaction (Yean SL, Lin RJ, 1991, Mol Cell Biol 11:5571-5577; Kim SH, Smith J, Claude A, Lin RJ, 1992, EMBO J 11:2319-2326). The Saccharomyces cerevisiae SPP2 gene was previously identified as a high-copy suppressor of temperature-sensitive prp2 mutants (Last RL, Maddock JR, Woolford JL Jr, 1987, Genetics 117:619-631). We have characterized the function of Spp2p in vivo and in vitro. Spp2p is an essential protein required for the first RNA cleavage reaction in vivo. Depletion of Spp2p from yeast cells results in accumulation of unspliced pre-mRNAs. A temperature-sensitive spp2-1 mutant accumulates pre-mRNAs in vivo and is unable to undergo the first splicing reaction in vitro. However, spliceosomal complexes are assembled in extracts prepared from the mutant. We show that Spp2p function is required after spliceosome assembly but prior to the first reaction. Spp2p associates with the spliceosome before the first RNA cleavage reaction and is likely to be released from the spliceosome following ATP hydrolysis by Prp2p. The Prp2 and Spp2 proteins are capable of physically interacting with each other. These results suggest that Spp2p interacts with Prp2p in the spliceosome prior to the first cleavage-ligation reaction. Spp2p is the first protein that has been found to interact with a DEAD/H box splicing factor.

Structurally related but functionally distinct yeast Sm D core small nuclear ribonucleoprotein particle proteins

Spliceosome assembly during pre-mRNA splicing requires the correct positioning of the U1, U2, U4/U6, and U5 small nuclear ribonucleoprotein particles (snRNPs) on the precursor mRNA. The structure and integrity of these snRNPs are maintained in part by the association of the snRNAs with core snRNP (Sm) proteins. The Sm proteins also play a pivotal role in metazoan snRNP biogenesis. We have characterized a Saccharomyces cerevisiae gene, SMD3, that encodes the core snRNP protein Smd3. The Smd3 protein is required for pre-mRNA splicing in vivo. Depletion of this protein from yeast cells affects the levels of U snRNAs and their cap modification, indicating that Smd3 is required for snRNP biogenesis. Smd3 is structurally and functionally distinct from the previously described yeast core polypeptide Smd1. Although Smd3 and Smd1 are both associated with the spliceosomal snRNPs, overexpression of one cannot compensate for the loss of the other. Thus, these two proteins have distinct functions. A pool of Smd3 exists in the yeast cytoplasm. This is consistent with the possibility that snRNP assembly in S. cerevisiae, as in metazoans, is initiated in the cytoplasm from a pool of RNA-free core snRNP protein complexes.

Multiple genes encode the translation elongation factor EF-1 gamma in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

A gene encoding a yeast homologue of translation elongation factor 1 gamma (EF-1 gamma), TEF3, was isolated as a gene dosage extragenic suppressor of the cold-sensitive phenotype of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae drs2 mutant. The drs2 mutant is deficient in the assembly of 40S ribosomal subunits. We have identified a second gene, TEF4, that encodes a protein highly related to both the Tef3p protein (Tef3p), and EF-1 gamma isolated from other organisms. In contrast to TEF3, the TEF4 gene contains an intron. Gene disruptions showed that neither gene is required for mitotic growth. Haploid spores containing disruptions of both genes are viable and have no defects in ribosomal subunit composition or polyribosomes. Unlike TEF3, extra copies of TEF4 do not suppress the cold-sensitive 40S ribosomal subunit deficiency of a drs2 strain. Low-stringency genomic Southern hybridization analysis indicates there may be additional yeast genes related to TEF3 and TEF4.

The yeast NOP4 gene product is an essential nucleolar protein required for pre-rRNA processing and accumulation of 60S ribosomal subunits

The Saccharomyces cerevisiae NOP4 gene was isolated by screening a lambda gt11 yeast genomic DNA library with a monoclonal antibody against a yeast nucleolar protein. NOP4 encodes a 78 kDa protein that contains two prototypical RNA recognition motifs (RRMs) flanking an imperfect RRM lacking characteristic RNP1 and RNP2 motifs. In addition, there is a fourth incomplete RRM. NOP4 is a single copy essential gene present on chromosome XVI, between RAD1 and PEP4. To examine the function of Nop4p, we constructed a conditional null allele of NOP4 by placing this gene under the control of the glucose-repressible GAL1 promoter. When cells are shifted from galactose-containing medium to glucose-containing medium, NOP4 transcription is terminated, Nop4 protein is depleted and cell growth is impaired. Nop4 protein depletion results in diminished accumulation of 60S ribosomal subunits, assignable to a defect in ribosome biogenesis arising from a lack of production of mature 25S rRNA from 27S precursor rRNA.

Localization of Saccharomyces cerevisiae ribosomal protein L16 on the surface of 60 S ribosomal subunits by immunoelectron microscopy

Antibodies raised against a trpE-L16 fusion protein expressed in Escherichia coli were used to examine immunological relatedness between Saccharomyces cerevisiae ribosomal protein L16 and ribosomal proteins from eubacteria, halobacteria, methanogens, eocytes, and other eukaryotes. Homologues of L16 also were identified by searches of sequence data bases. Among the bacterial proteins that are immunologically related and similar in sequence to L16 are ribosomal proteins that bind 5 S rRNA. L16 protein fused near its carboxyl terminus to E. coli beta-galactosidase could assemble into functional yeast 60 S ribosomal subunits. The RPL16A-lacZ gene fusion partially complemented the slow growth or lethality of mutants containing null alleles of one or both RPL16 genes, respectively. L16-beta-galactosidase fusion protein cosedimented with ribosomes and polyribosomes, and remained associated with high salt-washed ribosomes. Monoclonal antibodies against beta-galactosidase were used to map the location of L16-beta-galactosidase on the surface of the 60 S subunit by immunoelectron microscopy. L16 was localized near the top surface of the central protuberance, where the 60 S subunit potentially contacts the 40 S subunit. This is similar to the location of the bacterial homologues of L16 in 50 S ribosomal subunits.

Extragenic suppressors of Saccharomyces cerevisiae prp4 mutations identify a negative regulator of PRP genes

The PRP4 gene encodes a protein that is a component of the U4/U6 small nuclear ribonucleoprotein particle and is necessary for both spliceosome assembly and pre-mRNA splicing. To identify genes whose products interact with the PRP4 gene or gene product, we isolated second-site suppressors of temperature-sensitive prp4 mutations. We limited ourselves to suppressors with a distinct phenotype, cold sensitivity, to facilitate analysis of mutants. Ten independent recessive suppressors were obtained that identified four complementation groups, spp41, spp42, spp43 and spp44 (suppressor of prp4, numbers 1-4). spp41-spp44 suppress the pre-mRNA splicing defect as well as the temperature-sensitive phenotype of prp4 strains. Each of these spp mutations also suppresses prp3; spp41 and spp42 suppress prp11 as well. Neither spp41 nor spp42 suppressors null alleles of prp3 or prp4, indicating that the suppression does not occur via a bypass mechanism. The spp41 and spp42 mutations are neither allele- nor gene-specific in their pattern of suppression and do not result in a defect in pre-mRNA splicing. Thus the SPP41 and SPP42 gene products are unlikely to participate directly in mRNA splicing or interact directly with Prp3p or Prp4p. Expression of PRP3-lacZ and PRP4-lacZ gene fusions is increased in spp41 strains, suggesting that wild-type Spp41p represses expression of PRP3 and PRP4. SPP41 was cloned and sequenced and found to be essential. spp43 is allelic to the previously identified suppressor srn1, which encodes a negative regulator of gene expression.

DRS1 to DRS7, novel genes required for ribosome assembly and function in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

To identify Saccharomyces cerevisiae mutants defective in assembly or function of ribosomes, a collection of cold-sensitive strains generated by treatment with ethyl methanesulfonate was screened by sucrose gradient analysis for altered ratios of free 40S to 60S ribosomal subunits or qualitative changes in polyribosome profiles. Mutations defining seven complementation groups deficient in ribosomal subunits, drs1 to drs7, were identified. We have previously shown that DRS1 encodes a putative ATP-dependent RNA helicase necessary for assembly of 60S ribosomal subunits (T. L. Ripmaster, G. P. Vaughn, and J. L. Woolford, Jr., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 89:11131-11135, 1992). Strains bearing the drs2 mutation process the 20S precursor of the mature 18S rRNA slowly and are deficient in 40S ribosomal subunits. Cloning and sequencing of the DRS2 gene revealed that it encodes a protein similar to membrane-spanning Ca2+ ATPases. The predicted amino acid sequence encoded by DRS2 contains seven transmembrane domains, a phosphate-binding loop found in ATP- or GTP-binding proteins, and a seven-amino-acid sequence detected in all classes of P-type ATPases. The cold-sensitive phenotype of drs2 is suppressed by extra copies of the TEF3 gene, which encodes a yeast homolog of eukaryotic translation elongation factor EF-1 gamma. Identification of gene products affecting ribosome assembly and function among the DNAs complementing the drs mutations validates the feasibility of this approach.

Molecular genetics of cryptopleurine resistance in Saccharomyces cerevisiae: expression of a ribosomal protein gene family

The Saccharomyces cerevisiae CRY1 gene encodes the 40S ribosomal subunit protein rp59 and confers sensitivity to the protein synthesis inhibitor cryptopleurine. A yeast strain containing the cry1-delta 1::URA3 null allele is viable, cryptopleurine sensitive (CryS), and expresses rp59 mRNA, suggesting that there is a second functional CRY gene. The CRY2 gene has been isolated from a yeast genomic library cloned in bacteriophage lambda, using a CRY1 DNA probe. The DNA sequence of the CRY2 gene contains an open reading frame encoding ribosomal protein 59 that differs at five residues from rp59 encoded by the CRY1 gene. The CRY2 gene was mapped to the left arm of chromosome X, centromere-proximal to cdc6 and immediately adjacent to ribosomal protein genes RPS24A and RPL46. Ribosomal protein 59 is an essential protein; upon sporulation of a diploid doubly heterozygous for cry1-delta 2::TRP1 cry2-delta 1::LEU2 null alleles, no spore clones containing both null alleles were recovered. Several results indicate that CRY2 is expressed, but at lower levels than CRY1: (1) Introduction of CRY2 on high copy plasmids into CryR yeast of genotype cry1 CRY2 confers a CryS phenotype. Transformation of these CryR yeast with CRY2 on a low copy CEN plasmid does not confer a CryS phenotype. (2) Haploids containing the cry1-delta 2::TRP1 null allele have a deficit of 40S ribosomal subunits, but cry2-delta 1::LEU2 strains have wild-type amounts of 40S ribosomal subunits. (3) CRY2 mRNA is present at lower levels than CRY1 mRNA. (4) Higher levels of beta-galactosidase are expressed from a CRY1-lacZ gene fusion than from a CRY2-lacZ gene fusion. Mutations that alter or eliminate the last amino acid of rp59 encoded by either CRY1 or CRY2 result in resistance to cryptopleurine. Because CRY2 (and cry2) is expressed at lower levels than CRY1 (and cry1), the CryR phenotype of cry2 mutants is only expressed in strains containing a cry1-delta null allele.

TIF4631 and TIF4632: two yeast genes encoding the high-molecular-weight subunits of the cap-binding protein complex (eukaryotic initiation factor 4F) contain an RNA recognition motif-like sequence and carry out an essential function

The 5' ends of eukaryotic mRNAs are blocked by a cap structure, m7GpppX (where X is any nucleotide). The interaction of the cap structure with a cap-binding protein complex is required for efficient ribosome binding to the mRNA. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the cap-binding protein complex is a heterodimer composed of two subunits with molecular masses of 24 (eIF-4E, CDC33) and 150 (p150) kDa. p150 is presumed to be the yeast homolog of the p220 component of mammalian eIF-4F. In this report, we describe the isolation of yeast gene TIF4631, which encodes p150, and a closely related gene, TIF4632. TIF4631 and TIF4632 are 53% identical overall and 80% identical over a 320-amino-acid stretch in their carboxy-terminal halves. Both proteins contain sequences resembling the RNA recognition motif and auxiliary domains that are characteristic of a large family of RNA-binding proteins. tif4631-disrupted strains exhibited a slow-growth, cold-sensitive phenotype, while disruption of TIF4632 failed to show any phenotype under the conditions assayed. Double gene disruption engendered lethality, suggesting that the two genes are functionally homologous and demonstrating that at least one of them is essential for viability. These data are consistent with a critical role for the high-molecular-weight subunit of putative yeast eIF-4F in translation. Sequence comparison of TIF4631, TIF4632, and the human eIF-4F p220 subunit revealed significant stretches of homology. We have thus cloned two yeast homologs of mammalian p220.

A protein containing conserved RNA-recognition motifs is associated with ribosomal subunits in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Using PCR cloning techniques, we have isolated a Saccharomyces cerevisiae gene encoding a protein that contains two highly conserved RNA-recognition motifs. This gene, designated RNP1, encodes an acidic protein that is similar in sequence to a variety of previously isolated RNA binding proteins, including nucleolin, poly (A) binding protein, and small nuclear ribonucleoproteins. The RNP1 gene maps to the left arm of chromosome XIV centromere distal to SUF10. Haploid yeast containing a null allele of RNP1 are viable, indicating that RNP1 is dispensible for mitotic growth. However genomic Southern blot analysis indicated that several other loci in the S. cerevisiae genome appear to contain sequences similar to those in the RNP1 gene. The majority of the Rnp1 protein is cytoplasmic. Extra copies of RNP1 cause a decrease in levels of 80S monoribosomes. A fraction of Rnp1 protein cosediments on sucrose gradients with 40S and 60S ribosomal subunits and 80S monosomes, but not with polyribosomes.

Yeast ribosomal protein L1 is required for the stability of newly synthesized 5S rRNA and the assembly of 60S ribosomal subunits

Ribosomal protein L1 from Saccharomyces cerevisiae binds 5S rRNA and can be released from intact 60S ribosomal subunits as an L1-5S ribonucleoprotein (RNP) particle. To understand the nature of the interaction between L1 and 5S rRNA and to assess the role of L1 in ribosome assembly and function, we cloned the RPL1 gene encoding L1. We have shown that RPL1 is an essential single-copy gene. A conditional null mutant in which the only copy of RPL1 is under control of the repressible GAL1 promoter was constructed. Depletion of L1 causes instability of newly synthesized 5S rRNA in vivo. Cells depleted of L1 no longer assemble 60S ribosomal subunits, indicating that L1 is required for assembly of stable 60S ribosomal subunits but not 40S ribosomal subunits. An L1-5S RNP particle not associated with ribosomal particles was detected by coimmunoprecipitation of L1 and 5S rRNA. This pool of L1-5S RNP remained stable even upon cessation of 60S ribosomal subunit assembly by depletion of another ribosomal protein, L16. Preliminary results suggest that transcription of RPL1 is not autogenously regulated by L1.

A putative ATP-dependent RNA helicase involved in Saccharomyces cerevisiae ribosome assembly

We have isolated a cold-sensitive mutant of Saccharomyces cerevisiae in which there is a deficit of 60S ribosomal subunits. Cold sensitivity and the assembly defect are recessive and cosegregate, defining a single essential gene that we designated DRS1 (deficiency of ribosomal subunits). The wild-type DRS1 gene was cloned by complementation of the cold-sensitive phenotype of drs1. Sequence analysis reveals a high degree of similarity to a family of proteins that are thought to function as ATP-dependent RNA helicases. Pulse-chase analysis of ribosomal RNA synthesis and processing indicates that the drs1 mutant accumulates the 27S precursor of the mature 25S rRNA. These results suggest that, as in pre-mRNA splicing, RNA helicase activities are involved in ribosomal RNA processing.

RNA splicing in lower eukaryotes

Recently, cis-acting elements and trans-acting RNA and protein factors necessary for splicing nuclear pre-mRNAs, group II introns or group III introns, have been discovered, and new roles for the splicing factors have been elucidated. Parallels among the pathways for splicing these different classes of introns have been identified.

Assembly of 60S ribosomal subunits is perturbed in temperature-sensitive yeast mutants defective in ribosomal protein L16

Temperature-sensitive mutants defective in 60S ribosomal subunit protein L16 of Saccharomyces cerevisiae were isolated through hydroxylamine mutagenesis of the RPL16B gene and plasmid shuffling. Two heat-sensitive and two cold-sensitive isolates were characterized. The growth of the four mutants is inhibited at their restrictive temperatures. However, many of the cells remain viable if returned to their permissive temperatures. All of the mutants are deficient in 60S ribosomal subunits and therefore accumulate translational preinitiation complexes. Three of the mutants exhibit a shortage of mature 25S rRNA, and one accumulates rRNA precursors. The accumulation of rRNA precursors suggests that ribosome assembly may be slowed in this mutant. These phenotypes lead us to propose that mutants containing the rpl16b alleles are defective for 60S subunit assembly rather than function. In the mutant carrying the rpl16b-1 allele, ribosomes initiate translation at the noncanonical codon AUA, at least on the rpl16b-1 mRNA, bringing to light a possible connection between the rate and the fidelity of translation initiation.

Depletion of yeast ribosomal proteins L16 or rp59 disrupts ribosome assembly

Two strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae were constructed that are conditional for synthesis of the 60S ribosomal subunit protein, L16, or the 40S ribosomal subunit protein, rp59. These strains were used to determine the effects of depriving cells of either of these ribosomal proteins on ribosome assembly and on the synthesis and stability of other ribosomal proteins and ribosomal RNAs. Termination of synthesis of either protein leads to diminished accumulation of the subunit into which it normally assembles. Depletion of L16 or rp59 has no effect on synthesis of most other ribosomal proteins or ribosomal RNAs. However, most ribosomal proteins and ribosomal RNAs that are components of the same subunit as L16 or rp59 are rapidly degraded upon depletion of L16 or rp59, presumably resulting from abortive assembly of the subunit. Depletion of L16 has no effect on the stability of most components of the 40S subunit. Conversely, termination of synthesis of rp59 has no effect on the stability of most 60S subunit components. The implications of these findings for control of ribosome assembly and the order of assembly of ribosomal proteins into the ribosome are discussed.

Sequence and genetic analysis of a dispensible 189 nucleotide snRNA from Saccharomyces cerevisiae

The structure of a Saccharomyces cerevisiae gene that encodes a small nuclear RNA (snRNA) of 189 nucleotides is described. This gene, designated SNR189, is located 400 base pairs upstream of the CRY1 gene on yeast chromosome III. Gene replacement analysis revealed the SNR189 gene to be dispensable for growth under a variety of culture conditions. The snR189 sequence lacks homology with other sequenced yeast or metazoan snRNAs.

Ribosomal protein synthesis is not regulated at the translational level in Saccharomyces cerevisiae: balanced accumulation of ribosomal proteins L16 and rp59 is mediated by turnover of excess protein

We have investigated the mechanisms whereby equimolar quantities of ribosomal proteins accumulate and assemble into ribosomes of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Extra copies of the cry1 or RPL16 genes encoding ribosomal proteins rp59 or L16 were introduced into yeast by transformation. Excess cry1 or RPL16 mRNA accumulated in polyribosomes in these cells and was translated at wild-type rates into rp59 or L16 proteins. These excess proteins were degraded until their levels reached those of other ribosomal proteins. Identical results were obtained when the transcription of RPL16A was rapidly induced using GAL1-RPL16A promoter fusions, including a construct in which the entire RPL16A 5'-noncoding region was replaced with the GAL1 leader sequence. Our results indicate that posttranscriptional expression of the cry1 and RPL16 genes is regulated by turnover of excess proteins rather than autogenous regulation of mRNA splicing or translation. The turnover of excess rp59 or L16 is not affected directly by mutations that inactivate vacuolar hydrolases.

Depletion of Saccharomyces cerevisiae ribosomal protein L16 causes a decrease in 60S ribosomal subunits and formation of half-mer polyribosomes

We constructed yeast strains containing deletion-insertion null alleles of the RPL16A or RPL16B genes encoding the 60S ribosomal subunit protein L16 to determine the role of L16 in the synthesis and function of ribosomes. Strains lacking a functional RPL16A gene grow as rapidly as wild type, whereas those containing a null allele of RPL16B grow more slowly than wild type. RNA analysis using RPL16 probes revealed that both RPL16 genes are transcribed and that RPL16B transcripts accumulate to twice the level of RPL16A transcripts. No evidence was obtained for the occurrence of dosage compensation at the level of RPL16 mRNA accumulation in either mutant. Strains lacking both RPL16 genes are apparently inviable, demonstrating that L16 is an essential yeast ribosomal protein. Introduction of an extra copy of either RPL16 gene into rpl16b mutants restored wild-type growth rates, indicating that the two forms of the L16 protein are interchangeable. rpl16 mutants are deficient in 60S ribosomal subunits relative to 40S subunits. 43S preinitiation complexes accumulate in half-mer polyribosomes in the absence of sufficient 60S subunits. We postulate that the slow-growth phenotype of rpl16 mutants results from the perturbation of initiation of protein synthesis.

Evidence for related functions of the RNA genes of Saccharomyces cerevisiae

The yeast genes RNA2-RNA11 are necessary for splicing of nuclear intron-containing pre-mRNAs. We investigated the relationships among these genes by asking whether increased expression of one RNA gene leads to suppression of the temperature-sensitive lethality of a mutation in any other RNA gene. The presence of extra plasmid-borne copies of the RNA3 gene relieves the lethality of temperature-sensitive rna4 mutations. A region of the yeast genome (SRN2) is described that suppresses temperature-sensitive rna2 mutations when it is present on either medium or high-copy number plasmids. Neither suppression occurs via a bypass of RNA gene function since null alleles of rna2 and rna4 are not suppressed by elevated dosage of SRN2 and RNA3, respectively. These results suggest that the SRN2 and RNA2 gene products have related functions, as do the RNA3 and RNA4 gene products.

Structure and expression of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae CRY1 gene: a highly conserved ribosomal protein gene

The Saccharomyces cerevisiae CRY1 gene encodes ribosomal protein rp59, a component of the 40S ribosomal subunit. Mutations in CRY1 can confer resistance to the alkaloid cryptopleurine, an inhibitor of the elongation step of translation. The nucleotide sequence of the cloned CRY1 gene was determined. The predicted amino acid sequence shows that CRY1 encodes a 14,561-dalton polypeptide that has 88% amino acid sequence homology to the hamster or human S14 ribosomal protein responsible for emetine resistance and 45% homology to Escherichia coli ribosomal protein S11. Analysis of the DNA sequences upstream from CRY1 revealed the presence of three sequences, HOMOL1 (consensus, A/TACATCC/TG/ATA/GCA), RPG (consensus, ACCCA/GTACATT/CT/A), and a thymine-rich sequence, found upstream of more than 20 other cloned yeast genes encoding components of the translational apparatus. We exploited the ability to assay the expression of CRY1 in vivo by using the cryptopleurine resistance phenotype to demonstrate that these three consensus sequences are necessary for the transcription of CRY1. We previously showed that the upstream promoter element of the yeast RP39A gene consists of these identical sequence motifs. Therefore, we suggest that these three sequences define a consensus promoter element for the genes encoding the yeast translational apparatus. CRY1 is one of several hundred yeast genes, including ribosomal protein genes, whose expression is transiently decreased 10-fold upon heat shock. We found that the HOMOL1 and RPG consensus sequences are not necessary for the heat shock response of CRY1.

Identification and nuclear localization of yeast pre-messenger RNA processing components: RNA2 and RNA3 proteins

Temperature-sensitive mutations in the RNA2 through RNA11 genes of yeast prevent the processing of nuclear pre-mRNAs. We have raised antisera that detect the RNA2 and RNA3 proteins in immunoblots of extracts of yeast containing high copy number RNA2 and RNA3 plasmids. Subcellular fractionation of yeast cells that overproduce the RNA2 and RNA3 proteins has revealed that these proteins are enriched in nuclear fractions. Indirect immunofluorescence results have indicated that these proteins are localized in yeast nuclei. These localization results are consistent with the fact that these genes have a role in processing yeast pre-mRNA.

Tripartite upstream promoter element essential for expression of Saccharomyces cerevisiae ribosomal protein genes

To initiate a genetic analysis of yeast ribosomal protein gene promoters, we have constructed a gene fusion between the yeast ribosomal protein gene RP39A and the Escherichia coli lacZ gene. This gene fusion contains approximately 1,030 nucleotides of the 5' flanking region and the first 49 1/3 codons of RP39A fused in frame to a large 3' end fragment of lacZ. Whether it is introduced into yeast cells on a moderately high-copy-number plasmid, or integrated into the yeast genome at the RP39A locus, this RP39A-lacZ gene directs the synthesis of a hybrid transcript which encodes beta-galactosidase activity. Deletions in the 5' flanking region of RP39A-lacZ were constructed by linker insertion and BAL 31 mutagenesis. The expression of the mutant genes in yeast cells was assayed by measuring RP39A-lacZ mRNA and beta-galactosidase levels. By these means we have shown that the sequences between nucleotides -256 and -170 upstream of RP39A are essential for expression of this gene. Three sequence motifs, HOMOL1, RPG, and a T-rich region, which were found in that order 5'----3' upstream of most yeast ribosomal protein genes, were present within this interval. We found that substitution of the CYC1-lacZ upstream activation site with the fragment from nucleotides -298 to -172 upstream of RP39A, containing the HOMOL1-RPG-T-rich motif in that 5'----3' orientation, fully restored expression of the CYC1-lacZ gene. The essentially of HOMOL1, the RPG sequence, and the T-rich region for wild-type levels of expression of RP39A, the conserved location and order of these sequence motifs in yeast ribosomal protein genes, and the ability of a DNA fragment carrying these three sequence elements to substitute for the upstream activation site regions of CYC1 indicate that these three oligonucleotides may be essential to the transcription of yeast ribosomal protein genes.

Isolation and characterization of the RNA2, RNA3, and RNA11 genes of Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Temperature-sensitive mutations in the genes RNA2 through RNA11 cause accumulation of intervening sequence containing precursor mRNAs in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Three different plasmids have been isolated which complement both the temperature-sensitive lethality and precursor mRNA accumulation when introduced into rna2, rna3, and rna11 mutant strains. The yeast sequences on these plasmids have been shown by Southern transfer hybridization and genetic mapping to be derived from the RNA2, RNA3, and RNA11 genomic loci. Part of the RNA2 gene is homologous to more than one region of the yeast genome, whereas the RNA3 and RNA11 genes are single copy. RNAs homologous to these loci have been identified by RNA transfer hybridization, and the specific RNAs which are associated with the Rna+ phenotype have been mapped. This was done by a combination of transcript mapping, subcloning, and in vitro mutagenesis. The transcripts are found to be enriched in polyadenylated RNA and are of very low abundance (0.01-0.001% polyadenylated RNA).

Molecular cloning and analysis of the CRY1 gene: a yeast ribosomal protein gene

Using cloned DNA from the vicinity of the yeast mating type locus (MAT) as a probe, the wild type allele of the cryptopleurine resistance gene CRY1 has been isolated by the technique of chromosome walking and has been shown to be identical to the gene for ribosomal protein 59. A recessive cryR1 allele has also been cloned, using the integration excision method. The genetic distance from MAT to CRY1 is 2.2 cM, while the physical distance is 21 kb, giving a ratio of about 10 kb/cM for this interval. The phenotypic expression of both plasmid borne alleles of the gene can be detected in vivo. The use of this gene as a hybridization probe to examine RNA processing defects in the rna 2, rna 3, rna 4, rna 8, and rna 11 mutants is also discussed.

Ribosomal protein genes rp 39(10 - 78), rp 39(11 - 40), rp 51, and rp 52 are not contiguous to other ribosomal protein genes in the Saccharomyces cerevisiae genome

A library of recombinant phage containing EcoR1 fragments of Saccharomyces cerevisiae DNA has been constructed. This library was screened with four different recombinant plasmids, each containing a different yeast ribosomal protein gene, in order to isolate chromosomal fragments extending in both directions from these genes. These chromosomal fragments were assayed for the presence of additional ribosomal protein genes by hybridization selection and cell free translation, and none were found. These four regions are not closely linked to each other, since DNA from one domain does not cross hybridize with DNA from any of the other three, except for the sequences within the homologous ribosomal protein 39 gene pair. Northern blots demonstrate that although the concentrations of ribosomal protein mRNAs are diminished significantly in a strain containing the ts mutation rna2, transcripts from genes in these flanking segments are relatively unaffected.

The effect of temperature-sensitive RNA mutants on the transcription products from cloned ribosomal protein genes of yeast

The levels of four ribosomal protein (rp) mRNAs in different mutant strains were determined by hydridization of radiolabeled cloned genes to RNA fractionated on CH3HgOH gels and transferred to DBM paper. Two ribosomal protein genes (rp 51 and rp 52) controlled by the locus RNA2 have dramatically decreased mRNA levels after a shift-up to the nonpermissive temperature in a strain carrying the rna2 mutation (ts368). Two ribosomal protein genes not controlled by the RNA2 locus and several control nonribosomal protein genes are relatively unaffected by the temperature shift in this strain. Other genes in the vicinity of one of the rna2-sensitive ribosomal protein genes (th rp 51 gene) are insensitive to the rna2 gene product, suggesting that all ribosomal protein genes do not occur in clusters and that the RNA2 gene product does not affect a large region of chromatin. In ts368 at the nonpermissive temperature, the concentration of higher molecular weight transcripts complementary to the rp 51 and the rp 52 plasmids is increased. Analysis of the rp 51 plasmid transcripts reveals that the temperature-induced higher molecular weight transcripts differ from the mature rp 51 mRNA by the presence of an intron. This observation and the kinetics with which the concentration of the various rp 51 transcripts change after a temperature shift suggest that the effect of rna2 may be at the level of processing of rp mRNA.

Isolation of cloned DNA sequences containing ribosomal protein genes from Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Yeast mRNA enriched for ribosomal protein mRNA was obtained by isolating poly(A)+ small mRNA from small polysomes. A comparison of cell-free translation of this small mRNA and total mRNA, and electrophoresis of the products on two-dimensional gels which resolve most yeast ribosomal proteins, demonstrated that a 5-10 fold enrichment for ribosomal protein mRNA was obtained. One hundred different recombinant DNA molecules possibly containing ribosomal protein genes were selected by differential colony hybridization of this enriched mRNA and unfractionated mRNA to a bank of yeast pMB9 hybrid plasmids. After screening twenty-five of these candidates, five different clones were found which contain yeast ribosomal protein gene sequences. The yeast mRNAs complementary to these five plasmids code for 35S-methionine-labeled polypeptides which co-migrate on two-dimensional gels with yeast ribosomal proteins. Consistent with previous studies on ribosomal protein mRNAs, the amounts of mRNA complementary to three of these cloned genes are controlled by the RNA2 locus. Although two of the five clones contain more than one yeast gene, none contain more than one identifiable ribosomal protein gene. Thus there is no evidence for "tight" linkage of yeast ribosomal protein genes. Two of the cloned ribosomal protein genes are single-copy genes, whereas two other cloned sequences contain two different copies of the same ribosomal protein gene. The fifth plasmid contains sequences which are repeated in the yeast genome, but it is not known whether any or all of the ribosomal protein gene on this clone contains repetitive DNA.

The use of R-looping for structural gene identification and mRNA purification

A method is presented for the purification of mRNAs and the identification of structural gene sequences in recombinant DNA molecules. RNA is hybridized to double-stranded linear DNA such that R-loops are formed between most DNAs and their complementary RNA sequences. These R-loops are purified from unhybridized RNAs by gel filtration chromatography in the presence of a high concentration of salt. The complementary RNAs are released from the R-loops by heating, and are assayed by gel electrophoresis or cell free translation to determine their purity and to identify the proteins for which they code. We have demonstrated that recombinant DNAs containing sequences for abundant or moderately abundant mRNAs of Saccharomyces cerevisiae can be identified by this means.

Adsorption protein of bacteriophage fl: solubilization in deoxycholate and localization in the fl virion

A complex containing the minor coat protein or adsorptionprotein (A protein) of bacteriophage fl has been solubilized from the fl virion, using the detergent deoxycholate. This complex was resolved from the fl DNA and from the fl major coat protein, or B protein, by gel filtration in the presence of deoxycholate. The A protein complex migrated as a single band on sodium dodecyl sulfate-urea-polyacrylamide gels corresponding to a molecular weight of 60 000. Analysis of the amino acid composition and amino terminal residues of this preparation indicates that the preparation contains a 20% contamination of additional protein species. Antibody against purified fd A protein is cross-reactive with deoxycholate-purified fl A protein and with fl phage. Electron microscopic observation of negatively stained complexes of fl phage with this anti-fd A protein antibody and ferritin conjugated goat anti-rabbit IgG antibody revealed phages with ferritin particles at their termini or complexes of two or more phages joined together at one end by ferritin, indicating that the complex of A protein molecules is located at one end of the filamentous fl virion.

Proteolytic digestion of the micellar complex of f1 coat protein and deoxycholate

The major coat protein of bacteriophage f1 radioactively labeled with specific amino acids was solubilized with deoxycholate and digested with trypsin or alpha-chymotrypsin. The degree of proteolysis of the coat protein was assayed by gel filtration chromatography of the digest in the presence of deoxycholate. Hydrolysis occurred at residues in the hydrophilic termini of the coat, releasing peptides containing proline, lysine, and phenylalanine. No cleavage occurred at the tyrosine or methionine residues in the hydrophobic core. However, chymotrypsin could cleave somewhat at these residues in the absence of deoxycholate. A model for the topography of the micellar complex of coat protein and deoxycholate is presented in which the hydrophobic sequence of the coat is bound to deoxycholate within a micelle, while the hydrophilic termini of the coat project from the micelle.

Interaction of deoxycholate and of detergents with the coat protein of bacteriophage f1

The major coat protein of bacteriophage f1, which is localized in the host membrane during phage maturation, has a hydrophobic binding site capable of binding deoxycholate and a variety of detergents to form a soluble particle, and in that respect, resembles many membrane proteins. The soluble particle has properties that suggest it is formed by simple insertion of protein into a deoxycholate or detergent micelle, but molecular weight measurements show that the protein is present as a dimer, even in sodium dodecyl sulfate, indicating the existence of unusually strong forces for self-association. A by-product of the investigation has been to show that detergents can be very helpful in the fractionation of the constituent molecules of the virus: deoxycholate-solubilized virus is readily fractionated by gel chromatography into DNA, A protein, and B protein, with virtually no cross-contamination.