Cell cycle-dependent specific positioning and clustering of centromeres and telomeres in fission yeast

Dynamic elastic behavior of alpha-satellite DNA domains visualized in situ in living human cells

We have constructed a fluorescent alpha-satellite DNA-binding protein to explore the motile and mechanical properties of human centromeres. A fusion protein consisting of human CENP-B coupled to the green fluorescent protein (GFP) of A. victoria specifically targets to centromeres when expressed in human cells. Morphometric analysis revealed that the alpha-satellite DNA domain bound by CENPB-GFP becomes elongated in mitosis in a microtubule-dependent fashion. Time lapse confocal microscopy in live mitotic cells revealed apparent elastic deformations of the central domain of the centromere that occurred during metaphase chromosome oscillations. These observations demonstrate that the interior region of the centromere behaves as an elastic element that could play a role in the mechanoregulatory mechanisms recently identified at centromeres. Fluorescent labeling of centromeres revealed that they disperse throughout the nucleus in a nearly isometric expansion during chromosome decondensation in telophase and early G1. During interphase, centromeres were primarily stationary, although motility of individual or small groups of centromeres was occasionally observed at very slow rates of 7-10 microns/h.

Mitotic chromosome condensation

In this chapter, we review the structure and composition of interphase and mitotic chromosomes. We discuss how these observations support the model that mitotic condensation is a deterministic process leading to the invariant folding of a given chromosome. The structural studies have also placed constraints on the mechanism of condensation and defined several activities needed to mediate condensation. In the context of these activities and structural information, we present our current understanding of the role of cis sites, histones, topoisomerase II, and SMC proteins in condensation. We conclude by using our current knowledge of mitotic condensation to address the differences in chromosome condensation observed from bacteria to humans and to explore the relevance of this process to other processes such as gene expression.

Mutations in the fission yeast silencing factors clr4+ and rik1+ disrupt the localisation of the chromo domain protein Swi6p and impair centromere function

Transcriptional silencing is known to occur at centromeres, telomeres and the mating type region in the nucleus of fission yeast, Schizosaccharomyces pombe. Mating-type silencing factors have previously been shown also to affect transcriptional repression within centromeres and to some extent at telomeres. Mutations in the clr4+, rik1+ and swi6+ genes dramatically reduce silencing at certain centromeric regions and cause elevated chromosome loss rates. Recently, Swi6p was found to co-localise with the three silent chromosomal regions. Here the involvement of clr4+, rik1+ and swi6+ in centromere function is investigated in further detail. Fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH) was used to show that, as in swi6 mutant cells, centromeres lag on late anaphase spindles in clr4 and rik1 mutant cells. This phenotype is consistent with a role for these three gene products in fission yeast centromere function. The Swi6 protein was found to be delocalised from all three silent chromosomal regions, and dispersed within the nucleus, in both clr4 and rik1 mutant cells. The phenotypic similarity observed in all three mutants is consistent with the products of both the clr4+ and rik1+ genes being required to recruit Swi6p to the centromere and other silent regions. Mutations in clr4, rik1 and swi6 also result in elevated sensitivity to reagents which destabilise microtubules and show a synergistic interaction with a mutation in the beta-tubulin gene (nda3). These observations suggest that clr4+ and rik1+ must play a role in the assembly of Swi6p into a transcriptionally silent, inaccessible chromatin structure at fission yeast centromeres which is required to facilitate interactions with spindle microtubules and to ensure normal chromosome segregation.

The role of proteolysis in cell cycle progression in Schizosaccharomyces pombe

A cell-free system derived from Xenopus eggs was used to identify the 'destruction box' of the Schizosaccharomyces pombe B-type cyclin, Cdc13, as residues 59-67: RHALDDVSN. Expression of indestructible Cdc13 from a regulated promoter in S.pombe blocked cells in anaphase and inhibited septation, showing that destruction of Cdc13 is necessary for exit from mitosis, but not for sister chromatid separation. In contrast, strong expression of a polypeptide comprising the N-terminal 70 residues of Cdc13, which acts as a competitive inhibitor of destruction box-mediated proteolysis, inhibited both sister chromatid separation and the destruction of Cdc13, whereas an equivalent construct with a mutated destruction box did not. Appropriately timed expression of this N-terminal fragment of Cdc13 overcame the G1 arrest seen in cdc10 mutant strains, suggesting that proteins required for the initiation of S phase are subject to destruction by the same proteolytic machinery as cyclin.

Fission yeast pkl1 is a kinesin-related protein involved in mitotic spindle function

We have used anti-peptide antibodies raised against highly conserved regions of the kinesin motor domain to identify kinesin-related proteins in the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe. Here we report the identification of a new kinesin-related protein, which we have named pkl1. Sequence homology and domain organization place pkl1 in the Kar3/ncd subfamily of kinesin-related proteins. Bacterially expressed pkl1 fusion proteins display microtubule-stimulated ATPase activity, nucleotide-sensitive binding, and bundling of microtubules. Immunofluorescence studies with affinity-purified antibodies indicate that the pkl1 protein localizes to the nucleus and the mitotic spindle. Pkl1 null mutants are viable but have increased sensitivity to microtubule-disrupting drugs. Disruption of pkl1+ suppresses mutations in another kinesin-related protein, cut7, which is known to act in the spindle. Overexpression of pkl1 to very high levels causes a similar phenotype to that seen in cut7 mutants: V-shaped and star-shaped microtubule structures are observed, which we interpret to be spindles with unseparated spindle poles. These observations suggest that pkl1 and cut7 provide opposing forces in the spindle. We propose that pkl1 functions as a microtubule-dependent motor that is involved in microtubule organization in the mitotic spindle.

The clustering of telomeres and colocalization with Rap1, Sir3, and Sir4 proteins in wild-type Saccharomyces cerevisiae

We have developed a novel technique for combined immunofluorescence/in situ hybridization on fixed budding yeast cells that maintains the three-dimensional structure of the nucleus as monitored by focal sections of cells labeled with fluorescent probes and by staining with a nuclear pore antibody. Within the resolution of these immunodetection techniques, we show that proteins encoded by the SIR3, SIR4, and RAP1 genes colocalize in a statistically significant manner with Y' telomere-associated DNA sequences. In wild-type cells the Y' in situ hybridization signals can be resolved by light microscopy into fewer than ten foci per diploid nucleus. This suggests that telomeres are clustered in vegetatively growing cells, and that proteins essential for telomeric silencing are concentrated at their sites of action, i.e., at telomeres and/or subtelomeric regions. As observed for Rap1, the Sir4p staining is diffuse in a sir3- strain, and similarly, Sir3p staining is no longer punctate in a sir4- strain, although the derivatized Y' probe continues to label discrete sites in these strains. Nonetheless, the Y' FISH is altered in a qualitative manner in sir3 and sir4 mutant strains, consistent with the previously reported phenotypes of shortened telomeric repeats and loss of telomeric silencing.

Topoisomerase II alpha is associated with the mammalian centromere in a cell cycle- and species-specific manner and is required for proper centromere/kinetochore structure

A study of the distribution of Topoisomerase II alpha (Topo II) in cells of six tissue culture cell lines, human (HeLa), mouse (L929), rat, Indian muntjac, rat kangaroo (PTK-2), and wallaby revealed the following features: (1) There is a cell cycle association of a specific population of Topo II with the centromere. (2) The centromere is distinguished from the remainder of the chromosome by the intensity of its Topo II reactivity. (3) The first appearance of a detectable population of Topo II at the centromere varies between species but is correlated with the onset of centromeric heterochromatin condensation. (4) Detectable centromeric Topo II declines at the completion of cell division. (5) The distribution pattern of Topo II within the centromere is species- and stage-specific and is conserved only within the kinetochore domain. In addition, we report that the Topo II inhibitor ICRF-193 can prevent the normal accumulation of Topo II at the centromere. This results in the disruption of chromatin condensation sub-adjacent to the kinetochore as well as the perturbation of kinetochore structure. Taken together, our studies indicate that the distribution of Topo II at the centromere is unlike that reported for the remainder of the chromosome and is essential for proper formation of centromere/kinetochore structure.

Aberrant mitosis in fission yeast mutants defective in fatty acid synthetase and acetyl CoA carboxylase

Two fission yeast temperature-sensitive mutants, cut6 and lsd1, show a defect in nuclear division. The daughter nuclei differ dramatically in size (the phenotype designated lsd, large and small daughter). Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) revealed that sister chromatids were separated in the lsd cells, but appeared highly compact in one of the two daughter nuclei. EM showed asymmetric nuclear elongation followed by unequal separation of nonchromosomal nuclear structures in these mutant nuclei. The small nuclei lacked electron-dense nuclear materials and contained highly compacted chromatin. The cut6+ and lsd1+ genes are essential for viability and encode, respectively, acetyl CoA carboxylase and fatty acid synthetase, the key enzymes for fatty acid synthesis. Gene disruption of lsd1+ led to the lsd phenotype. Palmitate in medium fully suppressed the phenotypes of lsd1. Cerulenin, an inhibitor for fatty acid synthesis, produced the lsd phenotype in wild type. The drug caused cell inviability during mitosis but not during the G2-arrest induced by the cdc25 mutation. A reduced level of fatty acid thus led to impaired separation of non-chromosomal nuclear components. We propose that fatty acid is directly or indirectly required for separating the mother nucleus into two equal daughters.

Functional compartmentalization of the nucleus

Recent applications of cell biology and molecular genetics have built an image of nuclear organization in which the molecular machines involved in transcription, RNA processing and replication assemble morphologically distinct nuclear organelles with defined functional properties. These observations indicate a very high level of structural organization for the various metabolic activities occurring within the nucleus. We discuss the possible existence of novel regulatory functions inherent to nuclear architecture itself.

Analysis of the cell cycle in the budding yeast Candida albicans by positioning of chromosomes by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) with repetitive sequences

BACKGROUND

In the budding yeasts, including Saccharomyces cerevisiae, in which individual chromosomes cannot be visualized by microscopy, the mitotic phases in the cell cycle have not been correlated with the chromosome behaviour. We used various repetitive sequences, namely, rDNA, telomeric sequences and RPSs, which are localized in limited regions in almost all chromosomes, as probes for fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) to analyse the cell cycle phases in a pathogenic yeast Candida albicans. The positioning of the FISH signals was analysed quantitatively in relation to the length of spindle microtubules in the nuclear domain.

RESULTS

RPSs were randomly distributed in the interphase nucleus, and they formed aggregates with the development of the spindle. DNA synthesis was complete before RPSs came closest to the spindle. As the spindle elongated, they were scattered along the spindle and then separated into two clusters at the spindle poles at the end of anaphase. rDNA was localized in the nucleolar domain, and telomere signals were randomly distributed throughout mitosis.

CONCLUSION

By estimating quantitatively the proportions of mitotic cells with particular configurations of both microtubules and chromosomes in a population of rapidly proliferating cells, we were able to define various stages in the progression of mitosis. The S phase and pro-to-prometaphase were overlapping and the G2 phase was lacking. Unexpectedly, the pole-to-pole elongation of the spindle (anaphase B) was predominating and was followed by movement of chromosomes to the poles (anaphase A).

Evidence for silencing compartments within the yeast nucleus: a role for telomere proximity and Sir protein concentration in silencer-mediated repression

Transcriptional repression at the silent mating-type loci in yeast requires the targeting of silent information regulator (Sir) proteins through specific interactions formed at cis-acting silencer elements. We show here that a reporter gene flanked by two functional silencers is not repressed when integrated at >200 kb from a telomere. Repression is restored by creation of a new telomere 13 kb from the integrated reporter or by elevated expression of SIR1, SIR3, and/or SIR4. Coupled expression represses in an additive manner, suggesting that all three factors are in limiting concentrations. When overexpressed, Sir3 and Sir4 are dispersed throughout the nucleoplasm, in contrast to wild-type cells where they are clustered in a limited number of foci together with telomeres. Efficient silencer function thus seems to require either proximity to a pool of concentrated Sir proteins, that is, proximity to telomeres, or delocalization of the silencing factors.

Forces on chromosomal DNA during anaphase

In the course of anaphase, the chromosomal DNA is submitted to the traction of the spindle. Several physical problems are associated with this action. In particular, the sister chromatids are generally topologically intertwined at the onset of anaphase, and the removal of the intertwinings results from a coupling between the enzymatic action of type II DNA topoisomerases and the force exerted by the spindle. We propose a physical analysis of some of these problems: 1) We compare the maximum force the spindle can produce with the force required to break a DNA molecule, and define the conditions compatible with biological safety during anaphase. 2) We show that the behavior of the sister chromatids in the absence of type II DNA topoisomerases can be described by two distinct models: a chain pullout model accounts for the experimental observations made in the budding yeast, and a model of the mechanical rupture of rubbers accounts for the nondisjunction in standard cases. 3) Using the fluctuation-dissipation theorem, we introduce an effective protein friction associated with the strand-passing activity of type II DNA topoisomerases. We show that this friction can be used to describe the situation in which one chromosome passes entirely through another one. Possible experiments that could test these theoretical analyses are discussed.

The kinetics of the B cyclin p56cdc13 and the phosphatase p80cdc25 during the cell cycle of the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe

The levels of the B cyclin p56cdc13 and the phosphatase p80cdc25 have been followed in selection-synchronised cultures of Schizosaccharomyces pombe wild-type and wee1 mutant cells. p56cdc13 has also been followed in induction-synchronised cells of the mutant cdc2-33. The main conclusions are: (1) cdc13 levels in wild-type cells start to rise from base line at about mid-G2, reach a peak before mitosis and then fall slowly through G1. Cells exit mitosis with appreciable levels of cdc13. (2) cdc13 levels in wee1 cells fall to zero in interphase. They also start to rise at the beginning of G2, which may be related to the absence of a mitotic size control. (3) cdc25 starts to rise later and reaches a peak after mitosis. This is not what would be expected from a simple mitotic inducer and suggests that cdc25 has an important function at the end of mitosis. (4) An upper (heavier) band of cdc25 peaks at the same time as the main band but rises and falls more rapidly. If this is a hyperphosphorylated form, its timing shows that it is most unlikely to function in the ways shown for such a form in eggs and mammalian cells. (5) Experiments with the mutant cdc10-129 and with hydroxyurea show that the initial signal to begin synthesis of cdc13 originates at Start. (6) In induction synchrony, where G2 spans across cell division, there is evidence that some events in one cycle cannot start in the previous one. (7) Revised timings are given for the times of mitosis in these cultures.

Cut2 proteolysis required for sister-chromatid seperation in fission yeast

Although mitotic cyclins are well-known substrates for ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis at the metaphase-anaphase transition, their degradation is not essential for separation of sister chromatids; several lines of evidence suggest that proteolysis of other protein(s) is required, however. Here we report the anaphase-specific proteolysis of the Schizosaccharomyces pombe Cut2 protein, which is essential for sister-chromatid separation. Cut2 is located in the nucleus, where it is concentrated along the short metaphase spindle. The rapid degradation of Cut2 at anaphase requires its amino-terminal region and the activity of Cut9 (ref. 14), a component of the 20S cyclosome/anaphase-promoting complex (APC), which is necessary for cyclin destruction. Expression of non-degradable Cut2 blocks sister-chromatid separation but not cell-cycle progression. This defect can be overcome by grafting the N terminus of cyclin B onto the truncated Cut2, demonstrating that the regulated proteolysis of Cut2 is essential for sister-chromatid separation.

The chromatin of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae centromere shows cell-type specific changes

We have analysed the centromeric chromatin from chromosome XIV of Saccharomyces cerevisiae at different stages of mitosis with the help of mutants of the cell division cycle. The pattern of centromeric chromatin in cells arrested using cdc20-1, tub2-401 and cdc15-1 alleles was indistinguishable from that of vegetatively growing cells, indicating that the centromeric complex is constitutively present during mitosis and possibly throughout the entire cell cycle. In contrast chromatin isolated from G0 cells and spores exhibited distinct differences in centromeric chromatin probably due to structural rearrangements of the centromeric complex. In particular the alterations found in spores are indicative of an inactive centromeric complex. The differences in centromeric chromatin in spores do not reflect a general reorganisation of the chromatin in this cell type, as the chromatin structure of the PHO3/PHO5 locus in spores was found to be identical to that in vegetative cells under repressed conditions. Thus the structural analysis of the centromere in different cell types provides evidence about the requirement of CEN DNA/protein complexes in different cell types and in different stages of the cell cycle.

Heterologous expression of the human cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p21Cip1 in the fission yeast, Schizosaccharomyces pombe reveals a role for PCNA in the chk1+ cell cycle checkpoint pathway

Fission yeast cells expressing the human gene encoding the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor protein p21Cip1 were severely compromised for cell cycle progress. The degree of cell cycle inhibition was related to the level of p21Cip1 expression. Inhibited cells had a 2C DNA content and were judged by cytology and pulsed field gel electrophoresis to be in the G2 phase of the cell cycle. p21Cip1 accumulated in the nucleus and was associated with p34cdc2 and PCNA. Thus, p21Cip1 interacts with the same targets in fission yeast as in mammalian cells. Elimination of p34cdc2 binding by mutation within the cyclin-dependent kinase binding domain of p21Cip1 exaggerated the cell cycle delay phenotype. By contrast, elimination of PCNA binding by mutation within the PCNA-binding domain completely abolished the cell cycle inhibitory effects. Yeast cells expressing wild-type p21Cip1 and the mutant form that is unable to bind p34cdc2 showed enhanced sensitivity to UV. Cell cycle inhibition by p21Cip1 was largely abolished by deletion of the chk1+ gene that monitors radiation damage and was considerably enhanced in cells deleted for the rad3+ gene that monitors both DNA damage and the completion of DNA synthesis. Overexpression of PCNA also resulted in cell cycle arrest in G2 and this phenotype was also abolished by deletion of chk1+ and enhanced in cells deleted for rad3+. These results formally establish a link between PCNA and the products of the rad3+ and chk1+ checkpoint genes.

Fission yeast Nda1 and Nda4, MCM homologs required for DNA replication, are constitutive nuclear proteins

The nda1+ and nda4+ genes of the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe encode proteins similar to budding yeast MCM2 and MCM5/CDC46, respectively, which are required for the early stages of DNA replication. The budding yeast Mcm proteins display cell-cycle dependent localization. They are present in the nucleus specifically from late M phase until the beginning of S phase, so that they were suggested to be components of a replication licensing factor, a positive factor for the onset of replication, which is thought to be inactivated after use, thus restricting replication to only once in a cell cycle. In the present study, we raised antibodies against Nda1 or Nda4 and identified 115 kDa and 80 kDa proteins, respectively. Their immunolocalization was examined in wild-type cells and in various cell-cycle mutants. Both Nda1 and Nda4 proteins remained primarily in the nucleus throughout the cell cycle. In mutants arrested in G1, S, and G2 phases, these proteins were also enriched in the nucleus. These results indicate that the dramatic change in subcellular localization as seen in budding yeast is not essential in fission yeast for the functions of Nda1 and Nda4 proteins to be executed. The histidine-tagged nda1+ gene was constructed and integrated into the chromosome to replace the wild-type nda1+ gene. The resulting His-tagged Nda1 protein was adsorbed to the Ni-affinity column, and co-eluted with the untagged Nda4 protein, suggesting that they formed a complex.

Separation of sister chromatids in mitosis requires the Drosophila pimples product, a protein degraded after the metaphase/anaphase transition

Mutations in the Drosophila genes pimples and three rows result in a defect of sister chromatid separation during mitosis. As a consequence, cytokinesis is also defective. However, cell cycle progression including the mitotic degradation of cyclins A and B is not blocked by the failure of sister chromatid separation, and as a result, metaphase chromosomes with twice the normal number of chromosome arms still connected in the centromeric region are observed in the following mitosis, pimples encodes a novel protein that is rapidly degraded in mitosis. Our observations suggest that Pimples and Three rows act during mitosis to release the cohesion between sister centromeres.

Precise spatial positioning of chromosomes during prometaphase: evidence for chromosomal order

The relative locations of several chromosomes within wheel-shaped prometaphase chromosome rosettes of human fibroblasts and HeLa cells were determined with fluorescence hybridization. Homologs were consistently positioned on opposite sides of the rosette, which suggests that chromosomes are separated into two haploid sets, each derived from one parent. The relative locations of chromosomes on the rosette were mapped by dual hybridizations. The data suggest that the chromosome orders within the two haploid sets are antiparallel. This chromosome arrangement in human cells appears to be both independent of cell type- and species-specific and may influence chromosome topology throughout the cell cycle.

Fission yeast sta mutations that stabilize an unstable minichromosome are novel cdc2-interacting suppressors and are involved in regulation of spindle dynamics

Cytological observations have shown that the presence of unstable minichromosomes can delay progression through the early stages of mitosis in fission yeast (Schizosaccharomyces pombe), suggesting that such minichromosomes may provide a useful tool for examining the system that regulates the coordinated segregation of chromosomes. One such unstable minichromosome is a large circular minichromosome. We previously showed that the mitotic instability of this minichromosome is probably due to the frequent occurrence of catenated forms of DNA after replication. To identify genes involved in the regulation of chromosome behavior in mitosis, we isolated mutants which stabilized this minichromosome. Three loci (sta1, sta2, and sta3) were identified. Two of them were found to be suppressors of temperature-sensitive mutations in cdc2, which encodes the catalytic subunit of muturation promoting factor (MPF). They show no linkage to, and are thus different from, suc1, and cdc13, previously identified as genes that interact with cdc2. The other mutation mapped to a gene previously identified as being required for the correct formation of the mitotic spindle. Data provided in this study suggest that the sta genes are involved in the regulation of spindle dynamics to ensure proper chromosome segregation during mitosis.

The centromere: hub of chromosomal activities

Centromeres are the structures that direct eukaryotic chromosome segregation in mitosis and meiosis. There are two major classes of centromeres. Point centromeres, found in the budding yeasts, are compact loci whose constituent proteins are now beginning to yield to biochemical analysis. Regional centromeres, best described in the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe, encompass many kilobases of DNA and are packaged into heterochromatin. Their associated proteins are as yet poorly understood. In addition to providing the site for microtubule attachment, centromeres also have an important role in checkpoint regulation during mitosis.

Telomeres: beginning to understand the end

Telomeres are the protein-DNA structures at the ends of eukaryotic chromosomes. In yeast, and probably most other eukaryotes, telomeres are essential. They allow the cell to distinguish intact from broken chromosomes, protect chromosomes from degradation, and are substrates for novel replication mechanisms. Telomeres are usually replicated by telomerase, a telomere-specific reverse transcriptase, although telomerase-independent mechanisms of telomere maintenance exist. Telomere replication is both cell cycle- and developmentally regulated, and its control is likely to be complex. Because telomere loss causes the kinds of chromosomal changes associated with cancer and aging, an understanding of telomere biology has medical relevance.

Microtubule-driven nuclear movements and linear elements as meiosis-specific characteristics of the fission yeasts Schizosaccharomyces versatilis and Schizosaccharomyces pombe

Meiotic prophase in Schizosaccharomyces pombe is characterized by striking nuclear movements and the formation of linear elements along chromosomes instead of tripartite synaptonemal complexes. We analysed the organization of nuclei and microtubules in cells of fission yeasts undergoing sexual differentiation. S. japonicus var. versatilis and S. pombe cells were studied in parallel, taking advantage of the better cytology in S. versatilis. During conjugation, microtubules were directed towards the mating projection. These microtubules seem to lead the haploid nuclei together in the zygote by interaction with the spindle pole bodies at the nuclear periphery. After karyogamy, arrays of microtubules emanating from the spindle pole body of the diploid nucleus extended to both cell poles. The same differentiated microtubule configuration was elaborated upon induction of azygotic meiosis in S. pombe. The cyclic movements of the elongated nuclei between the cell poles is reflected by a dynamic and coordinated shortening and lengthening of the two microtubule arrays. When the nucleus was at a cell end, one array was short while the other bridged the whole cell length. Experiments with inhibitors showed that microtubules are required for karyogamy and for the elongated shape and movement of nuclei during meiotic prophase. In both fission yeasts the SPBs and nucleoli are at the leading ends of the moving nuclei. Astral and cytoplasmic microtubules were also prominent during meiotic divisions and sporulation. We further show that in S. versatilis the linear elements formed during meiotic prophase are similar to those in S. pombe. Tripartite synaptonemal complexes were never detected. Taken together, these findings suggest that S. pombe and S. versatilis share basic characteristics in the organization of microtubules and the structure and behaviour of nuclei during their meiotic cell cycle. The prominent differentiations of microtubules and nuclei may be involved in the pairing, recombination, and segregation of meiotic chromosomes.

A selection system for diploid and against haploid cells in Schizosaccharomyces pombe

We have isolated a mutant of Schizosaccharomyces pombe whose growth is temperature sensitive when it is haploid but not when it is diploid. This mutant may provide a useful system for selecting nonconditional mutants which are defective in diploid formation upon conjugation.

Solution structure of the Na+ form of the dimeric guanine quadruplex [d(G3T4G3)]2

The solution structure of the DNA quadruplex formed by the association of two strands of the DNA oligonucleotide, d(G3T4G3), in NaCl solution has been determined by 1H two-dimensional NMR techniques, full relaxation matrix calculations and restrained molecular dynamics. The refined structure incorporates the sequences 5'-G1sG2AG3AT4AT5AT6AT7AG8sG9AG10A-3' and 5'-G11sG12AG13AT14AT15AT16AT17AG18sG19sG20A-3' (where S and A denote syn and anti, respectively) in a three-quartet, diagonal-looped structure that we [Strahan, G. D., Shafer, R. H. & Keniry, M. A. (1994) Nucleic Acids Res. 22, 5447-5455] and others [Smith, F. W., Lau, F. W. & Feigon, J. (1994) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 91, 10546-10550] have described. The loop structure is compact and incorporates many of the features found in duplex hairpin loops including base stacking, intraloop hydrogen bonding and extensive van der Waals' interactions. The first and third loop thymines stack over the outermost G-quartet and are also associated by hydrogen bonding. The second and the fourth loop thymines fold inwards in order to enhance van der Waals' interactions. The unexpected sequential syn-syn deoxyguanosines in the quadruplex stem appear to be a direct consequence of the way DNA oligonucleotides fold and the subsequent search for the most stable loop structure. The implications of loop sequence and length on the structure of quadruplexes are discussed.

The chromodomain protein Swi6: a key component at fission yeast centromeres

Centromeres attach chromosomes to the spindle during mitosis, thereby ensuring the equal distribution of chromosomes into daughter cells. Transcriptionally silent heterochromatin of unknown function is associated with centromeres in many organisms. In the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe, the silent mating-type loci, centromeres, and telomeres are assembled into silent heterochromatin-like domains. The Swi6 chromodomain protein affects this silencing, and now it is shown that Swi6p localizes with these three chromosomal regions. In cells lacking Swi6p, centromeres lag on the spindle during anaphase and chromosomes are lost at high rates. Thus, Swi6p is located at fission yeast centromeres and is required for their proper function.

p93dis1, which is required for sister chromatid separation, is a novel microtubule and spindle pole body-associating protein phosphorylated at the Cdc2 target sites

Fission yeast cold-sensitive (cs) dis1 mutants are defective in sister chromatid separation. The dis1+ gene was isolated by chromosome walking. The null mutant showed the same phenotype as that of cs mutants. The dis1+ gene product was identified as a novel 93-kD protein, and its localization was determined by use of anti-dis1 antibodies and green fluorescent protein (GFP) tagged to the carboxyl end of p93dis1. The tagged p93dis1 in living cells localizes along cytoplasmic microtubule arrays in interphase and the elongating anaphase spindle in mitosis, but association with the short metaphase spindle microtubules is strikingly reduced. In the spindle, the tagged p93dis1 is enriched at the spindle pole bodies (SPBs). Time-lapse video images of single cells support the localization shift of p93dis1 to the SPBs in metaphase and spindle microtubules in anaphase. The carboxy-terminal fragment, which is essential for Dis1 function, accumulates around the mitotic SPB. We propose that these localization shifts of p93dis1 in mitosis facilitates sister chromatid separation by affecting SPB and anaphase spindle function.

Phosphorylation of the Oxytricha telomere protein: possible cell cycle regulation

In the macronucleus of the ciliate Oxytricha nova, telomeres end with single-stranded (T4G4)2 DNA bound to a heterodimeric telomere protein (alpha beta). Both the alpha and beta subunits (alpha-TP and beta-TP) were phosphorylated in asynchronously growing Oxytricha; beta-TP was phosphorylated to a much higher degree. In vitro, mouse cyclin-dependent kinases (Cdks) phosphorylated beta-TP in a lysine-rich domain that is not required for specific DNA binding but is implicated in higher order structure formation of telomeres. Therefore, phosphorylation of beta-TP could modulate a function of the telomere protein that is separate from specific DNA binding. Phosphoamino acid analysis revealed that the mouse Cdks modify predominantly threonine residues in beta-TP, consistent with the observation that beta-TP contains two consensus Cdk recognition sequences containing threonine residues. In Xenopus egg extracts that undergo cell cycling, beta-TP was phosphorylated in M phase and dephosphorylated in interphase. This work provides the first direct evidence of phosphorylation at telomeres in any organism, as well as indirect evidence for cell cycle regulation of telomere phosphorylation. The Cdc2/cyclin A and Cdc2/cyclin B kinases are required for major mitotic events. An attractive model is that phosphorylation of beta-TP by these kinases is required for the breakdown of telomere associations with each other and/or with nuclear structures prior to nuclear division.

Frontier questions about sister chromatid separation in anaphase

Sister chromatid separation in anaphase is an important event in the cell's transmission of genetic information to a descendent. It has been investigated from different aspects: cell cycle regulation, spindle and chromosome dynamics within the three-dimensional cell architecture, transmission fidelity control and cellular signaling. Integrated studies directed toward unified understanding are possible using multidisciplinary methods with model organisms. Ubiquitin-dependent proteolysis, protein dephosphorylation, an unknown function by the TPR repeat proteins, chromosome transport by microtubule-based motors and DNA topological change by DNA topoisomerase II are all necessary for progression from metaphase to anaphase. Chromosome condensation, mitotic kinetochore function and spindle formation require a larger number of proteins, which are prerequisites for successful sister chromatid separation. Factors that help to retain sister chromatid connection after replication and prevent premature separation remain to be determined. Although sister chromatid separation occurs in anaphase, gene functions in other cell cycle stages also ensure the progression of correct chromatid separation.

Protein-DNA interactions in soluble telosomes from Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Telomeric DNA in Saccharomyces is organized into a non-nucleosomal chromatin structure called the telosome that can be released from chromosome ends in soluble form by nuclease digestion (Wright, J. H., Gottschling, D. E. and Zakian, V. A. (1992) Genes Dev. 6, 197-210). The protein-DNA interactions of soluble telosomes were investigated by monitoring isolated telomeric DNA fragments for the retention of bound protein using both gel mobility shift and nitrocellulose filter-binding assays. Telosomal proteins remained associated with telomeric DNA at concentrations of ethidium bromide that dissociated nucleosomes. The protein-DNA interactions in the yeast telosome were also disrupted by much lower salt concentrations than those known to disrupt either the interactions of ciliate terminus-binding proteins with telomeric DNA or the interactions of histones with DNA in nucleosomes. Taken together, these data corroborate previously published nuclease mapping data indicating that telosomes are distinct in structure from conventional nucleosomes. These data also indicate that yeast do not possess telomere binding proteins similar to those detected in ciliates that remain tightly bound to telomeric DNA even in high salt. In addition, the characteristic gel mobility shift of soluble telosomes could be mimicked by complexes formed in vitro with yeast telomeric DNA and recombinant Rap1p suggesting that Rap1p, a known component of soluble yeast telosomes (Wright, J. H., Gottschling, D. E. and Zakian, V. A. (1992) Genes Dev. 6, 197-210; Conrad, M. N., Wright, J. H., Wolf, A. J. and Zakian, V. A. (1990) Cell 63, 739-750), is likely to be the major structural protein bound directly to yeast telomeric DNA.

The carboxy termini of Sir4 and Rap1 affect Sir3 localization: evidence for a multicomponent complex required for yeast telomeric silencing

The Silent Information Regulatory proteins, Sir3 and Sir4, and the telomeric repeat-binding protein RAP1 are required for the chromatin-mediated gene repression observed at yeast telomeric regions. All three proteins are localized by immunofluorescence staining to foci near the nuclear periphery suggesting a relationship between subnuclear localization and silencing. We present several lines of immunological and biochemical evidence that Sir3, Sir4, and RAP1 interact in intact yeast cells. First, immunolocalization of Sir3 to foci at the yeast nuclear periphery is lost in rap1 mutants carrying deletions for either the terminal 28 or 165 amino acids of RAP1. Second, the perinuclear localization of both Sir3 and RAP1 is disrupted by overproduction of the COOH terminus of Sir4. Third, overproduction of the Sir4 COOH terminus alters the solubility properties of both Sir3 and full-length Sir4. Finally, we demonstrate that RAP1 and Sir4 coprecipitate in immune complexes using either anti-RAP1 or anti-Sir4 antibodies. We propose that the integrity of a tertiary complex between Sir4, Sir3, and RAP1 is involved in both the maintenance of telomeric repression and the clustering of telomeres in foci near the nuclear periphery.

The product of the spindle formation gene sad1+ associates with the fission yeast spindle pole body and is essential for viability

Spindle formation in fission yeast occurs by the interdigitation of two microtubule arrays extending from duplicated spindle pole bodies which span the nuclear membrane. By screening a bank of temperature-sensitive mutants by anti-tubulin immunofluorescence microscopy, we previously identified the sad1.1 mutation (Hagan, I., and M. Yanagida. 1990. Nature (Lond.). 347:563-566). Here we describe the isolation and characterization of the sad1+ gene. We show that the sad1.1 mutation affected both spindle formation and function. The sad1+ gene is a novel essential gene that encodes a protein with a predicted molecular mass of 58 kD. Deletion of the gene was lethal resulting in identical phenotypes to the sad1.1 mutation. Sequence analysis predicted a potential membrane-spanning domain and an acidic amino terminus. Sad1 protein migrated as two bands of 82 and 84 kD on SDS-PAGE, considerably slower than its predicted mobility, and was exclusively associated with the spindle pole body (SPB) throughout the mitotic and meiotic cycles. Microtubule integrity was not required for Sad1 association with the SPB. Upon the differentiation of the SPB in metaphase of meiosis II, Sad1-staining patterns similarly changed from a dot to a crescent supporting an integral role in SPB function. Moderate overexpression of Sad1 led to association with the nuclear periphery. As Sad1 was not detected in the cytoplasmic microtubule-organizing centers activated at the end of anaphase or kinetochores, we suggest that Sad1 is not a general component of microtubule-interacting structures per se, but is an essential mitotic component that associates with the SPB but is not required for microtubule nucleation. Sad1 may play a role in SPB structure, such as maintaining a functional interface with the nuclear membrane or in providing an anchor for the attachment of microtubule motor proteins.

The conserved Schizosaccharomyces pombe kinase plo1, required to form a bipolar spindle, the actin ring, and septum, can drive septum formation in G1 and G2 cells

We have identified a Schizosaccharomyces pombe gene with homology to the budding yeast gene CDC5, the Drosophila gene polo, and the mammalian family of genes encoding polo-like kinases. Disruption of this gene, plo1+, indicates that it is essential. Loss of plo1+ function leads to a mitotic arrest in which condensed chromosomes are associated with a monopolar spindle or to the failure of septation following the completion of nuclear division. In the latter case, cells show a failure both in the formation of an F-actin ring and in the deposition of septal material, suggesting that plo1+ function is required high in the regulatory cascade that controls septation. The overexpression of plo1+ in wild-type cells also results in the formation of monopolar spindles but also induces the formation of multiple septa without nuclear division. Septation can also be induced in the absence of mitotic commitment and concomitant spindle formation by the overexpression of plo1+ in cdc25-22 or cdc2-33 cells arrested in G2; in G1 cells arrested at Start by the cdc10-V50 mutation, or in cells lacking the cyclin B homolog cdc13 that undergo repeated S phases in the absence of mitosis.

Elements of chromosome structure and function in fission yeast

The investigation of fission yeast chromosome structure and function has moved rapidly over the past 10 years. The isolation of replication origins, telomeres and centromeres has allowed the development of minichromosomes, a yeast artificial chromosome (YAC)-like cloning system and investigations into chromosome segregation and behaviour during mitosis and meiosis. Many mutants have been isolated which are defective in chromosome segregation. The development of the fluorescent in-situ hybridization (FISH) technique for use in S. pombe has allowed the localization of centromeres and telomeres throughout mitosis and meiosis. In combination with indirect immunofluorescence to detect spindle and chromosomal proteins, the FISH technique should further advance our understanding of fission yeast chromosome structure and function. The recent discovery of a heterochromatin-like structure mediating transcriptional repression at centromeres reinforces the notion that fission yeast centromeres are similar to those of larger eukaryotes. Further characterization of such phenomena will accelerate the genetic dissection of this important chromosomal element.

Fission yeast TPR-family protein nuc2 is required for G1-arrest upon nitrogen starvation and is an inhibitor of septum formation

Fission yeast nuc2+ gene encodes a protein of a tetratricopeptide repeat (TPR) family which is conserved throughout evolution. We previously showed that nuc2 is required for exit from the mitotic metaphase. In this study, we present evidence which shows that nuc2 has two additional roles in the cell cycle. We showed that the nuc2 mutant is sterile even at the permissive temperature and septation occurs in the absence of chromosome separation at the restrictive temperature. The nuc2 mutant fails to arrest at the G1 phase upon nitrogen starvation at the permissive temperature which is a prerequisite for conjugation. Upon starvation, however, the nuc2 mutant ceased division normally and induced starvation-dependent gene expression. Therefore, the nuc2 mutant is deficient only for failure to block DNA replication upon starvation. At the lower restrictive temperature, the nuc2 mutant showed a ‘cut’ phenotype where septation and cytokinesis takes place without the completion of mitosis. Ectopic overexpression of the nuc2+ gene caused multiple rounds of S and M phases in the complete absence of septum formation. We propose that nuc2 is a novel cell cycle regulator essential for three events; firstly for exit from mitosis, secondly for DNA replication restraint under nutrient starvation and thirdly for inhibition of septation and cytokinesis until the completion of mitosis.

The Schizosaccharomyces pombe hus5 gene encodes a ubiquitin conjugating enzyme required for normal mitosis

Normal eukaryotic cells do not enter mitosis unless DNA is fully replicated and repaired. Controls called ‘checkpoints’, mediate cell cycle arrest in response to unreplicated or damaged DNA. Two independent Schizosaccharomyces pombe mutant screens, both of which aimed to isolate new elements involved in checkpoint controls, have identified alleles of the hus5+ gene that are abnormally sensitive to both inhibitors of DNA synthesis and to ionizing radiation. We have cloned and sequenced the hus5+ gene. It is a novel member of the E2 family of ubiquitin conjugating enzymes (UBCs). To understand the role of hus5+ in cell cycle control we have characterized the phenotypes of the hus5 mutants and the hus5 gene disruption. We find that, whilst the mutants are sensitive to inhibitors of DNA synthesis and to irradiation, this is not due to an inability to undergo mitotic arrest. Thus, the hus5+ gene product is not directly involved in checkpoint control. However, in common with a large class of previously characterized checkpoint genes, it is required for efficient recovery from DNA damage or S-phase arrest and manifests a rapid death phenotype in combination with a temperature sensitive S phase and late S/G2 phase cdc mutants. In addition, hus5 deletion mutants are severely impaired in growth and exhibit high levels of abortive mitoses, suggesting a role for hus5+ in chromosome segregation. We conclude that this novel UBC enzyme plays multiple roles and is virtually essential for cell proliferation.

A novel essential fission yeast gene pad1+ positively regulates pap1(+)-dependent transcription and is implicated in the maintenance of chromosome structure

Fission yeast pap1+ gene encodes an AP-1-like transcription factor, whose overexpression can confer resistance to staurosporine, a protein kinase inhibitor. We have previously identified a target gene (p25) for pap1+, and shown that, crm1+, which is required for maintenance of higher order chromosome structure, negatively regulates pap1-dependent transcription. In this study, we have characterized a novel gene, pad1+, which was isolated as a multicopy plasmid capable of conferring staurosporine-resistance. We showed that high copy pad1+ induces transcriptional activation of the p25 gene and that the induction by pad1+ is dependent on the pap1+ gene. Furthermore, a cis-element analysis of the 5'-region of the p25 gene showed that two elements (an AP-1 site and a 14 bp palindrome sequence) where pap1 binds in vitro is essential for the induction by pad1+. These results indicate that pad1 can positively regulate pap1-dependent transcription. Through an electromobility shift assay we showed that overexpression of pad1+ is not capable of enhancing the DNA-binding activity of pap1 directly. The pad1+ gene encodes a 35 kDa protein that has significant identity (68%) to Caenorhabditis elegans F37A4.5, and is also similar to mouse Mov34 and human C6.1A. Gene disruption experiments have demonstrated that pad1+ is essential for viability. A disruption mutant of pad1+ obtained after spore germination exhibited an elongated cell body with abberantly folded chromosomes. A mitotic plasmid loss experiment also produced similar cells having an abnormal chromosome structure. These suggest that pad1+ may play an important role in higher order chromosome structure. Taken concurrently with our previous results, two essential genes pad1+ and crm1+ regulate pap1-dependent transcription; pad1+ and crm1+ are positive and negative regulators, respectively.

Mutations derepressing silent centromeric domains in fission yeast disrupt chromosome segregation

The ura4+ gene displays phenotypes consistent with variegated expression when inserted at 11 sites throughout fission yeast centromere 1. An abrupt transition occurs between the zone of centromeric repression and two adjacent expressed sites. Mutations in six genes alleviate repression of the silent-mating type loci and of ura4+ expressed from a site adjacent to the silent locus, mat3-M. Defects at all six loci affect repression of the ura4+ gene adjacent to telomeres and at the three centromeric sites tested. The clr4-S5 and rik1-304 mutations cause the most dramatic derepression at two out of three sites within cen1. All six mutations had only slight or intermediate effects on a third site in the center of cen1 or on telomeric repression. Strains with lesions at the clr4, rik1, and swi6 loci have highly elevated rates of chromosome loss. We propose that the products of these genes are integral in the assembly of a heterochromatin-like structure, with distinct domains, enclosing the entire centromeric region that reduces or excludes access to transcription factors. The formation of this heterochromatic structure may be an absolute requirement for the formation of a fully functional centromere.

An unusual sequence arrangement in the telomeres of the germ-line micronucleus in Tetrahymena thermophila

The ciliated protozoan Tetrahymena thermophila contains two nuclei that differ dramatically in function, chromosome size and number, chromatin structure, and mode of division. It is possible that the telomeres of the two nuclei have different functions. Although macronuclear telomeric DNA has been well characterized and consists of tandem G4T2/C4A2 repeats that are synthesized by the enzyme telomerase, micronuclear telomeres have not been isolated previously. Here, we report the identification and cloning of micronuclear telomeres and demonstrate that although they contain the same terminal tandem G4T2 repeats as macronuclear telomeres, they are strikingly different in three respects. First, the tracts of G/C-rich telomeric repeats are approximately seven times longer in the micronucleus than in the macronucleus (approximately 2.0-3.4 vs. approximately 0.3-0.5 kb, respectively) from the same cell population. Second, the immediate telomere-associated sequences (TASs) from six different micronuclear chromosome ends have an unusually high G/C content and degree of homology to one another, unlike macronuclear TASs. The TAS from at least one micronuclear chromosome is unique to micronuclear telomeres and is not present in the macronucleus. Finally, and unexpectedly, all micronuclear telomere clones contain an inner homogeneous tract of a variant G4T3 repeat adjacent to the distal tract of G4T2 repeats. The native micronuclear telomeric DNA is composed of approximately 30% G4T3 repeats, corresponding to 0.6-1.0 kb per average telomere, positioned centromere-proximally to most or all of the G4T2 repeats. Neither the G4T3 sequence nor any other variant repeat is found in macronuclear telomeres. Furthermore, such a homogeneous tract of a variant repeat has not been found in the telomeres of any eukaryote.

The formation and functioning of yeast mitotic spindles

The mitotic spindle contains the machinery responsible for sister chromatid segregation. It is composed of a complex and dynamic array of microtubules, which are nucleated from the spindle poles. Studies of yeast spindle functions by molecular genetic analysis and by in vitro functional analysis have identified proteins that are mitosis-specific and present at very low concentrations in the cell, and have revealed the molecular bases of several processes required for the formation and functioning of the mitotic spindle. Here I review the current knowledge of the processes that are common to most eukaryotes: microtubule nucleation at the spindle poles, bipolar spindle assembly, maintenance of the spindle structure, chromosome attachment to the spindle and chromosome separation on the spindle.

Bypassing anaphase by fission yeast cut9 mutation: requirement of cut9+ to initiate anaphase

A novel anaphase block phenotype was found in fission yeast temperature-sensitive cut9 mutants. Cells enter mitosis with chromosome condensation and short spindle formation, then block anaphase, but continue to progress into postanaphase events such as degradation of the spindle, reformation of the postanaphase cytoplasmic microtubule arrays, septation, and cytokinesis. The cut9 mutants are defective in the onset of anaphase and possibly in the restraint of postanaphase events until the completion of anaphase. The cut9+ gene encodes a 78-kD protein containing the 10 34-amino acid repeats, tetratricopeptide repeats (TPR), and similar to budding yeast Cdc16. It is essential for viability, and the mutation sites reside in the TPR. The three genes, namely, nuc2+, scn1+, and scn2+, genetically interact with cut9+. The nuc2+ and cut9+ genes share an essential function to initiate anaphase. The cold-sensitive scn1 and scn2 mutations, defective in late anaphase, can suppress the ts phenotype of cut9.

Fission yeast cut3 and cut14, members of a ubiquitous protein family, are required for chromosome condensation and segregation in mitosis

Fission yeast temperature-sensitive mutants cut3-477 and cut14-208 fail to condense chromosomes but small portions of the chromosomes can separate along the spindle during mitosis, producing phi-shaped chromosomes. Septation and cell division occur in the absence of normal nuclear division, causing the cut phenotype. Fluorescence in situ hybridization demonstrated that the contraction of the chromosome arm during mitosis was defective. Mutant chromosomes are apparently not rigid enough to be transported poleward by the spindle. Loss of the cut3 protein by gene disruption fails to maintain the nuclear chromatin architecture even in interphase. Both cut3 and cut14 proteins contain a putative nucleoside triphosphate (NTP)-binding domain and belong to the same ubiquitous protein family which includes the budding yeast Smc1 protein. The cut3 mutant was suppressed by an increase in the cut14+ gene dosage. The cut3 protein, having the highest similarity to the mouse protein, is localized in the nucleus throughout the cell cycle. Plasmids carrying the DNA topoisomerase I gene partly suppressed the temperature sensitive phenotype of cut3-477, suggesting that the cut3 protein might be involved in chromosome DNA topology.

Dynamics of chromosome organization and pairing during meiotic prophase in fission yeast

Interactions between homologous chromosomes (pairing, recombination) are of central importance for meiosis. We studied entire chromosomes and defined chromosomal subregions in synchronous meiotic cultures of Schizosaccharomyces pombe by fluorescence in situ hybridization. Probes of different complexity were applied to spread nuclei, to delineate whole chromosomes, to visualize repeated sequences of centromeres, telomeres, and ribosomal DNA, and to study unique sequences of different chromosomal regions. In diploid nuclei, homologous chromosomes share a joint territory even before entry into meiosis. The centromeres of all chromosomes are clustered in vegetative and meiotic prophase cells, whereas the telomeres cluster near the nucleolus early in meiosis and maintain this configuration throughout meiotic prophase. Telomeres and centromeres appear to play crucial roles for chromosome organization and pairing, both in vegetative cells and during meiosis. Homologous pairing of unique sequences shows regional differences and is most frequent near centromeres and telomeres. Multiple homologous interactions are formed independently of each other. Pairing increases during meiosis, but not all chromosomal regions become closely paired in every meiosis. There is no detectable axial compaction of chromosomes in meiotic prophase. S. pombe does not form mature synaptonemal complexes, but axial element-like structures (linear elements), which were analyzed in parallel. Their appearance coincides with pairing of interstitial chromosomal regions. Axial elements may define minimal structures required for efficient pairing and recombination of meiotic chromosomes.

Fission yeast minichromosome loss mutants mis cause lethal aneuploidy and replication abnormality

Precise chromosome transmission in cell division cycle is maintained by a number of genes. The attempt made in the present study was to isolate temperature-sensitive (ts) fission yeast mutants that display high loss rates of minichromosomes at permissive or semipermissive temperature (designated mis). By colony color assay of 539 ts strains that contain a minichromosome, we have identified 12 genetic loci (mis1-mis12) and determined their phenotypes at restrictive temperature. Seven of them are related to cell cycle block phenotype at restrictive temperature, three of them in mitosis. Unequal distribution of regular chromosomes in the daughters is extensive in mis6 and mis12. Cells become inviable after rounds of cell division due to missegregation. The phenotype of mis5 is DNA replication defect and hypersensitivity to UV ray and hydroxyurea. mis5+ encodes a novel member of the ubiquitous MCM family required for the onset of replication. The mis5+ gene is essential for viability and functionally distinct from other previously identified members in fission yeast, cdc21+, nda1+, and nda4+. The mis11 mutant phenotype was the cell division block with reduced cell size. Progression of the G1 and G2 phases is blocked in mis11. The cloned mis11+ gene is identical to prp2+, which is essential for RNA splicing and similar to a mammalian splicing factor U2AF65.

Identification of cut8+ and cek1+, a novel protein kinase gene, which complement a fission yeast mutation that blocks anaphase

The fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe [corrected] temperature sensitivity cut8-563 mutation causes chromosome overcondensation and short spindle formation in the absence of sister chromatid separation. The cut8-563 mutation allows cytokinesis before the completion of anaphase, thus producing cells with a cut phenotype. The cut8+ gene product may be required for normal progression of anaphase. Diploidization occurs at the restrictive temperature, and 60 to 70% of the cells surviving after two generations are diploid. These phenotypes are reminiscent of those of budding yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) ctf13 and ctf14 (ndc10) mutations. The cut8+ gene, isolated by complementation of the mutant, predicts a 262-amino-acid protein; the amino and carboxy domains are hydrophilic, while the central domain contains several hydrophobic stretches. It has a weak overall similarity to the budding yeast DBF8 gene product. DBF8 is an essential gene whose mutations result in delay in mitotic progression and chromosome instability. Anti-cut8 antibodies detect a 33-kDa polypeptide. Two multicopy suppressor genes for cut8-563 are identified. They are the cut1+ gene essential for nuclear division, and a new gene (designated cek1+) which encodes a novel protein kinase. The cek1+ gene product is unusually large (1,309 amino acids) and has a 112-amino-acid additional sequence in the kinase domain. The cek1+ gene is not an essential gene. Protein phosphorylation by cek1 may facilitate the progression of anaphase through direct or indirect interaction with the cut8 protein.

Identification of cut8+ and cek1+, a novel protein kinase gene, which complement a fission yeast mutation that blocks anaphase

The fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe [corrected] temperature sensitivity cut8-563 mutation causes chromosome overcondensation and short spindle formation in the absence of sister chromatid separation. The cut8-563 mutation allows cytokinesis before the completion of anaphase, thus producing cells with a cut phenotype. The cut8+ gene product may be required for normal progression of anaphase. Diploidization occurs at the restrictive temperature, and 60 to 70% of the cells surviving after two generations are diploid. These phenotypes are reminiscent of those of budding yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) ctf13 and ctf14 (ndc10) mutations. The cut8+ gene, isolated by complementation of the mutant, predicts a 262-amino-acid protein; the amino and carboxy domains are hydrophilic, while the central domain contains several hydrophobic stretches. It has a weak overall similarity to the budding yeast DBF8 gene product. DBF8 is an essential gene whose mutations result in delay in mitotic progression and chromosome instability. Anti-cut8 antibodies detect a 33-kDa polypeptide. Two multicopy suppressor genes for cut8-563 are identified. They are the cut1+ gene essential for nuclear division, and a new gene (designated cek1+) which encodes a novel protein kinase. The cek1+ gene product is unusually large (1,309 amino acids) and has a 112-amino-acid additional sequence in the kinase domain. The cek1+ gene is not an essential gene. Protein phosphorylation by cek1 may facilitate the progression of anaphase through direct or indirect interaction with the cut8 protein.

Meiosis. Telomeres lead chromosome movement

The telomeres of fission yeast chromosomes are attached to the moving spindle pole body during karyogamy and meiotic prophase. Nuclear movement may also contribute to homologous chromosome pairing.

TEL+CEN antagonism on plasmids involves telomere repeat sequences tracts and gene products that interact with chromosomal telomeres

In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, circular plasmids that include either a centromere (CEN-plasmids) or a telomere sequence (TEL-plasmids) segregate more efficiently than circular ARS-plasmids. In contrast, circular plasmids that include both telomere and centromere sequences were unstable, a property we term TEL+CEN antagonism. TEL+CEN antagonism required a telomere repeat tract longer than 49 bp although the distance and relative orientation of the centromere and telomere sequences was not critical. TEL+CEN antagonism was alleviated in strains carrying different rap1 alleles including rap1ts, rap1s, and rap1t alleles. Mutations SIR2, SIR3, SIR4, NAT1 and ARD1, genes that influence transcriptional silencing at telomeres and at the silent mating type loci, abolished TEL+CEN antagonism Mutation of SIR1 also partially alleviated TEL-CEN antagonism. In some sir mutant strains short yeast artificial chromosomes (YACs), which are normally unstable, became more stable, suggesting that the same mechanism that caused TEL+CEN antagonism on circular plasmids may contribute to the instability of short linear plasmids.

A calcineurin-like gene ppb1+ in fission yeast: mutant defects in cytokinesis, cell polarity, mating and spindle pole body positioning

A calcineurin (type 2B)-like protein phosphatase gene designated ppb1+ was isolated from the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe. The predicted amino acid sequence was 57% identical to rat PP2B alpha. ppb1 null mutant could form colonies at 33 degrees C but the size of the colonies was small at 22 degrees C. Cytokinesis was greatly delayed at 22 degrees C, and a large number of multi-septate cells were produced. The cell polarity control was impaired, causing branched cells. ppb1 null was virtually sterile. These phenotypes were rescued by a plasmid carrying the ppb1+ gene. Multi-septate cells were also produced in wild type at 22 degrees C by cyclosporin A, an inhibitor of calcineurin. This drug effect was enhanced in stst1 null mutant, which was hypersensitive to various drugs and cations. ppb1 null was not affected by cyclosporin A, consistent with the hypothesis that ppb1 is its target. Double-mutant analysis indicated that ppb1 had a function related to that of two other phosphatases, type 1-like dis2 and 2A-like ppa2.ppb1 null-sts1 null showed the severe multi-septate phenotype in the absence of cyclosporin A. ppb1+ and sts1+ gene functions are related. The double mutant ppb1-sts5 was lethal, indicating that the ppb1+ gene shared an essential function with the sts5+ gene. Overexpression of ppb1+ caused anomalies in cell and nuclear shape, microtubule arrays and spindle pole body positioning in interphase cells. Thus the ppb1+ gene appears to be involved in cytokinesis, mating, transport, nuclear and spindle pole body positioning, and cell shape.