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

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.

The duplicated Saccharomyces cerevisiae gene SSM1 encodes a eucaryotic homolog of the eubacterial and archaebacterial L1 ribosomal proteins

A previously unknown Saccharomyces cerevisiae gene, SSM1a, was isolated by screening for high-copy-number suppressors of thermosensitive mutations in the RNA14 gene, which encodes a component from the polyadenylation complex. The SSM1 a gene codes for a 217-amino-acid protein, Ssm1p, which is significantly homologous to eubacterial and archaebacterial ribosomal proteins of the L1 family. Comparison of the Ssm1p amino acid sequence with that of eucaryotic polypeptides with unknown functions reveals that Ssm1p is the prototype of a new eucaryotic protein family. Biochemical analysis shows that Ssm1p is a structural protein that forms part of the largest 60S ribosomal subunit, which does not exist in a pool of free proteins. SSM1 a is duplicated. The second gene copy, SSM1b, is functional and codes for an identical and functionally interchangeable Ssm1p protein. In wild-type cells, SSM1b transcripts accumulate to twice the level of SSM1a transcripts, suggesting that SSM1b is responsible for the majority of the Ssm1p pool. Haploid cells lacking both SSM1 genes are inviable, demonstrating that, in contrast with its Escherichia coli homolog, Ssm1p is an essential ribosomal protein. Deletion of the most expressed SSM1b gene leads to a severe decrease in the level of SSM1 transcript, associated with a reduced growth rate. Polysome profile analysis suggests that the primary defect caused by the depletion in Ssm1p is at the level of translation initiation.

Translation and M1 double-stranded RNA propagation: MAK18 = RPL41B and cycloheximide curing

MAK18 is one of nearly 30 chromosomal genes of Saccharomyces cerevisiae necessary for propagation of the killer toxin-encoding M1 double-stranded RNA satellite of the L-A double-stranded RNA virus. We have cloned and sequenced MAK18 and find that it is identical to RPL41B, one of the two genes encoding large ribosomal subunit protein L41. The mak18-1 mutant is deficient in 60S subunits, which we suggest results in a preferential decrease in translation of viral poly(A)-deficient mRNA. We have reexamined the curing of M1 by low concentrations of cycloheximide (G. R. Fink and C. A. Styles, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 69:2846-2849, 1972), which is known to act on ribosomal large subunit protein L29. We find that when M1 is supported by L-A proteins made from the poly(A)+ mRNA of a cDNA clone of L-A, cycloheximide does not decrease the M1 copy number, consistent with our hypothesis.

Yeast virus propagation depends critically on free 60S ribosomal subunit concentration

Over 30 MAK (maintenance of killer) genes are necessary for propagation of the killer toxin-encoding M1 satellite double-stranded RNA of the L-A virus. Sequence analysis revealed that MAK7 is RPL4A, one of the two genes encoding ribosomal protein L4 of the 60S subunit. We further found that mutants with mutations in 18 MAK genes (including mak1 [top1], mak7 [rpl4A], mak8 [rpl3], mak11, and mak16) had decreased free 60S subunits. Mutants with another three mak mutations had half-mer polysomes, indicative of poor association of 60S and 40S subunits. The rest of the mak mutants, including the mak3 (N-acetyltransferase) mutant, showed a normal profile. The free 60S subunits, L-A copy number, and the amount of L-A coat protein in the mak1, mak7, mak11, and mak16 mutants were raised to the normal level by the respective normal single-copy gene. Our data suggest that most mak mutations affect M1 propagation by their effects on the supply of proteins from the L-A virus and that the translation of the non-poly(A) L-A mRNA depends critically on the amount of free 60S ribosomal subunits, probably because 60S association with the 40S subunit waiting at the initiator AUG is facilitated by the 3' poly(A).

Saccharomyces cerevisiae ribosomal protein L37 is encoded by duplicate genes that are differentially expressed

A duplicate copy of the RPL37A gene (encoding ribosomal protein L37) was cloned and sequenced. The coding region of RPL37B is very similar to that of RPL37A, with only one conservative amino-acid difference. However, the intron and flanking sequences of the two genes are extremely dissimilar. Disruption experiments indicate that the two loci are not functionally equivalent: disruption of RPL37B was insignificant, but disruption of RPL37A severely impaired the growth rate of the cell. When both RPL37 loci are disrupted, the cell is unable to grow at all, indicating that rpL37 is an essential protein. The functional disparity between the two RPL37 loci could be explained by differential gene expression. The results of two experiments support this idea: gene fusion of RPL37A to a reporter gene resulted in six-fold higher mRNA levels than was generated by the same reporter gene fused to RPL37B, and a modest increase in gene dosage of RPL37B overcame the lack of a functional RPL37A gene.

The yeast SIS1 protein, a DnaJ homolog, is required for the initiation of translation

The S. cerevisiae SIS1 gene is essential and encodes a heat shock protein with similarity to the bacterial DnaJ protein. At the nonpermissive temperature, temperature-sensitive sis1 strains rapidly accumulate 80S ribosomes and have decreased amounts of polysomes. Certain alterations in 60S ribosomal subunits can suppress the temperature-sensitive phenotype of sis1 strains and prevent the accumulation of 80S ribosomes and the loss of polysomes normally seen under conditions of reduced SIS1 function. Analysis of sucrose gradients for SIS1 protein shows that a large fraction of SIS1 is associated with 40S ribosomal subunits and the smaller polysomes. These and other results indicate that SIS1 is required for the normal initiation of translation. Because DnaJ has been shown to mediate the dissociation of several protein complexes, the requirement of SIS1 in the initiation of translation might be for mediating the dissociation of a specific protein complex of the translation machinery.

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.

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.

Functional analysis of internal transcribed spacer 2 of Saccharomyces cerevisiae ribosomal DNA

Using the previously described "tagged ribosome" (pORCS) system for in vivo mutational analysis of yeast rDNA, we show that small deletions in the 5'-terminal portion of ITS2 completely block maturation of 26 S rRNA at the level of the 29 SB precursor (5.8 S rRNA-ITS2-26 S rRNA). Various deletions in the 3'-terminal part, although severely reducing the efficiency of processing, still allow some mature 26 S rRNA to be formed. On the other hand, none of the ITS2 deletions affect the production of mature 17 S rRNA. Since all of the deletions severely disturb the recently proposed secondary structure of ITS2, these findings suggest an important role for higher order structure of ITS2 in processing. Analysis of the effect of complete or partial replacement of S. cerevisiae ITS2 with its counterpart sequences from Saccharomyces rosei or Hansenula wingei, points to helix V of the secondary structure model as an important element for correct and efficient processing. Direct mutational analysis shows that disruption of base-pairing in the middle of helix V does not detectably affect 26 S rRNA formation. In contrast, introduction of clustered point mutations at the apical end of helix V that both disrupt base-pairing and change the sequence of the loop, severely reduces processing. Since a mutant containing only point mutations in the sequence of the loop produces normal amounts of mature 26 S rRNA, we conclude that the precise (secondary and/or primary) structure at the lower end of helix V, but excluding the loop, is of crucial importance for efficient removal of ITS2.

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.

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.

Alteration of an amino acid residue outside the active site of the ricin A chain reduces its toxicity towards yeast ribosomes

Yeast transformants containing integrated copies of a galactose-regulated, ricin toxin A chain (RTA) expression plasmid were constructed and used in an attempt to isolate RTA-resistant yeast mutants. Analysis of RNA from mutant strains demonstrated that approximately half contained ribosomes that had been partially modified by RTA, although all the strains analysed transcribed full-length RTA RNA. The mutant strains could have mutations in yeast genes giving rise to RTA-resistant ribosomes or they could contain alterations within the RTA-encoding DNA causing production of mutant toxin. Ribosomes isolated from mutant strains were shown to be susceptible to RTA modification in vitro suggesting that the strains contain alterations in RTA. This paper describes the detailed analysis of one mutant strain which has a point mutation that changes serine 203 to asparagine in RTA protein. Although serine 203 lies outside the proposed active site of RTA its alteration leads to the production of RTA protein with a greatly reduced level of ribosome modifying activity. This decrease in activity apparently allows yeast cells to survive expression of RTA as only a proportion of the ribosomes become modified. We demonstrate that the mutant RTA preferentially modifies 26S rRNA in free 60S subunits and has lower catalytic activity compared with native RTA when produced in Escherichia coli. Such mutations provide a valuable means of identifying residues important in RTA catalysis and of further understanding the precise mechanism of action of RTA.

GCD2, a translational repressor of the GCN4 gene, has a general function in the initiation of protein synthesis in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

The GCD2 protein is a translational repressor of GCN4, the transcriptional activator of multiple amino acid biosynthetic genes in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. We present evidence that GCD2 has a general function in the initiation of protein synthesis in addition to its gene-specific role in translational control of GCN4 expression. Two temperature-sensitive lethal gcd2 mutations result in sensitivity to inhibitors of protein synthesis at the permissive temperature, and the gcd2-503 mutation leads to reduced incorporation of labeled leucine into total protein following a shift to the restrictive temperature of 36 degrees C. The gcd2-503 mutation also results in polysome runoff, accumulation of inactive 80S ribosomal couples, and accumulation of at least one of the subunits of the general translation initiation factor 2 (eIF-2 alpha) in 43S-48S particles following a shift to the restrictive temperature. The gcd2-502 mutation causes accumulation of 40S subunits in polysomes, known as halfmers, that are indicative of reduced 40S-60S subunit joining at the initiation codon. These phenotypes suggest that GCD2 functions in the translation initiation pathway at a step following the binding of eIF-2.GTP.Met-tRNA(iMet) to 40S ribosomal subunits. consistent with this hypothesis, we found that inhibiting 40S-60S subunit joining by deleting one copy (RPL16B) of the duplicated gene encoding the 60S ribosomal protein L16 qualitatively mimics the phenotype of gcd2 mutations in causing derepression of GCN4 expression under nonstarvation conditions. However, deletion of RPL16B also prevents efficient derepression of GCN4 under starvation conditions, indicating that lowering the concentration of 60S subunits and reducing GCD2 function affect translation initiation at GCN4 in different ways. This distinction is in accord with a recently proposed model for GCN4 translational control in which ribosomal reinitiation at short upstream open reading frames in the leader of GCN4 mRNA is suppressed under amino acid starvation conditions to allow for increased reinitiation at the GCN4 start codon.

GCD2, a translational repressor of the GCN4 gene, has a general function in the initiation of protein synthesis in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

The GCD2 protein is a translational repressor of GCN4, the transcriptional activator of multiple amino acid biosynthetic genes in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. We present evidence that GCD2 has a general function in the initiation of protein synthesis in addition to its gene-specific role in translational control of GCN4 expression. Two temperature-sensitive lethal gcd2 mutations result in sensitivity to inhibitors of protein synthesis at the permissive temperature, and the gcd2-503 mutation leads to reduced incorporation of labeled leucine into total protein following a shift to the restrictive temperature of 36 degrees C. The gcd2-503 mutation also results in polysome runoff, accumulation of inactive 80S ribosomal couples, and accumulation of at least one of the subunits of the general translation initiation factor 2 (eIF-2 alpha) in 43S-48S particles following a shift to the restrictive temperature. The gcd2-502 mutation causes accumulation of 40S subunits in polysomes, known as halfmers, that are indicative of reduced 40S-60S subunit joining at the initiation codon. These phenotypes suggest that GCD2 functions in the translation initiation pathway at a step following the binding of eIF-2.GTP.Met-tRNA(iMet) to 40S ribosomal subunits. consistent with this hypothesis, we found that inhibiting 40S-60S subunit joining by deleting one copy (RPL16B) of the duplicated gene encoding the 60S ribosomal protein L16 qualitatively mimics the phenotype of gcd2 mutations in causing derepression of GCN4 expression under nonstarvation conditions. However, deletion of RPL16B also prevents efficient derepression of GCN4 under starvation conditions, indicating that lowering the concentration of 60S subunits and reducing GCD2 function affect translation initiation at GCN4 in different ways. This distinction is in accord with a recently proposed model for GCN4 translational control in which ribosomal reinitiation at short upstream open reading frames in the leader of GCN4 mRNA is suppressed under amino acid starvation conditions to allow for increased reinitiation at the GCN4 start codon.

Yeast ribosomal proteins: XII. YS11 of Saccharomyces cerevisiae is a homologue to E. coli S4 according to the gene analysis

We isolated and sequenced a gene, YS11A, encoding ribosomal protein YS11 of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. YS11A is one of two functional copies of the YS11 gene, located on chromosome XVI and transcribed in a lower amount than the other copy which is located on chromosome II. The disruption of YS11A has no effect on the growth of yeast. The 5'-flanking region contains a similar sequence to consensus UASrpg and the T-rich region. The open reading frame is interrupted with an intron located near the 5'-end. The predicted amino acid sequence reveals that yeast YS11 is a homologue to E. coli S4, one of the ram proteins, three chloroplast S4s and others out of the ribosomal protein sequences currently available.

Association of RAP1 binding sites with stringent control of ribosomal protein gene transcription in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

An amino acid limitation in bacteria elicits a global response, called stringent control, that leads to reduced synthesis of rRNA and ribosomal proteins and increased expression of amino acid biosynthetic operons. We have used the antimetabolite 3-amino-1,2,4-triazole to cause histidine limitation as a means to elicit the stringent response in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Fusions of the yeast ribosomal protein genes RPL16A, CRY1, RPS16A, and RPL25 with the Escherichia coli lacZ gene were used to show that the expression of these genes is reduced by a factor of 2 to 5 during histidine-limited exponential growth and that this regulation occurs at the level of transcription. Stringent regulation of the four yeast ribosomal protein genes was shown to be associated with a nucleotide sequence, known as the UASrpg (upstream activating sequence for ribosomal protein genes), that binds the transcriptional regulatory protein RAP1. The RAP1 binding sites also appeared to mediate the greater ribosomal protein gene expression observed in cells growing exponentially than in cells in stationary phase. Although expression of the ribosomal protein genes was reduced in response to histidine limitation, the level of RAP1 DNA-binding activity in cell extracts was unaffected. Yeast strains bearing a mutation in any one of the genes GCN1 to GCN4 are defective in derepression of amino acid biosynthetic genes in 10 different pathways under conditions of histidine limitation. These Gcn- mutants showed wild-type regulation of ribosomal protein gene expression, which suggests that separate regulatory pathways exist in S. cerevisiae for the derepression of amino acid biosynthetic genes and the repression of ribosomal protein genes in response to amino acid starvation.

The organization and expression of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae L4 ribosomal protein genes and their identification as the homologues of the mammalian ribosomal protein gene L7a

A cDNA for the mouse ribosomal protein (rp) L7a, formerly called Surf-3, was used as a probe to isolate two homologous genes from Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The two yeast genes (L4-1 and L4-2) were identified as encoding S. cerevisiae L4 by 2D gel analysis of the product of the in vitro translation of hybrid-selected mRNA and additionally by direct amino acid sequencing. The DNA sequences of the two yeast genes were highly homologous (95%) over the 771 bp that encode the 256 amino acids of the coding regions but showed little homology outside the coding region. L4-1 differed from L4-2 by 7 out of the 256 amino acids in the coding region, which is the greatest divergence between the products of any two duplicated yeast ribosomal protein genes so far reported. There is strong homology between the mouse rpL7a/Surf-3 and the yeast L4 genes -57% at the nucleic acid level and also 57% at the amino acid level (though some regions reach as much as 80-90% homology). While most yeast ribosomal protein genes contain an intron in their 5' region both L4-1 and L4-2 are intronless. The mRNAs derived from each yeast gene contained heterogenous 5' and 3' ends but in each case the untranslated leaders were short. The L4-1 mRNA was found to be much more abundant than the L4-2 mRNA as assessed by cDNA and transcription analyses. Yeast cells containing a disruption of the L4-1 gene formed much smaller colonies than either wild-type or disrupted L4-2 strains. Disruption of both L4 genes is a lethal event, probably due to an inability to produce functional ribosomes.

Association of RAP1 binding sites with stringent control of ribosomal protein gene transcription in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

An amino acid limitation in bacteria elicits a global response, called stringent control, that leads to reduced synthesis of rRNA and ribosomal proteins and increased expression of amino acid biosynthetic operons. We have used the antimetabolite 3-amino-1,2,4-triazole to cause histidine limitation as a means to elicit the stringent response in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Fusions of the yeast ribosomal protein genes RPL16A, CRY1, RPS16A, and RPL25 with the Escherichia coli lacZ gene were used to show that the expression of these genes is reduced by a factor of 2 to 5 during histidine-limited exponential growth and that this regulation occurs at the level of transcription. Stringent regulation of the four yeast ribosomal protein genes was shown to be associated with a nucleotide sequence, known as the UASrpg (upstream activating sequence for ribosomal protein genes), that binds the transcriptional regulatory protein RAP1. The RAP1 binding sites also appeared to mediate the greater ribosomal protein gene expression observed in cells growing exponentially than in cells in stationary phase. Although expression of the ribosomal protein genes was reduced in response to histidine limitation, the level of RAP1 DNA-binding activity in cell extracts was unaffected. Yeast strains bearing a mutation in any one of the genes GCN1 to GCN4 are defective in derepression of amino acid biosynthetic genes in 10 different pathways under conditions of histidine limitation. These Gcn- mutants showed wild-type regulation of ribosomal protein gene expression, which suggests that separate regulatory pathways exist in S. cerevisiae for the derepression of amino acid biosynthetic genes and the repression of ribosomal protein genes in response to amino acid starvation.

Activation and induction by copper of Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Presence of an inactive proenzyme in anaerobic yeast

The Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase activity of Saccharomyces cerevisiae was found to be strictly related to the extent of oxygen metabolism, since cells grown under anaerobic or repressed conditions were found to contain 10% and 40% the activity of derepressed cells, respectively. The dependence of Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase on oxygen was found to be related to the availability of copper to the cells since the enzyme activity and immunoreactive protein measured under the various conditions was roughly proportional to the copper content of cells and in anaerobic cells a large fraction of the enzyme was found to be in the form of an inactive proenzyme which was activated by the addition of copper to cell extracts. The Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase mRNA did not parallel the dependence of the enzyme concentration on oxygen metabolism, suggesting that the gene expression was affected by copper also at the post-transcriptional level. However, under conditions of copper overloading, a more direct effect on transcription was observed and the presence of the inactive proenzyme in anaerobic cultures was associated with the over-expression of metallothionein.

Functional analysis of a duplicated linked pair of ribosomal protein genes in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Ribosomal protein genes RP28 and S16A (RP55) are closely linked. Another set of this pair of genes exists in the genome (copy 2), genetically unlinked to copy 1. By using gene replacement techniques, we have shown that RP28 from copy 1 is required for vegetative growth and that the cells need S16A from copy 2 to achieve maximum growth rate.

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.

Functional analysis of a duplicated linked pair of ribosomal protein genes in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Ribosomal protein genes RP28 and S16A (RP55) are closely linked. Another set of this pair of genes exists in the genome (copy 2), genetically unlinked to copy 1. By using gene replacement techniques, we have shown that RP28 from copy 1 is required for vegetative growth and that the cells need S16A from copy 2 to achieve maximum growth rate.

Ribosomal protein L30 is dispensable in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae

In the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, L30 is one of many ribosomal proteins that is encoded by two functional genes. We have cloned and sequenced RPL30B, which shows strong homology to RPL30A. Use of mRNA as a template for a polymerase chain reaction demonstrated that RPL30B contains an intron in its 5' untranslated region. This intron has an unusual 5' splice site, C/GUAUGU. The genomic copies of RPL30A and RPL30B were disrupted by homologous recombination. Growth rates, primer extension, and two-dimensional ribosomal protein analyses of these disruption mutants suggested that RPL30A is responsible for the majority of L30 production. Surprisingly, meiosis of a diploid strain carrying one disrupted RPL30A and one disrupted RPL30B yielded four viable spores. Ribosomes from haploid cells carrying both disrupted genes had no detectable L30, yet such cells grew with a doubling time only 30% longer than that of wild-type cells. Furthermore, depletion of L30 did not alter the ratio of 60S to 40S ribosomal subunits, suggesting that there is no serious effect on the assembly of 60S subunits. Polysome profiles, however, suggest that the absence of L30 leads to the formation of stalled translation initiation complexes.

Ribosomal protein L30 is dispensable in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae

In the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, L30 is one of many ribosomal proteins that is encoded by two functional genes. We have cloned and sequenced RPL30B, which shows strong homology to RPL30A. Use of mRNA as a template for a polymerase chain reaction demonstrated that RPL30B contains an intron in its 5' untranslated region. This intron has an unusual 5' splice site, C/GUAUGU. The genomic copies of RPL30A and RPL30B were disrupted by homologous recombination. Growth rates, primer extension, and two-dimensional ribosomal protein analyses of these disruption mutants suggested that RPL30A is responsible for the majority of L30 production. Surprisingly, meiosis of a diploid strain carrying one disrupted RPL30A and one disrupted RPL30B yielded four viable spores. Ribosomes from haploid cells carrying both disrupted genes had no detectable L30, yet such cells grew with a doubling time only 30% longer than that of wild-type cells. Furthermore, depletion of L30 did not alter the ratio of 60S to 40S ribosomal subunits, suggesting that there is no serious effect on the assembly of 60S subunits. Polysome profiles, however, suggest that the absence of L30 leads to the formation of stalled translation initiation complexes.

A gene family for acidic ribosomal proteins in Schizosaccharomyces pombe: two essential and two nonessential genes

We have cloned the genes for small acidic ribosomal proteins (A-proteins) of the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe. S. pombe contains four transcribed genes for small A-proteins per haploid genome, as is the case for Saccharomyces cerevisiae. In contrast, multicellular eucaryotes contain two transcribed genes per haploid genome. The four proteins of S. pombe, besides sharing a high overall similarity, form two couples of nearly identical sequences. Their corresponding genes have a very conserved structure and are transcribed to a similar level. Surprisingly, of each couple of genes coding for nearly identical proteins, one is essential for cell growth, whereas the other is not. We suggest that the unequal importance of the four small A-proteins for cell survival is related to their physical organization in 60S ribosomal subunits.

Disruption of single-copy genes encoding acidic ribosomal proteins in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Using the cloned genes coding for the ribosomal acidic proteins L44 and L45, constructions were made which deleted part of the coding sequence and inserted a DNA fragment at that site carrying either the URA3 or HIS3 gene. By gene disruption techniques with linearized DNA from these constructions, strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae were obtained which lacked a functional gene for either protein L44 or protein L45. The disrupted genes in the transformants were characterized by Southern blots. The absence of the proteins was verified by electrofocusing and immunological techniques, but a compensating increase of the other acidic ribosomal proteins was not detected. The mutant lacking L44 grew at a rate identical to the parental strain in complex as well as in minimal medium. The L45-disrupted strain also grew well in both media but at a slower rate than the parental culture. A diploid strain was obtained by crossing both transformants, and by tetrad analysis it was shown that the double transformant lacking both genes is not viable. These results indicated that proteins L44 and L45 are independently dispensable for cell growth and that the ribosome is functional in the absence of either of them.

A gene family for acidic ribosomal proteins in Schizosaccharomyces pombe: two essential and two nonessential genes

We have cloned the genes for small acidic ribosomal proteins (A-proteins) of the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe. S. pombe contains four transcribed genes for small A-proteins per haploid genome, as is the case for Saccharomyces cerevisiae. In contrast, multicellular eucaryotes contain two transcribed genes per haploid genome. The four proteins of S. pombe, besides sharing a high overall similarity, form two couples of nearly identical sequences. Their corresponding genes have a very conserved structure and are transcribed to a similar level. Surprisingly, of each couple of genes coding for nearly identical proteins, one is essential for cell growth, whereas the other is not. We suggest that the unequal importance of the four small A-proteins for cell survival is related to their physical organization in 60S ribosomal subunits.

Disruption of single-copy genes encoding acidic ribosomal proteins in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Using the cloned genes coding for the ribosomal acidic proteins L44 and L45, constructions were made which deleted part of the coding sequence and inserted a DNA fragment at that site carrying either the URA3 or HIS3 gene. By gene disruption techniques with linearized DNA from these constructions, strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae were obtained which lacked a functional gene for either protein L44 or protein L45. The disrupted genes in the transformants were characterized by Southern blots. The absence of the proteins was verified by electrofocusing and immunological techniques, but a compensating increase of the other acidic ribosomal proteins was not detected. The mutant lacking L44 grew at a rate identical to the parental strain in complex as well as in minimal medium. The L45-disrupted strain also grew well in both media but at a slower rate than the parental culture. A diploid strain was obtained by crossing both transformants, and by tetrad analysis it was shown that the double transformant lacking both genes is not viable. These results indicated that proteins L44 and L45 are independently dispensable for cell growth and that the ribosome is functional in the absence of either of them.

Synthesis of ribosomes in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

The assembly of a eucaryotic ribosome requires the synthesis of four ribosomal ribonucleic acid (RNA) molecules and more than 75 ribosomal proteins. It utilizes all three RNA polymerases; it requires the cooperation of the nucleus and the cytoplasm, the processing of RNA, and the specific interaction of RNA and protein molecules. It is carried out efficiently and is exquisitely sensitive to the needs of the cell. Our current understanding of this process in the genetically tractable yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae is reviewed. The ribosomal RNA genes are arranged in a tandem array of 100 to 200 copies. This tandem array has led to unique ways of carrying out a number of functions. Replication is asymmetric and does not initiate from every autonomously replicating sequence. Recombination is suppressed. Transcription of the major ribosomal RNA appears to involve coupling between adjacent transcription units, which are separated by the 5S RNA transcription unit. Genes for many ribosomal proteins have been cloned and sequenced. Few are linked; most are duplicated; most have an intron. There is extensive homology between yeast ribosomal proteins and those of other species. Most, but not all, of the ribosomal protein genes have one or two sites that are essential for their transcription and that bind a common transcription factor. This factor binds also to many other places in the genome, including the telomeres. There is coordinated transcription of the ribosomal protein genes under a variety of conditions. However, the cell seems to possess no mechanism for regulating the transcription of individual ribosomal protein genes in response either to a deficiency or an excess of a particular ribosomal protein. A deficiency causes slow growth. Any excess ribosomal protein is degraded very rapidly, with a half-life of 1 to 5 min. Unlike most types of cells, yeast cells appear not to regulate the translation of ribosomal proteins. However, in the case of ribosomal protein L32, the protein itself causes a feedback inhibition of the splicing of the transcript of its own gene. The synthesis of ribosomes involves a massive transfer of material across the nuclear envelope in both directions. Nuclear localization signals have been identified for at least three ribosomal proteins; they are similar but not identical to those identified for the simian virus 40 T antigen. There is no information about how ribosomal subunits are transported from the nucleus to the cytoplasm.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

The tails of ubiquitin precursors are ribosomal proteins whose fusion to ubiquitin facilitates ribosome biogenesis

Three of the four yeast ubiquitin genes encode hybrid proteins which are cleaved to yield ubiquitin and previously unidentified ribosomal proteins. The transient association between ubiquitin and these proteins promotes their incorporation into nascent ribosomes and is required for efficient ribosome biogenesis. These results suggest a novel 'chaperone' function for ubiquitin, in which its covalent association with other proteins promotes the formation of specific cellular structures.

Constitutive transcription of yeast ribosomal protein gene TCM1 is promoted by uncommon cis- and trans-acting elements

The DNA sequence UAST (TCGTTTTGTACGTTTTTCA) was found to mediate transcription of yeast ribosomal protein gene TCM1. UAST was defined as a transcriptional activator on the basis of loss of transcription accompanying deletions of all or part of UAST, orientation-independent restoration of transcription promoted by a synthetic UAST oligomer inserted either into TCM1 or into the yeast CYC1 gene lacking its transcriptional activation region, and diminished transcription following nucleotide alterations in UAST. UAST bound in vitro to a protein denoted TAF (TCM1 activation factor); TAF was concluded to be a transcriptional activator protein because nucleotide alterations in UAST that diminished transcription in vivo also diminished TAF binding in vitro. The sequence of UAST bore no obvious resemblance to UASrpg, the principal cis-acting element common to most yeast ribosomal protein genes. Likewise, TAF was distinguished from the UASrpg-binding protein TUF, since (i) TAF and TUF were chromatographically separable, (ii) binding of either TAF or TUF to its corresponding UAS was unaffected by an excess of UASrpg or UAST DNA, respectively, and (iii) photochemical cross-linking experiments showed that TAF was a protein of 147 kilodaltons (kDa), while TUF was detected as an approximately 120-kDa polypeptide, consistent with its known size. Cross-linking experiments also revealed that both UAST and UASrpg bound a second heretofore unobserved 82-kDa protein; binding of this additional protein appeared to require binding of TAF or TUF. On the basis of the biochemical characterization of TAF and a lack of sequence similarity between UAST and UASrpg, we suggest that transcription of TCM1 is mediated by a cis-acting sequence and at least one trans-acting factor different from the elements which promote transcription of most other ribosomal protein genes. A second trans-acting factor may be shared by TCM1 and other ribosomal protein genes; this factor could mediate coordinate regulation of these genes.

Constitutive transcription of yeast ribosomal protein gene TCM1 is promoted by uncommon cis- and trans-acting elements

The DNA sequence UAST (TCGTTTTGTACGTTTTTCA) was found to mediate transcription of yeast ribosomal protein gene TCM1. UAST was defined as a transcriptional activator on the basis of loss of transcription accompanying deletions of all or part of UAST, orientation-independent restoration of transcription promoted by a synthetic UAST oligomer inserted either into TCM1 or into the yeast CYC1 gene lacking its transcriptional activation region, and diminished transcription following nucleotide alterations in UAST. UAST bound in vitro to a protein denoted TAF (TCM1 activation factor); TAF was concluded to be a transcriptional activator protein because nucleotide alterations in UAST that diminished transcription in vivo also diminished TAF binding in vitro. The sequence of UAST bore no obvious resemblance to UASrpg, the principal cis-acting element common to most yeast ribosomal protein genes. Likewise, TAF was distinguished from the UASrpg-binding protein TUF, since (i) TAF and TUF were chromatographically separable, (ii) binding of either TAF or TUF to its corresponding UAS was unaffected by an excess of UASrpg or UAST DNA, respectively, and (iii) photochemical cross-linking experiments showed that TAF was a protein of 147 kilodaltons (kDa), while TUF was detected as an approximately 120-kDa polypeptide, consistent with its known size. Cross-linking experiments also revealed that both UAST and UASrpg bound a second heretofore unobserved 82-kDa protein; binding of this additional protein appeared to require binding of TAF or TUF. On the basis of the biochemical characterization of TAF and a lack of sequence similarity between UAST and UASrpg, we suggest that transcription of TCM1 is mediated by a cis-acting sequence and at least one trans-acting factor different from the elements which promote transcription of most other ribosomal protein genes. A second trans-acting factor may be shared by TCM1 and other ribosomal protein genes; this factor could mediate coordinate regulation of these genes.

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.