The MEP2 ammonium permease regulates pseudohyphal differentiation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

A genomic view of yeast membrane transporters

The yeast membrane transporters play crucial roles in functions as diverse as nutrient uptake, drug resistance, salt tolerance, control of cell volume, efflux of undesirable metabolites and sensing of extracellular nutrients. A significant fraction of the many transporters inventoried after sequencing of the yeast genome has been characterised by classical experimental approaches. Post-genomic analysis has allowed a more extensive characterisation of transporter categories less tractable by genetics, for instance of transporters of intracellular membranes or transporters encoded by multigene families and displaying overlapping substrate specificities. A complete view of the role of membrane transporters in the metabolism of yeast may not be far off.

Genetic analysis of the signalling pathway activated by external amino acids in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

The permease-like amino acid sensor Ssy1p of Saccharomyces cerevisiae is required for transcriptional induction, in response to external amino acids, of several genes encoding peptide and amino acid permeases. Among them is AGP1 encoding a low-affinity, broad-specificity amino acid permease important for the utilization of amino acids as a nitrogen source. We report here data from experiments aimed at identifying components of the signalling pathway activated by Ssy1p. Overproduction of the large amino-terminal tail of Ssy1p interferes negatively with the induction of AGP1 in wild-type cells. Furthermore, overproduction of this domain can relieve growth defects of a ssy1 null strain, indicating that the N-terminal tail of Ssy1p is an important functional element of the pathway. Consistent with a role for Ssy1p in the recognition of amino acids, a mutant form of the protein with a Thr to Ile substitution in the eighth predicted transmembrane domain is competent for the induction of AGP1 by leucine but not by other amino acids. In a screen for other mutants defective in the Ssy1p pathway, we confirmed that PTR3 and SSY5 encode additional factors essential for AGP1 expression in response to multiple amino acids. Data obtained by overproducing Ptr3p and Ssy5p in ssy1Delta, ptr3Delta and ssy5Delta mutants suggest that Ptr3p acts downstream from Ssy1p and Ssy5p downstream from Ptr3p in the transduction pathway. Furthermore, two-hybrid experiments indicated that Ptr3p interacts with Ssy5p and that Ptr3p can self-associate. Finally, the Cys-6-Zn2 transcription factor Uga35p/Dal81p required for the induction of AGP1 is also essential for the expression of two other genes under Ssy1p-Ptr3p-Ssy5p control, namely BAP2 and PTR2, suggesting that the protein is yet another component of the amino acid signalling pathway.

Suppressors of ssy1 and ptr3 null mutations define novel amino acid sensor-independent genes in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Ssy1p and Ptr3p are components of the yeast plasma membrane SPS amino acid sensor. In response to extracellular amino acids this sensor initiates metabolic signals that ultimately regulate the functional expression of several amino acid-metabolizing enzymes and amino acid permeases (AAPs). As a result of diminished leucine uptake capabilities, ssy1Delta leu2 and ptr3Delta leu2 mutant strains are unable to grow on synthetic complete medium (SC). Genes affecting the functional expression of AAPs were identified by selecting spontaneous suppressing mutations in amino acid sensor-independent (ASI) genes that restore growth on SC. The suppressors define 11 recessive (asi) complementation groups and 5 dominant (ASI) linkage groups. Strains with mutations in genes assigned to these 16 groups fall into two phenotypic classes. Mutations in the class I genes (ASI1, ASI2, ASI3, TUP1, SSN6, ASI13) derepress the transcription of AAP genes. ASI1, ASI2, and ASI3 encode novel membrane proteins, and Asi1p and Asi3p are homologous proteins that have conserved ubiquitin ligase-like RING domains at their extreme C termini. Several of the class II genes (DOA4, UBA1, BRO1, BUL1, RSP5, VPS20, VPS36) encode proteins implicated in controlling aspects of post-Golgi endosomal-vacuolar protein sorting. The results from genetic and phenotypic analysis indicate that SPS sensor-initiated signals function positively to facilitate amino acid uptake and that two independent ubiquitin-mediated processes negatively modulate amino acid uptake.

Repression of GCN4 mRNA Translation by Nitrogen Starvation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Saccharomyces cerevisiae activates a regulatory network called "general control" that provides the cell with sufficient amounts of protein precursors during amino acid starvation. We investigated how starvation for nitrogen affects the general control regulatory system, because amino acid biosynthesis is part of nitrogen metabolism. Amino acid limitation results in the synthesis of the central transcription factor Gcn4p, which binds to specific DNA-binding motif sequences called Gcn4-protein-responsive elements (GCREs) that are present in the promoter regions of its target genes. Nitrogen starvation increases GCN4 transcription but efficiently represses expression of both a synthetic GCRE6::lacZ reporter gene and the natural amino acid biosynthetic gene ARO4. Repression of Gcn4p-regulated transcription by nitrogen starvation is independent of the ammonium sensing systems that include Mep2p and Gpa2p or Ure2p and Gln3p but depends on the four upstream open reading frames in the GCN4 mRNA leader sequence. Efficient translation of GCN4 mRNA is completely blocked by nitrogen starvation, even when cells are simultaneously starved for amino acids and eukaryotic initiation factor-2 alpha is fully phosphorylated by Gcn2p. Our data suggest that nitrogen starvation regulates translation of GCN4 by a novel mechanism that involves the four upstream open reading frames but that still acts independently of eukaryotic initiation factor-2 alpha phosphorylation by Gcn2p.

TRANSPORTERS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE UPTAKE AND PARTITIONING OF NITROGENOUS SOLUTES

The acquisition and allocation of nitrogenous compounds are essential processes in plant growth and development. The huge economic and environmental costs resulting from the application of nitrogen fertilizers make this topic very important. A diverse array of transporters varying in their expression pattern and also in their affinity, specificity, and capacity for nitrogenous compounds has been identified. Now the future challenge is to define their individual contribution to nitrogen nutrition and signalling processes. Here we have reviewed recent advances in the identification and molecular characterization of these transporters, concentrating on mechanisms existing at the plasma membrane. The review focuses on nitrate, ammonium, and amino acid transporter familes, but we also briefly describe what is known at the molecular level about peptide transporters and a recently identified family implicated in the transport of purines and their derivatives.

Structural and functional diversity of blood group antigens

Biochemical and molecular genetic studies have revealed that blood group antigens are present on cell surface molecules of wide structural diversity, including carbohydrate epitopes on glycoproteins and/or glycolipids, and peptide antigens on proteins inserted within the membrane via single or multi-pass transmembrane domains, or via glycosylphosphatidylinositol linkages. These studies have also shown that some blood group antigens are carried by complexes consisting of several membrane components which may be lacking or severely deficient in rare blood group 'null' phenotypes. In addition, although all blood group antigens are serologically detectable on red blood cells (RBCs), most of them are also expressed in non-erythroid tissues, raising further questions on their physiological function under normal and pathological conditions. In addition to their structural diversity, blood group antigens also possess wide functional diversity, and can be schematically subdivided into five classes: i) transporters and channels; ii) receptors for ligands, viruses, bacteria and parasites; iii) adhesion molecules; iv) enzymes; and v) structural proteins. The purpose of this review is to summarize recent findings on these molecules, and in particular to illustrate the existing structure-function relationships.

Functional characterization of an ammonium transporter gene from Lotus japonicus

NH(4)(+) is the main product of symbiotic nitrogen fixation and the external concentration of combined nitrogen plays a key regulatory role in all the different step of plant-rhizobia interaction. We report the cloning and characterization of the first member of the ammonium transporter family, LjAMT1;1 from a leguminous plant, Lotus japonicus. Sequence analysis reveals a close relationship to plant transporters of the AMT1 family. The wild type and two mutated versions of LjAMT1;1 were expressed and functionally characterized in yeast. LjAMT1;1 is transcribed in roots, leaves and nodules of L. japonicus plants grown under low nitrogen conditions, consistent with a role in uptake of NH(4)(+) by the plant cells.

Dimorphism in fungal pathogens: Candida albicans and Ustilago maydis--similar inputs, different outputs

The ability to switch between a yeast-like form and a filamentous form is an extended characteristic among several fungi. In pathogenic fungi, this capacity has been correlated with virulence because along the infection process, dimorphic transitions are often required. Two well-known organisms for which dimorphism have been studied are the pathogenic fungi Candida albicans and Ustilago maydis, which infect mammals and corn, respectively. In both cases, several signal transduction pathways have been defined. Not surprisingly, these pathways are similar to the well-known pathways involved in the pseudohyphal differentiation that some Saccharomyces cerevisiae diploid strains show when nutrients are starved. However, in spite of similarities at the molecular level, strikingly, fungi use similar pathways to respond to environmental inputs, but with differing outcomes.

The TOR kinases link nutrient sensing to cell growth

Rapamycin is an immunosuppressive natural product that inhibits the proliferation of T-cells in response to nutrients and growth factors. Rapamycin binds to the peptidyl-prolyl isomerase FKBP12 and forms protein-drug complexes that inhibit signal transduction by the TOR kinases. The FKBP12 and TOR proteins are conserved from fungi to humans, and in both organisms the TOR signaling pathway plays a role in nutrient sensing. In response to nitrogen sources or amino acids, TOR regulates both transcription and translation, enabling cells to appropriately respond to growth-promoting signals. Rapamycin is having a profound impact on clinical medicine and was approved as an immunosuppressant for transplant recipients in 1999. Ongoing clinical studies address new clinical applications for rapamycin as an antiproliferative drug for chemotherapy and invasive cardiology.

CAC3(MSI1) suppression of RAS2(G19V) is independent of chromatin assembly factor I and mediated by NPR1

Cac3p/Msi1p, the Saccharomyces cerevisiae homolog of retinoblastoma-associated protein 48 (RbAp48), is a component of chromatin assembly factor I (CAF-I), a complex that assembles histones H3 and H4 onto replicated DNA. CAC3 overexpression also suppresses the RAS/cyclic AMP (cAMP) signal transduction pathway by an unknown mechanism. We investigated this mechanism and found that CAC3 suppression of RAS/cAMP signal transduction was independent of either CAC1 or CAC2, subunits required for CAF-I function. CAC3 suppression was also independent of other chromatin-modifying activities, indicating that Cac3p has at least two distinct, separable functions, one in chromatin assembly and one in regulating RAS function. Unlike Cac1p, which localizes primarily to the nucleus, Cac3p localizes to both the nucleus and the cytoplasm. In addition, Cac3p associates with Npr1p, a cytoplasmic kinase that stablizes several nutrient transporters by antagonizing a ubiquitin-mediated protein degradation pathway. Deletion of NPR1, like overexpression of Cac3p, suppressed the RAS/cAMP pathway. Furthermore, NPR1 overexpression interfered with the ability of CAC3 to suppress the RAS/cAMP pathway, indicating that extra Cac3p suppresses the RAS/cAMP pathway by sequestering Npr1p. Deletion of NPR1 did not affect the quantity, phosphorylation state, or localization of Ras2p. Consistent with the idea that Npr1p exerts its effect on the RAS/cAMP pathway by antagonizing a ubiquitin-mediated process, excess ubiquitin suppressed both the heat shock sensitivity and the sporulation defects caused by constitutive activation of the RAS/cAMP pathway. Thus, CAC3/MSI1 regulates the RAS/cAMP pathway via a chromatin-independent mechanism that involves the sequestration of Npr1p and may be due to the increased ubiquitination of an Npr1p substrate.

Genetic and biochemical analysis of the yeast plasma membrane Ssy1p-Ptr3p-Ssy5p sensor of extracellular amino acids

Ssy1p and Ptr3p are known components of a yeast plasma membrane system that functions to sense the presence of amino acids in the extracellular environment. In response to amino acids, this sensing system initiates metabolic signals that ultimately regulate the functional expression of several amino acid-metabolizing enzymes and transport proteins, including multiple, genetically distinct amino acid permeases. We have found that SSY5 encodes a third component of this amino acid sensing system. Mutations in SSY5 manifest phenotypes that are indistinguishable from those resulting from either single ssy1 and ptr3 mutations or ssy5 ssy1 and ssy5 ptr3 double mutations. Although Ssy5p is predicted to be a soluble protein, it exhibits properties indicating that it is a peripherally associated plasma membrane protein. Each of the three sensor components, Ssy1p, Ptr3p, and Ssy5p, adopts conformations and modifications that are dependent upon the availability of amino acids and on the presence of the other two components. These results suggest that these components function as part of a sensor complex localized to the plasma membrane. Consistent with a sensor complex, the overexpression of SSY1 or the unique N-terminal extension of this amino acid permease homologue inactivates the amino acid sensor in a dominant-negative manner. Each of the components of the Ssy1p-Ptr3p-Ssy5p (SPS) signaling system undergoes rapid physical changes, reflected in altered electrophoretic mobility, when leucine is added to cells grown in media lacking amino acids. Furthermore, the levels of each SPS sensor component present in whole-cell extracts diminish upon leucine addition. The rapid physical alterations and reduced levels of sensor components are consistent with their being downregulated in response to amino acid availability. These results reveal the dynamic nature of the amino acid-initiated signals transduced by the SPS sensor.

Rh type B glycoprotein is a new member of the Rh superfamily and a putative ammonia transporter in mammals

Ammonium transporters play a key functional role in nitrogen uptake and assimilation in microorganisms and plants; however, little is known about their structural counterpart in mammals. Here, we report the molecular cloning and biochemical characterization of Rh type B glycoproteins, human RhBG and mouse Rhbg, two new members of the Rh family with distinct tissue specificities. The RhBG orthologues possess a conserved 12-transmembrane topology and most resemble bacterial and archaeal ammonium transporters. Human RHBG resides at chromosome 1q21.3, which harbors candidate genes for medullary cystic kidney disease, whereas mouse Rhbg is syntenic on chromosome 3. Northern blot and in situ hybridization revealed that RHBG and Rhbg are predominantly expressed in liver, kidney, and skin, the specialized organs involving ammonia genesis, excretion, or secretion. Confocal microscopy showed that RhBG is located in the plasma membrane and in some intracellular granules. Western blots of membrane proteins from stable HEK293 cells and from mouse kidney and liver confirmed this distribution. N-Glycanase digestion showed that RhBG/Rhbg has a carbohydrate moiety probably attached at the NHS motif on exoloop 1. Phylogenetic clustering, tissue-specific expression, and plasma membrane location suggest that RhBG homologous proteins are the long sought major ammonium transporters in mammalians.

Multiplicity of ammonium uptake systems in Corynebacterium glutamicum: role of Amt and AmtB

In Corynebacterium glutamicum, a Gram-positive soil bacterium widely used in the industrial production of amino acids, two genes encoding (putative) ammonium uptake carriers have been described. The isolation of amt was the first report of the sequence of a gene encoding a bacterial ammonium uptake system combined with the characterization of the corresponding protein. Recently, a second amt gene, amtB, with so far unknown function, was isolated. The isolation of this gene and the suggestion of a new concept for ammonium acquisition prompted the reinvestigation of ammonium transport in C. glutamicum. In this study it is shown that Amt mediates uptake of (methyl)ammonium into the cell with high affinity and strictly depending on the membrane potential. As shown by the determination of K:(m) at different pH values, ammonium/methylammonium, but not ammonia/methylamine, are substrates of Amt. AmtB exclusively accepts ammonium as a transport substrate. In addition, hints of another, until now unknown, low-affinity, ammonium-specific uptake system were found.

Rhesus factors and ammonium: a function in efflux?

Completion of fungal, plant and human genomes paved the way to the identification of erythrocytic rhesus proteins and their kidney homologs as ammonium transporters.

Control of pseudohyphae formation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Pseudohyphal growth in both haploid and diploid strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae reflects concerted changes in different cellular processes: budding pattern, cell elongation and cell adhesion. These changes are triggered by environmental signals and are controlled by several pathways which act in parallel. Nitrogen deprivation, and possibly other stresses, activate a MAP kinase cascade which has the transcription factor Ste12 as its final target. A cAMP-dependent pathway, in which the protein kinase Tpk2 plays a specific role, is also required for the morphogenetic switch. Both pathways contribute to modulate the expression of the MUC1/FLO11 gene which encodes a cell-surface flocculin required for pseudohyphal and invasive growth. The MAP kinase cascade could also control the activity of the cyclin/Cdc28 complexes which affect both the budding pattern of yeast and cell elongation. A further protein which stimulates filamentous growth in S. cerevisiae is Phd1; although its mode of action is unknown, it may be regulated by a cAMP-dependent protein kinase, as occurs with the homologous protein Efg1 from Candida albicans, which is required for the formation of true hyphae. Morphogenesis in different yeast genera share common elements, but there are also important differences. Although a complete picture cannot yet be drawn, partial models may be proposed for the interaction of the regulatory pathways, both in the case of S. cerevisiae and in that of C. albicans.

The unfolded protein response represses nitrogen-starvation induced developmental differentiation in yeast

Diploid budding yeast exhibits two developmental programs in response to nitrogen starvation, pseudohyphal growth, and sporulation. Here we show that both programs are repressed by activation of the unfolded protein response (UPR), a stress-signal transduction pathway responsible for induction of endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-resident chaperones when protein folding in the ER is impaired. Pseudohyphal growth was derepressed in ire1Delta/ire1Delta and hac1Delta/hac1Delta strains. Activation of the UPR or overexpression of the transcription factor Hac1(i)p, the product of an unconventional splicing reaction regulated by the UPR, was sufficient for repression of pseudohyphal growth and meiosis. HAC1 splicing occurred in a nitrogen-rich environment but ceased rapidly on nitrogen starvation. Further, addition of ammonium salts to nitrogen-starved cells was sufficient to rapidly reactivate HAC1 splicing. We propose that high translation rates in a nitrogen-rich environment are coupled to limited protein unfolding in the ER, thereby activating the UPR. An activated UPR then represses pseudohyphal growth and meiosis. Nitrogen starvation slows translation rates, allowing for more efficient folding of nascent polypeptide chains, down-regulation of the UPR, and subsequent derepression of pseudohyphal growth and meiosis. These findings significantly broaden the range of physiological functions of the UPR and define a role for the UPR in nitrogen sensing.

Signal transduction cascades regulating pseudohyphal differentiation of Saccharomyces cerevisiae

In response to nitrogen limitation, diploid cells of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae undergo a dimorphic transition to filamentous pseudohyphal growth. At least two signaling pathways regulate filamentation. One involves components of the MAP kinase cascade that also regulates mating of haploid cells. The second involves a nutrient-sensing G-protein-coupled receptor that signals via an unusual G(alpha) protein, cAMP and protein kinase A. Recent studies reveal crosstalk between these pathways during pseudohyphal growth. Related MAP kinase and cAMP pathways regulate filamentation and virulence of human and plant fungal pathogens, and represent novel targets for antifungal drug design.

Signal transduction cascades regulating fungal development and virulence

Cellular differentiation, mating, and filamentous growth are regulated in many fungi by environmental and nutritional signals. For example, in response to nitrogen limitation, diploid cells of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae undergo a dimorphic transition to filamentous growth referred to as pseudohyphal differentiation. Yeast filamentous growth is regulated, in part, by two conserved signal transduction cascades: a mitogen-activated protein kinase cascade and a G-protein regulated cyclic AMP signaling pathway. Related signaling cascades play an analogous role in regulating mating and virulence in the plant fungal pathogen Ustilago maydis and the human fungal pathogens Cryptococcus neoformans and Candida albicans. We review here studies on the signaling cascades that regulate development of these and other fungi. This analysis illustrates both how the model yeast S. cerevisiae can serve as a paradigm for signaling in other organisms and also how studies in other fungi provide insights into conserved signaling pathways that operate in many divergent organisms.

Signal transduction cascades regulating fungal development and virulence

Cellular differentiation, mating, and filamentous growth are regulated in many fungi by environmental and nutritional signals. For example, in response to nitrogen limitation, diploid cells of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae undergo a dimorphic transition to filamentous growth referred to as pseudohyphal differentiation. Yeast filamentous growth is regulated, in part, by two conserved signal transduction cascades: a mitogen-activated protein kinase cascade and a G-protein regulated cyclic AMP signaling pathway. Related signaling cascades play an analogous role in regulating mating and virulence in the plant fungal pathogen Ustilago maydis and the human fungal pathogens Cryptococcus neoformans and Candida albicans. We review here studies on the signaling cascades that regulate development of these and other fungi. This analysis illustrates both how the model yeast S. cerevisiae can serve as a paradigm for signaling in other organisms and also how studies in other fungi provide insights into conserved signaling pathways that operate in many divergent organisms.

The human Rhesus-associated RhAG protein and a kidney homologue promote ammonium transport in yeast

The Rhesus blood-group antigens are defined by a complex association of membrane polypeptides that includes the non-glycosylated Rh proteins (RhD and RhCE) and the RHag glycoprotein, which is strictly required for cell surface expression of these antigens. RhAG and the Rh polypeptides are erythroid-specific transmembrane proteins belonging to the same family (36% identity). Despite their importance in transfusion medicine, the function of RhAG and Rh proteins remains unknown, except that their absence in Rh(null) individuals leads to morphological and functional abnormalities of erythrocytes, known as the Rh-deficiency syndrome. We recently found significant sequence similarity between the Rh family proteins, especially RhAG, and Mep/Amt ammonium transporters. We show here that RhAG and also RhGK, a new human homologue expressed in kidney cells only, function as ammonium transport proteins when expressed in yeast. Both specifically complement the growth defect of a yeast mutant deficient in ammonium uptake. Moreover, ammonium efflux assays and growth tests in the presence of toxic concentrations of the analogue methylammonium indicate that RhAG and RhGK also promote ammonium export. Our results provide the first experimental evidence for a direct role of RhAG and RhGK in ammonium transport. These findings are of high interest, because no specific ammonium transport system has been characterized so far in human.

Genetic analysis reveals that FLO11 upregulation and cell polarization independently regulate invasive growth in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Under inducing conditions, haploid Saccharomyces cerevisiae perform a dimorphic transition from yeast-form growth on the agar surface to invasive growth, where chains of cells dig into the solid growth medium. Previous work on signaling cascades that promote agar invasion has demonstrated upregulation of FLO11, a cell-surface flocculin involved in cell-cell adhesion. We find that increasing FLO11 transcription is sufficient to induce both invasive and filamentous growth. A genetic screen for repressors of FLO11 isolated mutant strains that dig into agar (dia) and identified mutations in 35 different genes: ELM1, HSL1, HSL7, BUD3, BUD4, BUD10, AXL1, SIR2, SIR4, BEM2, PGI1, GND1, YDJ1, ARO7, GRR1, CDC53, HSC82, ZUO1, ADH1, CSE2, GCR1, IRA1, MSN5, SRB8, SSN3, SSN8, BPL1, GTR1, MED1, SKN7, TAF25, DIA1, DIA2, DIA3, and DIA4. Indeed, agar invasion in 20 dia mutants requires upregulation of the endogenous FLO11 promoter. However, 13 mutants promote agar invasion even with FLO11 clamped at a constitutive low-expression level. These FLO11 promoter-independent dia mutants establish distinct invasive growth pathways due to polarized bud site selection and/or cell elongation. Epistasis with the STE MAP kinase cascade and cytokinesis/budding checkpoint shows these pathways are targets of DIA genes that repress agar invasion by FLO11 promoter-dependent and -independent mechanisms, respectively.

In vivo N-glycosylation of the mep2 high-affinity ammonium transporter of Saccharomyces cerevisiae reveals an extracytosolic N-terminus

Saccharomyces cerevisiae possesses three related ammonium transporters, Mep1, Mep2 and Mep3, differing in their kinetic properties and in the level and regulation of their gene expression. The three Mep proteins belong to a family conserved in bacteria, plants and animals, which also includes proteins of the rhesus blood group family. In addition to its role in scavenging extracellular ammonium, the Mep2 protein has been proposed to act as an ammonium sensor, essential to pseudohyphal differentiation in response to ammonium limitation. To pursue the biochemical study of the Mep transporters, we raised polyclonal antibodies against the C-terminal tail of each Mep protein. When electrophoresed on SDS-polyacrylamide gel, the Mep1 and Mep3 proteins migrate as expected from their predicted size, whereas the Mep2 protein migrates as a high-molecular-weight smear. Protein deglycosylation with peptide-N-glycosidase F (PNGase F) indicates that, in contrast to Mep1 and Mep3, Mep2 is an asparagine-linked glycoprotein. Site-directed mutagenesis of the four potential N-glycosylation sites of Mep2 shows that Asn-4 of the protein's N-terminal tail is the only site that binds oligosaccharides. This provides evidence for the extracytosolic location of the Mep2 N-terminus. Consistently, treatment of intact protoplasts with proteinase K leads to specific proteolysis of the N-terminal tail of Mep2. The protein's C-terminus, on the other hand, is protected against protease degradation under these conditions, but digested after protoplast permeabilization, suggesting a cytoplasmic location for this part of the protein. Mep2 glycosylation is not required for pseudohyphal differentiation in response to ammonium starvation, and its absence causes only a slight reduction in the affinity of the transporter for its substrate.

Manifold anomalies in gene expression in a vineyard isolate of Saccharomyces cerevisiae revealed by DNA microarray analysis

Genome-wide transcriptional profiling has important applications in evolutionary biology for assaying the extent of heterozygosity for alleles showing quantitative variation in gene expression in natural populations. We have used DNA microarray analysis to study the global pattern of transcription in a homothallic strain of Saccharomyces cerevisiae isolated from wine grapes in a Tuscan vineyard, along with the diploid progeny obtained after sporulation. The parental strain shows 2:2 segregation (heterozygosity) for three unlinked loci. One determines resistance to trifluoroleucine; another, resistance to copper sulfate; and the third is associated with a morphological phenotype observed as colonies with a ridged surface resembling a filigree. Global expression analysis of the progeny with the filigreed and smooth colony phenotypes revealed a greater than 2-fold difference in transcription for 378 genes (6% of the genome). A large number of the overexpressed genes function in pathways of amino acid biosynthesis (particularly methionine) and sulfur or nitrogen assimilation, whereas many of the underexpressed genes are amino acid permeases. These wholesale changes in amino acid metabolism segregate as a suite of traits resulting from a single gene or a small number of genes. We conclude that natural vineyard populations of S. cerevisiae can harbor alleles that cause massive alterations in the global patterns of gene expression. Hence, studies of expression variation in natural populations, without accompanying segregation analysis, may give a false picture of the number of segregating genes underlying the variation.

Glucose monitoring in fission yeast via the Gpa2 galpha, the git5 Gbeta and the git3 putative glucose receptor

The fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe responds to environmental glucose by activating adenylate cyclase. The resulting cAMP signal activates protein kinase A (PKA). PKA inhibits glucose starvation-induced processes, such as conjugation and meiosis, and the transcription of the fbp1 gene that encodes the gluconeogenic enzyme fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase. We previously identified a collection of git genes required for glucose repression of fbp1 transcription, including pka1/git6, encoding the PKA catalytic subunit, git2/cyr1, encoding adenylate cyclase, and six "upstream" genes required for adenylate cyclase activation. The git8 gene, identical to gpa2, encodes the alpha subunit of a heterotrimeric guanine-nucleotide binding protein (Galpha) while git5 encodes a Gbeta subunit. Multicopy suppression studies with gpa2(+) previously indicated that S. pombe adenylate cyclase activation may resemble that of the mammalian type II enzyme with sequential activation by Galpha followed by Gbetagamma. We show here that an activated allele of gpa2 (gpa2(R176H), carrying a mutation in the coding region for the GTPase domain) fully suppresses mutations in git3 and git5, leading to a refinement in our model. We describe the cloning of git3 and show that it encodes a putative seven-transmembrane G protein-coupled receptor. A git3 deletion confers the same phenotypes as deletions of other components of the PKA pathway, including a germination delay, constitutive fbp1 transcription, and starvation-independent conjugation. Since the git3 deletion is fully suppressed by the gpa2(R176H) allele with respect to fbp1 transcription, git3 appears to encode a G protein-coupled glucose receptor responsible for adenylate cyclase activation in S. pombe.

Regulation of conidiation and adenylyl cyclase levels by the Galpha protein GNA-3 in Neurospora crassa

We have identified a new gene encoding the G protein alpha subunit, gna-3, from the filamentous fungus Neurospora crassa. The predicted amino acid sequence of GNA-3 is most similar to the Galpha proteins MOD-D, MAGA, and CPG-2 from the saprophytic fungus Podospora anserina and the pathogenic fungi Magnaporthe grisea and Cryphonectria parasitica, respectively. Deletion of gna-3 leads to shorter aerial hyphae and premature, dense conidiation during growth on solid medium or in standing liquid cultures and to inappropriate conidiation in submerged culture. The conidiation and aerial hypha defects of the Deltagna-3 strain are similar to those of a previously characterized adenylyl cyclase mutant, cr-1. Supplementation with cyclic AMP (cAMP) restores wild-type morphology to Deltagna-3 strains in standing liquid cultures. Solid medium augmented with exogenous cAMP suppresses the premature conidiation defect, but aerial hypha formation is still reduced. Submerged-culture conidiation is refractory to cAMP but is suppressed by peptone. In addition, Deltagna-3 submerged cultures express the glucose-repressible gene, qa-2, to levels greatly exceeding those observed in the wild type under carbon-starved conditions. Deltagna-3 strains exhibit reduced fertility in homozygous crosses during the sexual cycle; exogenous cAMP has no effect on this phenotype. Intracellular steady-state cAMP levels of Deltagna-3 strains are decreased 90% relative to the wild type under a variety of growth conditions. Reduced intracellular cAMP levels in the Deltagna-3 strain correlate with lower adenylyl cyclase activity and protein levels. These results demonstrate that GNA-3 modulates conidiation and adenylyl cyclase levels in N. crassa.

The Chlamydomonas reinhardtii Nar1 gene encodes a chloroplast membrane protein involved in nitrite transport

A key step for nitrate assimilation in photosynthetic eukaryotes occurs within chloroplasts, where nitrite is reduced to ammonium, which is incorporated into carbon skeletons. The Nar1 gene from Chlamydomonas reinhardtii is clustered with five other genes for nitrate assimilation, all of them regulated by nitrate. Sequence analysis of genomic DNA and cDNA of Nar1 and comparative studies of strains having or lacking Nar1 have been performed. The deduced amino acid sequence indicates that Nar1 encodes a chloroplast membrane protein with substantial identity to putative formate and nitrite transporters in bacteria. Use of antibodies against NAR1 has corroborated its location in the plastidic membrane. Characterization of strains having or lacking this gene suggests that NAR1 is involved in nitrite transport in plastids, which is critical for cell survival under limiting nitrate conditions, and controls the amount of nitrate incorporated by the cells under limiting CO(2) conditions.

Structure, function and regulation of ammonium transporters in plants

Ammonium is an important source of nitrogen for plants. It is taken up by plant cells via ammonium transporters in the plasma membrane and distributed to intracellular compartments such as chloroplasts, mitochondria and vacuoles probably via different transporters in each case. Ammonium is generally not used for long-distance transport of nitrogen within the plant. Instead, most of the ammonium transported into plant cells is assimilated locally via glutamine synthetases in the cytoplasm and plastids. Ammonium is also produced by plant cells during normal metabolism, and ammonium transporters enable it to be moved from intracellular sites of production to sites of consumption. Ammonium can be generated de novo from molecular nitrogen (N(2)) by nitrogen-fixing bacteria in some plant cells, such as rhizobia in legume root nodule cells, and at least one ammonium transporter is implicated in the transfer of ammonium from the bacteria to the plant cytoplasm. Plant physiologists have described many of these ammonium transport processes over the last few decades. However, the genes and proteins that underlie these processes have been isolated and studied only recently. In this review, we consider in detail the molecular structure, function and regulation of plant ammonium transporters. We also attempt to reconcile recent discoveries at the molecular level with our knowledge of ammonium transport at the whole plant level.

cAMP signalling in pathogenic fungi: control of dimorphic switching and pathogenicity

Morphological changes in pathogenic fungi often underlie the development of virulence and infection by these organisms. Our knowledge of the components of the cell signalling pathways controlling morphological switching has, to a large extent, come from studies of pseudohyphal growth of the model organism Saccharomyces cerevisiae, in which control is exerted via changes in the intracellular cAMP and mitogen-activated protein kinase cascades. There is evidence that pathogenic fungi also utilize these pathways to control dimorphic switching between saprobic and pathogenic forms and, as such, the elements of these pathways have potential as drug targets.

Characterization of Arabidopsis AtAMT2, a novel ammonium transporter in plants

We have cloned and characterized the first member of a novel family of ammonium transporters in plants: AtAMT2 from Arabidopsis thaliana. AtAMT2 is more closely related to bacterial ammonium transporters than to plant transporters of the AMT1 family. The protein was expressed and functionally characterized in yeast. AtAMT2 transported ammonium in an energy-dependent manner. In contrast to transporters of the AMT1 family, however, AtAMT2 did not transport the ammonium analogue, methylammonium. AtAMT2 was expressed more highly in shoots than roots and was subject to nitrogen regulation.

Signaling and circuitry of multiple MAPK pathways revealed by a matrix of global gene expression profiles

Genome-wide transcript profiling was used to monitor signal transduction during yeast pheromone response. Genetic manipulations allowed analysis of changes in gene expression underlying pheromone signaling, cell cycle control, and polarized morphogenesis. A two-dimensional hierarchical clustered matrix, covering 383 of the most highly regulated genes, was constructed from 46 diverse experimental conditions. Diagnostic subsets of coexpressed genes reflected signaling activity, cross talk, and overlap of multiple mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways. Analysis of the profiles specified by two different MAPKs-Fus3p and Kss1p-revealed functional overlap of the filamentous growth and mating responses. Global transcript analysis reflects biological responses associated with the activation and perturbation of signal transduction pathways.

The G protein-coupled receptor gpr1 is a nutrient sensor that regulates pseudohyphal differentiation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Pseudohyphal differentiation in the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae is induced in diploid cells in response to nitrogen starvation and abundant fermentable carbon source. Filamentous growth requires at least two signaling pathways: the pheromone responsive MAP kinase cascade and the Gpa2p-cAMP-PKA signaling pathway. Recent studies have established a physical and functional link between the Galpha protein Gpa2 and the G protein-coupled receptor homolog Gpr1. We report here that the Gpr1 receptor is required for filamentous and haploid invasive growth and regulates expression of the cell surface flocculin Flo11. Epistasis analysis supports a model in which the Gpr1 receptor regulates pseudohyphal growth via the Gpa2p-cAMP-PKA pathway and independently of both the MAP kinase cascade and the PKA related kinase Sch9. Genetic and physiological studies indicate that the Gpr1 receptor is activated by glucose and other structurally related sugars. Because expression of the GPR1 gene is known to be induced by nitrogen starvation, the Gpr1 receptor may serve as a dual sensor of abundant carbon source (sugar ligand) and nitrogen starvation. In summary, our studies reveal a novel G protein-coupled receptor senses nutrients and regulates the dimorphic transition to filamentous growth via a Galpha protein-cAMP-PKA signal transduction cascade.

The Rh blood group system: a review

The Rh blood group system is one of the most polymorphic and immunogenic systems known in humans. In the past decade, intense investigation has yielded considerable knowledge of the molecular background of this system. The genes encoding 2 distinct Rh proteins that carry C or c together with either E or e antigens, and the D antigen, have been cloned, and the molecular bases of many of the antigens and of the phenotypes have been determined. A related protein, the Rh glycoprotein is essential for assembly of the Rh protein complex in the erythrocyte membrane and for expression of Rh antigens. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of several aspects of the Rh blood group system, including the confusing terminology, progress in molecular understanding, and how this developing knowledge can be used in the clinical setting. Extensive documentation is provided to enable the interested reader to obtain further information.

GPR1 regulates filamentous growth through FLO11 in yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Cell growth and differentiation are regulated by nutrient availability in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Under conditions of nitrogen limitation, diploid cells of S. cerevisiae differentiate to a filamentous growth known as a pseudohyphal growth, while haploid cells produce invasive filaments which penetrate the agar in nutrient-rich medium. We have found that GPR1, which encodes a putative G-protein-coupled receptor, is required for both pseudohyphal and invasive growth. Pseudohyphal growth was defective in Deltagpr1/Deltagpr1 mutant strain and this defect was reversed by addition of cAMP. Also, haploid Deltagpr1 mutant strain was defective in invasive growth. Northern blot analysis revealed that the transcriptional level of FLO11, which encodes a recently identified cell surface flocculin required for pseudohyphal growth, was reduced in Deltagpr1 mutant strain. These results indicate that GPR1 regulates both pseudohyphal and invasive growth by a cAMP-dependent mechanism.

Characterization of alcohol-induced filamentous growth in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Diploid cells of the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae starved for nitrogen differentiate into a filamentous growth form. Poor carbon sources such as starches can also stimulate filamentation, whereas haploid cells undergo a similar invasive growth response in rich medium. Previous work has demonstrated a role for various alcohols, by-products of amino acid metabolism, in altering cellular morphology. We found that several alcohols, notably isoamyl alcohol and 1-butanol, stimulate filamentous growth in haploid cells in which this differentiation is normally repressed. Butanol also induces cell elongation and changes in budding pattern, leading to a pseudohyphal morphology, even in liquid medium. The filamentous colony morphology and cell elongation require elements of the pheromone-responsive MAPK cascade and TEC1, whereas components of the nutrient-sensing machinery, such as MEP2, GPA2, and GPR1, do not affect this phenomenon. A screen for 1-butanol-insensitive mutants identified additional proteins that regulate polarized growth (BUD8, BEM1, BEM4, and FIG1), mitochondrial function (MSM1, MRP21, and HMI1), and a transcriptional regulator (CHD1). Furthermore, we have also found that ethanol stimulates hyperfilamentation in diploid cells, again in a MAPK-dependent manner. Together, these results suggest that yeast may sense a combination of nutrient limitation and metabolic by-products to regulate differentiation.

The TOR signaling cascade regulates gene expression in response to nutrients

Rapamycin inhibits the TOR kinases, which regulate cell proliferation and mRNA translation and are conserved from yeast to man. The TOR kinases also regulate responses to nutrients, including sporulation, autophagy, mating, and ribosome biogenesis. We have analyzed gene expression in yeast cells exposed to rapamycin using arrays representing the whole yeast genome. TOR inhibition by rapamycin induces expression of nitrogen source utilization genes controlled by the Ure2 repressor and the transcriptional regulator Gln3, and globally represses ribosomal protein expression. gln3 mutations were found to confer rapamycin resistance, whereas ure2 mutations confer rapamycin hypersensitivity, even in cells expressing dominant rapamycin-resistant TOR mutants. We find that Ure2 is a phosphoprotein in vivo that is rapidly dephosphorylated in response to rapamycin or nitrogen limitation. In summary, our results reveal that the TOR cascade plays a prominent role in regulating transcription in response to nutrients in addition to its known roles in regulating translation, ribosome biogenesis, and amino acid permease stability.

RH blood group system and molecular basis of Rh-deficiency

Rhesus (Rh) antigens are defined by a complex association of membrane polypeptides that are missing or severely deficient from the red cells of rare Rhnull individuals who suffer a clinical syndrome of varying severity characterized by abnormalities of the red cell shape, cation transport and membrane phospholipid organization. The Rhnull phenotype is an inherited condition that may arise from homozygosity either for a 'suppressor' gene unrelated to the RH locus ('regulator type') or for a silent allele at the RH locus itself ('amorph type'). A current model suggests that the proteins of the Rh complex (Rh, RhAG, CD47, LW, GPB) are assembled by non-covalent bonds and that it is not assembled or transported to the cell surface when one subunit is missing. Rh and RhAG proteins belong to the same protein family and are quantitatively the major components that form the core of the complex, which is firmly linked to the membrane skeleton. Molecular analysis of Rhnull individuals has revealed that abnormalities occur only at the RHAG and RH loci, without alteration of the genes encoding the accessory chains. Mutations of the RHAG gene, but not of RH, occur in all Rhnull individuals of the regulator type (including Rhmod) investigated so far (13 cases), strongly suggesting that RHAG mutants act as 'suppressors' and not as transcriptional regulators of the RH genes and that variable expression of the RHAG alleles may account for the Rhmod phenotypes (exhibiting weak expression of Rh antigens). Conversely, mutations of the RHCE gene, but not of RHAG, occur in two unrelated Rhnull individuals of the amorph type, supporting the view that RH mutants result from a 'silent' allele at the RH locus. These findings strongly support the Rh complex model since when either the Rh or RhAG protein is missing, the assembly and/or transport of the Rh complex is defective. Transcriptional as well as post-transcriptional mechanisms may account for the molecular abnormalities, but experimental evidence based on expression models is required to test these hypotheses, in the hope that they may help to clarify the biological role of the Rh proteins in the red cell membrane.

The yeast ras/cyclic AMP pathway induces invasive growth by suppressing the cellular stress response

Haploid yeast cells are capable of invading agar when grown on rich media. Cells of the Sigma1278b genetic background manifest this property, whereas other laboratory strains are incapable of invasive growth. We show that disruption of the RAS2 gene in the Sigma1278b background significantly reduces invasive growth but that expression of a constitutively active Ras2p (Ras2(Val19)p) in this strain has a minimal effect on its invasiveness. On the other hand, expression of Ras2(Val19)p in another laboratory strain, SP1, rendered it invasive. These results suggest that a hyperactive Ras2 pathway induces invasive growth and that this pathway might be overactive in the Sigma1278b genetic background. Indeed, cells of the Sigma1278b are defective in the induction of stress-responsive genes, while their Gcn4 target genes are constitutively transcribed. This pattern of gene expression was previously shown to be associated with an active Ras/cyclic AMP (cAMP) pathway. We show that suppression of stress-related genes in Sigma1278b cells is a result of their inability to activate transcription through the stress response element (STRE). Disruption of RAS2, which abolished invasiveness, induced an increase in STRE activity. Further, in the SP1 genetic background, disruption of either the MSN2/4 genes (encoding activators of STRE) or the yAP-1 gene was sufficient to restore invasive growth in ras2Delta cells. We conclude that Ras2-mediated suppression of the stress response is sufficient to induce invasiveness. Accordingly, the fact that the stress response is suppressed in Sigma1278b background explains its invasiveness. It seems that invasiveness is a phenotype related to unregulated growth and is therefore manifested by cells harboring an overactive Ras/cAMP cascade. In this respect, invasiveness in yeast is reminiscent of the property of ras-transformed fibroblasts to invade soft agar.

Phospholipase C binds to the receptor-like GPR1 protein and controls pseudohyphal differentiation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

The hormone receptor-like protein Gpr1p physically interacts with phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C (Plc1p) and with the Galpha protein Gpa2p, as shown by two-hybrid assays and co-immune precipitation of epitope-tagged proteins. Plc1p binds to Gpr1p in either the presence or absence of Gpa2, whereas the Gpr1p/Gpa2p association depends on the presence of Plc1p. Genetic interactions between the null mutations plc1Delta, gpr1Delta, gpa2Delta, and ras2Delta suggest that Plc1p acts together with Gpr1p and Gpa2p in a growth control pathway operating in parallel to the Ras2p function. Diploid cells lacking Gpr1p, Plc1p, or Gpa2p fail to form pseudohyphae upon nitrogen depletion, and the filamentation defect of gpr1Delta and plc1Delta strains is rescued by activating a mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway via STE11-4 or by activating a cAMP pathway via overexpressed Tpk2p. Plc1p is also required for efficient expression of the FG(TyA)::lacZ reporter gene under nitrogen depletion. In conclusion, we have identified two physically interacting proteins, Gpr1p and Plc1p, as novel components of a nitrogen signaling pathway controlling the developmental switch from yeast-like to pseudohyphal growth. Our data suggest that phospholipase C modulates the interaction of the putative nutrient sensor Gpr1p with the Galpha protein Gpa2p as a downstream effector of filamentation control.

Mks1p is a regulator of nitrogen catabolism upstream of Ure2p in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

The supply of nitrogen regulates yeast genes affecting nitrogen catabolism, pseudohyphal growth, and meiotic sporulation. Ure2p of Saccharomyces cerevisiae is a negative regulator of nitrogen catabolism that inhibits Gln3p, a positive regulator of DAL5, and other genes of nitrogen assimilation. Dal5p, the allantoate permease, allows ureidosuccinate uptake (Usa(+)) when cells grow on a poor nitrogen source such as proline. We find that overproduction of Mks1p allows uptake of ureidosuccinate on ammonia and lack of Mks1p prevents uptake of ureidosuccinate or Dal5p expression on proline. Overexpression of Mks1p does not affect cellular levels of Ure2p. An mks1 ure2 double mutant can take up ureidosuccinate on either ammonia or proline. Moreover, overexpression of Ure2p suppresses the ability of Mks1p overexpression to allow ureidosuccinate uptake on ammonia. These results suggest that Mks1p is involved in nitrogen control upstream of Ure2p as follows: NH(3) dash, vertical Mks1p dash, vertical Ure2p dash, vertical Gln3p --> DAL5. Either overproduction of Mks1p or deletion of MKS1 interferes with pseudohyphal growth.

TOR kinase homologs function in a signal transduction pathway that is conserved from yeast to mammals

Rapamycin is a natural product with potent antifungal and immunosuppressive activities. Rapamycin binds to the FKBP12 prolyl isomerase, and the resulting protein-drug complex inhibits the TOR kinase homologs. Both the FKBP12 and the TOR proteins are highly conserved from yeast to man, and genetic and biochemical studies reveal that these proteins are the targets of rapamycin in vivo. Treatment of yeast or mammalian cells with rapamycin inhibits translational initiation of a subset of mRNAs and dramatically represses ribosomal mRNA and tRNA transcription. Furthermore, rapamycin exposure blocks cell cycle progression in the early G1 phase of the cell cycle, driving cells into a G0 state and, ultimately, triggering autophagy. Recent findings reveal that the upstream factors regulating the TOR signaling cascade are involved in detecting amino acids, nutrients, or growth factors. These findings indicate that the TOR proteins function in a signal transduction pathway that coordinates nutritional and mitogenic signals to control protein biosynthesis and degradation.

Function and regulation of yeast hexose transporters

Glucose, the most abundant monosaccharide in nature, is the principal carbon and energy source for nearly all cells. The first, and rate-limiting, step of glucose metabolism is its transport across the plasma membrane. In cells of many organisms glucose ensures its own efficient metabolism by serving as an environmental stimulus that regulates the quantity, types, and activity of glucose transporters, both at the transcriptional and posttranslational levels. This is most apparent in the baker's yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, which has 20 genes encoding known or likely glucose transporters, each of which is known or likely to have a different affinity for glucose. The expression and function of most of these HXT genes is regulated by different levels of glucose. This review focuses on the mechanisms S. cerevisiae and a few other fungal species utilize for sensing the level of glucose and transmitting this information to the nucleus to alter HXT gene expression. One mechanism represses transcription of some HXT genes when glucose levels are high and works through the Mig1 transcriptional repressor, whose function is regulated by the Snf1-Snf4 protein kinase and Reg1-Glc7 protein phosphatase. Another pathway induces HXT expression in response to glucose and employs the Rgt1 transcriptional repressor, a ubiquitin ligase protein complex (SCF(Grr1)) that regulates Rgt1 function, and two glucose sensors in the membrane (Snf3 and Rgt2) that bind glucose and generate the intracellular signal to which Rgt1 responds. These two regulatory pathways collaborate with other, less well-understood, pathways to ensure that yeast cells express the glucose transporters best suited for the amount of glucose available.

Control of filament formation in Candida albicans by polyamine levels

Candida albicans, the most common fungal pathogen, regulates its cellular morphology in response to environmental conditions. The ODC gene, which encodes ornithine decarboxylase, a key enzyme in polyamine biosynthesis, was isolated and disrupted. Homozygous null Candida mutants behaved as polyamine auxotrophs and grew exclusively in the yeast form at low polyamine levels (0.01 mM putrescine) under all conditions tested. An increase in the polyamine concentration (10 mM putrescine) restored the capacity to switch from the yeast to the filamentous form. The strain with a deletion mutation also showed increased sensitivity to salts and calcofluor white. This Candida odc/odc mutant was virulent in a mouse model. The results suggest a model in which polyamine levels exert a pleiotrophic effect on transcriptional activity.

Ssy1p and Ptr3p are plasma membrane components of a yeast system that senses extracellular amino acids

Mutations in SSY1 and PTR3 were identified in a genetic selection for components required for the proper uptake and compartmentalization of histidine in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Ssy1p is a unique member of the amino acid permease gene family, and Ptr3p is predicted to be a hydrophilic protein that lacks known functional homologs. Both Ssy1p and Ptr3p have previously been implicated in relaying signals regarding the presence of extracellular amino acids. We have found that ssy1 and ptr3 mutants belong to the same epistasis group; single and ssy1 ptr3 double-mutant strains exhibit indistinguishable phenotypes. Mutations in these genes cause the nitrogen-regulated general amino acid permease gene (GAP1) to be abnormally expressed and block the nonspecific induction of arginase (CAR1) and the peptide transporter (PTR2). ssy1 and ptr3 mutations manifest identical differential effects on the functional expression of multiple specific amino acid transporters. ssy1 and ptr3 mutants have increased vacuolar pools of histidine and arginine and exhibit altered cell growth morphologies accompanied by exaggerated invasive growth. Subcellular fractionation experiments reveal that both Ssy1p and Ptr3p are localized to the plasma membrane (PM). Ssy1p requires the endoplasmic reticulum protein Shr3p, the amino acid permease-specific packaging chaperonin, to reach the PM, whereas Ptr3p does not. These findings suggest that Ssy1p and Ptr3p function in the PM as components of a sensor of extracellular amino acids.

A G1 cyclin is necessary for maintenance of filamentous growth in Candida albicans

Candida albicans undergoes a dramatic morphological transition in response to various growth conditions. This ability to switch from a yeast form to a hyphal form is required for its pathogenicity. The intractability of Candida to traditional genetic approaches has hampered the study of the molecular mechanism governing this developmental switch. Our approach is to use the more genetically tractable yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae to yield clues about the molecular control of filamentation for further studies in Candida. G1 cyclins Cln1 and Cln2 have been implicated in the control of morphogenesis in S. cerevisiae. We show that C. albicans CLN1 (CaCLN1) has the same cell cycle-specific expression pattern as CLN1 and CLN2 of S. cerevisiae. To investigate whether G1 cyclins are similarly involved in the regulation of cell morphogenesis during the yeast-to-hypha transition of C. albicans, we mutated CaCLN1. Cacln1/Cacln1 cells were found to be slower than wild-type cells in cell cycle progression. The Cacln1/Cacln1 mutants were also defective in hyphal colony formation on several solid media. Furthermore, while mutant strains developed germ tubes under several hypha-inducing conditions, they were unable to maintain the hyphal growth mode in a synthetic hypha-inducing liquid medium and were deficient in the expression of hypha-specific genes in this medium. Our results suggest that CaCln1 may coordinately regulate hyphal development with signal transduction pathways in response to various environmental cues.

Nitrate regulation of metabolism and growth

Recent research shows that signals derived from nitrate are involved in triggering widespread changes in gene expression, resulting in a reprogramming of nitrogen and carbon metabolism to facilitate the uptake and assimilation of nitrate, and to initiate accompanying changes in carbon metabolism. These nitrate-derived signals interact with signals generated further downstream in nitrogen metabolism, and in carbon metabolism. Signals derived from internal and external nitrate also adjust root growth and architecture to the physiological state of the plant, and the distribution of nitrate in the environment.

Crosstalk between the Ras2p-controlled mitogen-activated protein kinase and cAMP pathways during invasive growth of Saccharomyces cerevisiae

The two highly conserved RAS genes of the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae are redundant for viability. Here we show that haploid invasive growth development depends on RAS2 but not RAS1. Ras1p is not sufficiently expressed to induce invasive growth. Ras2p activates invasive growth using either of two downstream signaling pathways, the filamentation MAPK (Cdc42p/Ste20p/MAPK) cascade or the cAMP-dependent protein kinase (Cyr1p/cAMP/PKA) pathway. This signal branch point can be uncoupled in cells expressing Ras2p mutant proteins that carry amino acid substitutions in the adenylyl cyclase interaction domain and therefore activate invasive growth solely dependent on the MAPK cascade. Both Ras2p-controlled signaling pathways stimulate expression of the filamentation response element-driven reporter gene depending on the transcription factors Ste12p and Tec1p, indicating a crosstalk between the MAPK and the cAMP signaling pathways in haploid cells during invasive growth.

Three functional transporters for constitutive, diurnally regulated, and starvation-induced uptake of ammonium into Arabidopsis roots

Ammonium and nitrate are the prevalent nitrogen sources for growth and development of higher plants. 15N-uptake studies demonstrated that ammonium is preferred up to 20-fold over nitrate by Arabidopsis plants. To study the regulation and complex kinetics of ammonium uptake, we isolated two new ammonium transporter (AMT) genes and showed that they functionally complemented an ammonium uptake-deficient yeast mutant. Uptake studies with 14C-methylammonium and inhibition by ammonium yielded distinct substrate affinities between </=0.5 and 40 microM. Correlation of gene expression with 15NH4+ uptake into plant roots showed that nitrogen supply and time of day differentially regulated the individual carriers. Transcript levels of AtAMT1;1, which possesses an affinity in the nanomolar range, steeply increased with ammonium uptake in roots when nitrogen nutrition became limiting, whereas those of AtAMT1;3 increased slightly, with AtAMT1;2 being more constitutively expressed. All three ammonium transporters showed diurnal variation in expression, but AtAMT1;3 transcript levels peaked with ammonium uptake at the end of the light period, suggesting that AtAMT1;3 provides a link between nitrogen assimilation and carbon provision in roots. Our results show that high-affinity ammonium uptake in roots is regulated in relation to the physiological status of the plant at the transcriptional level and by substrate affinities of individual members of the AMT1 gene family.

Three functional transporters for constitutive, diurnally regulated, and starvation-induced uptake of ammonium into Arabidopsis roots

Ammonium and nitrate are the prevalent nitrogen sources for growth and development of higher plants. 15N-uptake studies demonstrated that ammonium is preferred up to 20-fold over nitrate by Arabidopsis plants. To study the regulation and complex kinetics of ammonium uptake, we isolated two new ammonium transporter (AMT) genes and showed that they functionally complemented an ammonium uptake-deficient yeast mutant. Uptake studies with 14C-methylammonium and inhibition by ammonium yielded distinct substrate affinities between </=0.5 and 40 microM. Correlation of gene expression with 15NH4+ uptake into plant roots showed that nitrogen supply and time of day differentially regulated the individual carriers. Transcript levels of AtAMT1;1, which possesses an affinity in the nanomolar range, steeply increased with ammonium uptake in roots when nitrogen nutrition became limiting, whereas those of AtAMT1;3 increased slightly, with AtAMT1;2 being more constitutively expressed. All three ammonium transporters showed diurnal variation in expression, but AtAMT1;3 transcript levels peaked with ammonium uptake at the end of the light period, suggesting that AtAMT1;3 provides a link between nitrogen assimilation and carbon provision in roots. Our results show that high-affinity ammonium uptake in roots is regulated in relation to the physiological status of the plant at the transcriptional level and by substrate affinities of individual members of the AMT1 gene family.