Deletion mapping of mitochondrial transfer RNA genes in Saccharomyces cerevisiae by means of cytoplasmic petite mutants

A single mutation in the 15S rRNA gene confers non sense suppressor activity and interacts with mRF1 the release factor in yeast mitochondria

We have determined the nucleotide sequence of the mim3-1 mitochondrial ribosomal suppressor, acting on ochre mitochondrial mutations and one frameshift mutation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The 15s rRNA suppressor gene contains a G633 to C transversion. Yeast mitochondrial G633 corresponds to G517 of the E.coli 15S rRNA, which is occupied by an invariant G in all known small rRNA sequences. Interestingly, this mutation has occurred at the same position as the known MSU1 mitochondrial suppressor which changes G633 to A. The suppressor mutation lies in a highly conserved region of the rRNA, known in E.coli as the 530-loop, interacting with the S4, S5 and S12 ribosomal proteins. We also show an interesting interaction between the mitochondrial mim3-1 and the nuclear nam3-1 suppressors, both of which have the same action spectrum on mitochondrial mutations: nam3-1 abolishes the suppressor effect when present with mim3-1 in the same haploid cell. We discuss these results in the light of the nature of Nam3, identified by 1 as the yeast mitochondrial translation release factor. A hypothetical mechanism of suppression by "ribosome shifting" is also discussed in view of the nature of mutations suppressed and not suppressed.

In vivo labeling and analysis of mitochondrial translation products in budding and in fission yeasts

Mitochondrial biogenesis requires the contribution of two genomes and of two compartmentalized protein synthesis systems (nuclear and mitochondrial). Mitochondrial protein synthesis is unique on many respects, including the use of a genetic code with deviations from the universal code, the use of a restricted number of transfer RNAs, and because of the large number of nuclear encoded factors involved in assembly of the mitochondrial biosynthetic apparatus. The mitochondrial biosynthetic apparatus is involved in the actual synthesis of a handful of proteins encoded in the mitochondrial DNA. The budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae and the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe are excellent models to identify and study factors required for mitochondrial translation. For that purpose, in vivo mitochondrial protein synthesis, following the incorporation of a radiolabeled precursor into the newly synthesized mitochondrial encoded products, is a relatively simple technique that has been extensively used. Although variations of this technique are well established for studies in S. cerevisiae, they have not been optimized yet for studies in S. pombe. In this chapter, we present an easy, fast and reliable method to in vivo radiolabel mitochondrial translation products from this fission yeast.

Analysis of transcripts of the major cluster of tRNA genes in the mitochondrial genome of S. cerevisiae

The transcripts of a 6Kbp region of the mitochondrial genome of S. cerevisiae, localized in the 21S rRNA-OXI1 span and including 12 tRNA genes (from tRNA(thr) to tRNA(ala)) and several G+C clusters, have been studied by analysis of in vitro capped primary transcripts and by fine mapping of the 5' ends of transcripts. The study was performed in the w.t. strain D273-10B and in several rho- mutants retaining different, partially overlapping portions of the studied region; the mutants accumulate incompletely-processed precursors of tRNAs due to the absence of the tRNA synthesis locus. Results show the presence in the region of four sites at which initiation occurs at a consensus nonanucleotide ATTATAAGTA (or a minor variant of the same); however different initiation sites are used in different strains, and several differences as compared to initiation in vitro can also be observed. Termini arising by processing are often localized at AATATAA or AATATATTTT sequences localized immediately adjacent to a G+C cluster or a tRNA sequence.

Initiation of transcription of a mitochondrial tRNA gene cluster in S. cerevisiae

In Saccharomyces cerevisiae most mitochondrial tRNA genes are clustered in a 9 kbp region between the cap and oxil genes. Polygenic transcripts of this region have been previously identified. A transcriptional initiation site at a TTATAAGTA box, located upstream from the tRNAcys gene, has now been detected by S1 mapping experiments and by the capping of primary transcripts. Results are consistent with the hypothesis that this box represents the initiation site for transcription of a cluster of tRNA genes, while the adjacent tRNA2thr is cotranscribed with the 21S rRNA. Results obtained with various strains are compared, and the efficiency of this sequence as a transcriptional initiation site in different mitochondrial contexts is discussed.

Organization and processing of the mitochondrial oxi3/oli2 multigenic transcript in yeast

In the present article, we confirm our previous proposal (Faye and Simon 1983a, b) that the oxi3 and oli2 genes belong to the same transcription unit. Furthermore, we have shown that a primary polycistronic transcript covers oxi3, aap1, oli2 and extends beyond URF2. Transcriptional analysis of this region revealed several cleavage points. The examination of the DNA sequence at and surrounding these cleavage points disclosed that some of them take place at or near specific sequences found also in other known multigenic transcripts. Two of the major cleavages involve the stem-loop structure of GC rich clusters. We discuss the possibility that some of these cleavage sites serve as post-transcriptional processing signals and may be necessary for the maturation of the precursor RNA.

Transcription of mitochondrial DNA

While mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is the simplest DNA in nature, coding for rRNAs and tRNAs, results of DNA sequence, and transcript analysis have demonstrated that both the synthesis and processing of mitochondrial RNAs involve remarkably intricate events. At one extreme, genes in animal mtDNAs are tightly packed, both DNA strands are completely transcribed (symmetric transcription), and the appearance of specific mRNAs is entirely dependent on processing at sites signalled by the sequences of the tRNAs, which abut virtually every gene. At the other extreme, gene organization in yeast (Saccharomyces) is anything but compact, with long stretches of AT-rich DNA interspaced between coding sequences and no obvious logic to the order of genes. Transcription is asymmetric and several RNAs are initiated de novo. Nevertheless, extensive RNA processing occurs due largely to the presence of split genes. RNA splicing is complex, is controlled by both mitochondrial and nuclear genes, and in some cases is accompanied by the formation of RNAs that behave as covalently closed circles. The present article reviews current knowledge of mitochondrial transcription and RNA processing in relation to possible mechanisms for the regulation of mitochondrial gene expression.

Identification of two erythromycin resistance mutations in the mitochondrial gene coding for the large ribosomal RNA in yeast

Two independent erythromycin resistance mutations, ER514 and ER221, have been identified in the mitochondrial gene coding for the 21S ribosomal RNA. The two mutations were found to be identical, corresponding to a A to G transition at the nucleotide position 1951 of the ribosomal RNA gene. In the secondary structure model of the ribosomal RNA, the ER resistance site is found at the proximity of the chloramphenicol resistance sites located about 500 bases downstream.

Processing of precursors of 21S ribosomal RNA from yeast mitochondria

The transcription and processing of mitochondrial 21S rRNA in a petite strain of Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been examined by electron microscopic analysis of R-loop hybrids and by hybridization of labeled mitochondrial DNA probes to RNA transferred to diazobenzyloxymethyl paper. We have shown the presence of a large [5.1- to 5.4-kilobase (kb)] transcript that appears to be a precursor of mitochondrial 21S rRNA. This transcript contains sequences homologous to those of the mature 21S rRNA, to the intervening sequence present in the gene, and to additional sequences at the 3' end of the molecule. Our data suggest that this precursor of 21S rRNA is processed in two steps. The intron sequence is usually excised first, followed by removal of the extra 3' sequences. In some cases, however, the 3' extension is first removed and the intron sequence is then excised. Both pathways appear to lead to formation of the 3.1-kb mature 21S rRNA and a stable 1.2-kb intron transcript. Similar results were obtained with grande MH41-7B mitochondrial RNA by RNA transfer hybridization. We have also observed a number of additional transcripts that may be normal processing intermediates or may result from faulty cleavage-ligation during excision of the intervening sequence.

The tRNAAGYSer and tRNACGYArg genes from a gene cluster in yeast mitochondrial DNA

Yeast mitochondrial DNA-pBR322 recombinant DNA molecules screened for rRNA genes were used as a source of DNA for mitochondrial tRNA gene sequence analysis. We report here the sequences of yeast mitochondrial tRNA genes coding for a tRNAAGYSer and a tRNACGYArg. The tRNAAGYSer sequence deduced from the gene is the first reported sequence of a yeast tRNAAGYSer. It is also the second yeast mitochondrial tRNASer gene to be sequenced, and demonstrates unequivocally the presence of mitochondrial encoded serine tRNA isoacceptors. The tRNACGYArg sequence deduced from the gene is the most AT-rich (82%) tRNA sequence ever reported. Whereas all the mitochondrial genes sequenced to date exist singly on the genome and are separated by long stretches of AT-rich DNA, the tRNAACYSer and tRNAcgyarg genes exist in tandem, separated by only 3 bp. This gene arrangement strongly suggests that mitochondrial tRNA genes may be transcribed into multicistronic precursors.

Genetic and physical characterization of a segment of yeast mitochondrial DNA involved in the control of genetic recombination

Genetic recombination between the 3 RIB (ribosomal) loci of yeast mitochondrial DNA is under the control of a mitochondrial locus named omega (with alleles omega+ and omega-) which is tightly linked to the RIBI locus. We have attempted to elucidate the molecular mechanisms(s) involved by using rho- mutants with similar (RIBI+ RIB2+ RIB3(0) genotype but different recombination properties in rho- x rho+ crosses. These were obtained through pedigree analysis and their mitochondrial DNAs were mapped on a high resolution physical map of the RIB section that had been built by analysis of thermal denaturation profiles and electron microscopy of partially denatured molecules. By comparison of physical and genetic data it can be shown that possession of the omega+ allele by the rho- cell is not sufficient for its expression in crosses, some additional DNA segments(s) in the ribosomal region being needed. This result and several features of the rho+ x rho- crosses are discussed in the light of current concepts in mitochondrial genetics of yeast and the recently discovered fact that omega+ and omega- strains differ by the presence of a 1000 base pairs insertion in the former.

Transcription maps of mtDNAs of two strains of saccharomyces: transcription of strain-specific insertions; Complex RNA maturation and splicing

We have developed a two-dimensional method for simultaneously mapping on the yeast mtDNA genome all the transcripts representing more than 0.01% of mtRNA. In two yeast strains, Saccharomyces carlsbergensis NCYC-74 and Saccharomyces cerevisiae KL14-4A, about 25 discrete transcripts were found apart from tRNAs. The mtDNAs of these strains differ by the absence (NCYC-74) or presence (KL 14-4A) of various large insertions located within genetically active regions. The transcripts can all be related to known loci on the genetic map. In nearly all cases the RNAs are much longer than required to specify the known protein product of the locus concerned. The organization of the transcripts is similar in the two strains except at the positions of the large insertions (500-3300 bp) in the oxi-3 and cob loci. The sequences of these insertions are present in RNA species larger than 25S, but are absent from smaller transcripts of the same regions. This is probably due to splicing, since the coding sequences for most of these smaller transcripts are noncontiguous. The smaller transcripts of other loci also seem to arise from processing of larger RNA species. The oxi-3 locus, containing the structural gene for cytochrome c oxidase subunit l, is transcribed in a very complex fashion that suggests differential splicing into partially overlapping transcripts. This may indicate that oxi-3 has additional genetic functions, including possible control of the biosynthesis of cytochrome c oxidase holoenzyme or its assembly into the mitochondrial inner membrane. As in the case of the eucaryote nucleus, the regulation of mitochondrial gene expression seems to occur more at the level of RNA processing than has been recognized thus far.

Assembly of the mitochondrial membrane system: sequences of yeast mitochondrial valine and an unusual threonine tRNA gene

The mitochondrial DNA segments of two independently isolated rho- clones of S. cerevisiae carrying a genetic marker for a threonine tRNA have been characterized by restriction endonuclease analysis and DNA sequencing. The DNA sequences of the two segments have been used to deduce the primary and secondary structures of the tRNA. The threonine tRNA is unusual in having a leucine anticodon (3'-GAU-5'). Despite the anomalous anticodon, the tRNA is proposed to function in mitochondrial protein synthesis. One of the rho- clones contains an additional coding sequence that has been identified as a valine tRNA genes have been located on the wild-type physical map and determined to be transcribed from two different strands.

Two isoaccepting seryl tRNAs coded by separate mitochondrial genes in yeast

In S. cerevisiae four isoacceptor mitochondrial tRNAs for serine have been separated by reversed phase chromatography. At least two of these species are products of different genes. In this work the deletion mapping technique has been used to locate two genes for tRNAser. The gene for tRNAser previously localized in the oli I region of the mitochondrial genome has been found to code for tRNAser2, and another gene coding for tRNAser1 has been detected in the region where most of other tRNA genes are found. Results of fine mapping experiments allowed to localize this gene in the proximity of the gene for tRNAarg.

Electron microscopic analysis of the yeast mitochondrial DNA segment conferring chloramphenicol resistance

Mitochondrial DNAs from six p- mutants carrying the genetic locus Rib1 and deleted for the rest of the genome were analyzed. Distribution of circular molecules from one mutant followed exactly the frequency rule, l/n, for multimers with discreet classes n, 2n, 3n, etc. Another, genetically unstable mutant displayed a continuous spectrum of circular molecules of various lengths. Four other mutants contained multiple series of circular molecules. Partial denaturation maps show that the mutants analyzed show a common segment ca. 1.0 micron long and differ by characteristic deletions of extremites of this segment. Short terminal deletions of the right i.e. pointing towards the Rib3 locus, terminus of this segment are correlated with modifications of the recombination properties related to the omega locus.

The genetic map of transfer RNA genes of yeast mitochondria: correction and extension

Ninety five rho- mitochondrial DNA's of Saccharomyces cerevisiae were compared for their deletion structure by means of 15 genetic markers and 22 tRNA genes. The patterns of co-deletion and co-retention of different tRNA genes allowed us to determine their positions with respect to each other. The deduced order of tRNA genes was consistent with the order of the genetic markers established by independent genetic approaches. Our previously proposed mitochondrial tRNA gene map has been revised and extended. Transfer RNA genes, corresponding to all 20 aminoacids, and two isoacceptor tRNA genes were localized. The possible position of each tRNA gene has been indicated on the physical map of mitochondrial DNA. Seventeen tRNA genes are carried by a narrow region representing less than 20% of the wild type genome.

Assembly of the mitochondrial membrane system: two separate genes coding for threonyl-tRNA in the mitochondrial DNA of Saccharomyces cerevisiae

1. Mitochondria of Saccharomyces cerevisiae contain two tRNA's that are acylated with threonine. The two isoaccepting species (tRNA1Thr and tRNA2Thr) can be separated by reversed-phase chromatography on RPC-5. 2. A cytoplasmic mutant has been isolated which lacks tRNA1Thr but has normal levels of tRNA2Thr. This mutation was previously shown to map between the oxi 1 and oxi 2 loci on mitochondrial DNA. 3. tRNA1Thr and tRNA2Thr hybridize to wild type mitochondrial but not nuclear DNA and are capable of partially competing with each other. Hybridization of each species to different segments of mitochondrial DNA isolated from p- clones indicate that there are two threonyl tRNA genes. One gene is located between oxi 1 and oxi 2 and codes for tRNA1Thr. The second gene codes for tRNA2Thr and is near the cap locus. 4. Binding assays to E. coli ribosomes indicate that tRNA2Thr recognizes the threonine triplet ACA and may also recognize the other three triplets but with a much lower efficiency. None of the four codons for threonine stimulate the binding of tRNA1Thr to the ribosomes.

Fine structure of the 21S ribosomal RNA region on yeast mitochondrial DNA. III. Physical location of mitochondrial genetic markers and the molecular nature of omega

1. We have determined the physical location of mitochondrial genetic markers in the 21S region of yeast mtDNA by genetic analysis of petite mutants whose mtDNA has been physically mapped on the wild-type mtDNA. 2. The order of loci, determined in this study, is in agreement with the order deduced from recombination analysis and coretention analysis except for the position of omega+: we conclude that omega+ is located between C321 (RIB-1) and E514 (RIB-3). 3. The marker E514 (RIB-3) has been localized on a DNA segment of 3800 bp, and the markers E354, E553 and cs23 (RIB-2) on a DNA segment of 1100 base pairs; both these segments overlap the 21S rRNA cistron. The marker C321 (RIB-1) has been localized within a segment of 240 bp which also overlaps the 21S rRNA cistron, and we infer on the basis of indirect evidence that this marker lies within this cistron. 4. In all our rho+ as well as rho- strains there is a one-to-one correlation between the omega+ phenotype, the ability to transmit the omega+ allele and the presence of a mtDNA segment of about 1000 bp long, located between sequences specifying RIB-3 and sequences corresponding to the loci RIB-1 and RIB-2. This segment may be inserted at this same position into omega- mtDNA by recombination. 5. The role which the different allelic forms of omega may play in the polarity of recombination is discussed.

Fine structure of the 21S ribosomal RNA region on yeast mitochondrial DNA. II. The organization of sequences in petite mitochondrial DNAs carrying genetic markers from the 21S region

We have investigated the organization of sequences in ten rho- petite mtDNAs by restriction enzyme analysis and electron microscopy. From the comparison of the physical maps of the petite mtDNAs with the physical map of the mtDNA of the parental rho+ strain we conclude that there are at least three different classes of petite mtDNAs: I. Head-to-tail repeats of an (almost) continuous segment of the rho+ mtDNA. II. Head-to-tail repeats of an (almost) continuous segment of the rho+ mtDNA with a terminal inverted duplication. III. Mixed repeats of an (almost) continuous rho+ mtDNA segment. In out petite mtDNAs of the second type, the inverted duplications do not cover the entire conserved rho+ mtDNA segment. We have found that the petite mtDNAs of the third type contain a local inverted duplication at the site where repeating units can insert in two orientations. At least in one case this local inverted duplication must have arisen by mutation. The rearrangements that we have found in the petite mtDNAs do not cluster at specific sites on the rho+ mtDNA map. Large rearrangements or deletions within the conserved rho+ mtDNA segment seem to contribute to the suppressiveness of a petite strain. There is also a positive correlation between the retention of certain segments of the rho+ mtDNA and the suppressiveness of a petite strain. We found no correlation between the suppressiveness of a petite strain and its genetic complexity. The relevance of these findings for the mechanism of petite induction and the usefulness of petite strains for the physical mapping of mitochondrial genetic markers and for DNA sequence analysis are discussed.

Physical mapping of genes on yeast mitochondrial DNA: localization of antibiotic resistance loci, and rRNA and tRNA genes

We have physically mapped the loci conferring resistance to antibiotics that inhibit mitochondrial protein synthesis (erythromycin, chloramphenicol and paromomycin) or respiration (oligomycin I and II), as well as the 21s and 14s rRNA and tRNA genes on the restriction map of the mitochondrial genome of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The mitochondrial genes were localized by hybridization of labeled RNA probes to restriction fragments of grande (strain MH41-7B) mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) generated by endonucleases EcoRI, HpaI, BamHI, HindIII, SalI, PstI and HhaI. We have derived the HhaI restriction fragment map of MH41-7B mit DNA, to be added to our previously reported maps for the six other endonucleases. The antibiotic resistance loci (antR) were mapped by hybridization of 3H-cRNA transcribed from single marker petite mtDNA's of low kinetic complexity to grande restriction fragments. We have chosen the single Sal I site as the origin of the circular physical map and have positioned the antibiotic loci as follows: C (99.5-1.Ou)--P (27-36.Ou)--OII (58.3-62u--OI (80-84u)--E (94.4-98.4u). The 21s rRNA is localized at 94.4-99.2u, and the 14s rRNA is positioned between 36.2-39.8u. The two rRNA species are separated by 36% of the genome. Total mitochondrial tRNA labeled with 125I hybridized primarily to two regions of the genome, at 99.5-11.5u and 34-44u. A third region of hybridization was occasionally detected at 70--76u, which probably corresponds to seryl and glutamyl tRNA genes, previously located to this region by petite deletion mapping.

Restriction enzyme analysis of mitochondrial DNAs of petite mutants of yeast: classification of petites, and deletion mapping of mitochondrial genes

We have analyzed the restriction digest patterns of the mitochondrial DNA from 41 cytoplasmic petite strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, that have been extensively characterized with respect to genetic markers. Each mitochondrial DNA was digested with seven restriction endonucleases (EcoRI, HPaI, HindIII, BamHI, HhaI, SalI, and PstI) which together make 41 cuts in grande mitochondrial DNA and for which we have derived fragment maps. The petite mitochondrial DNAs were also analyzed with HpaII, HaeIII, and AluI, each of which makes more than 80 cleavages in grande mitochondrial DNA. On the basis of the restriction patterns observed (i.e., only one fragment migrating differently from grande for a single deletion, and more than one for multiple deletions) and by comparing petite and grande mitochondrial DNA restriction maps, the petite clones could be classified into two main groups: (1) petites representing a single deletion of grande mitochondrial DNA and (2) petites containing multiple deletions of the grande mitochondrial DNA resulting in rearranged sequences. Single deletion petites may retain a large portion of the grande mitochondrial genome or may be of low kinetic cimplexity. Many petites which are scored as single continuous deletions by genetic criteria were later demonstrated to be internally deleted by restriction endonuclease analysis. Heterogeneous sequences, manifested by the presence of sub-stoichiometric amounts of some restriction fragments, may accompany the single or multiple deletions. Single deletions with heterogeneous sequences remain useful for mapping if the low concentration sequences represent a subset of the stoichiometric bands. Using a group of petites which retain single continuous regions of the grande mitochondrial DNA, we have physically mapped antibiotic resistance and mit- markers to regions of the grande restriction map as follows: C (99.3--1.4 map units)--OXI-1 (2.5--15.7)--OXI-2 (18.5--25)--P (28.1--34.2)--OXI-3 (32.2--61.2--OII (60--62)--COB (64.6--80.8--0I (80.4--85.7)--E (95--98.9).

Preferential deletion of a specific region of mitochondrial DNA in Saccharomyces cerevisiae by ethidium bromide and 3-carbethoxy-psoralen: directional retention of DNA sequence

Grande strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae were mutagenized either by ethidium bromide or by 3-carbethoxy-psoralen (a monofunctional furocoumarin derivative) activated by 365nm light. 973 primary rho- clones induced were randomly collected and analyzed individually for the presence or absence of fifteen mitochondrial genetic markers. 1. Under mild conditions of mutagenesis, 83% of the primary clones showed single-deletion genotypes; a unique order of 14 markers could be deduced from the patterns of the deletion. The gene order confirmed our previous map constructed from the analysis of established non-random petite clones. From the frequencies of disjunction between markers, the distance separating 14 mitochondrial markers were estimated. 2. One region, carrying oxi-3, pho-1 and mit 175 loci, was preferentially lost in rho- mutants: there is a strong constraint in the frequencies of various genotypes found in rho- clones. On each side of this particular region, a bidirectionally oriented pattern of retention of markers is observed.

Fine structure physical mapping of 4S RNA genes on mitochondrial DNA of Saccharomyces cerevisiae

We have localized the genes for mitochondrial 4S RNA on the physical map of the mtDNA of several Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains by hybridization of iodinated 4S RNA to the restriction fragments obtained with endonucleases HindII + III, EcoRI and HapII. The data indicate that 5-8 of the 4S RNA genes are dispersed over a large area of the genome whereas the rest (about 18 genes) is located within an area of about 9000 bp in length (about 18 genes) is located within an area of about 9000 bp in length (about 12% of the genome) between the markers for chloramphenicol and paromomycin resistance (RIB 1 and PAR 1 loci). Within this region a cluster is present of 5 genes on a DNA fragment of 460 bp.

Mapping of mutation tsm-8 with respect to transfer RNA genes on the mitochondrial DNA of Saccharomyces cerevisiae

A precise localization of the tsm-8 mutation in relation to the transfer RNA genes has been attempted by rho- deletion analysis. The data show that the tsm-8 mutation is in close proximity to the isoleucyl transfer RNA gene. However, it is not yet possible to decide whether the tsm-8 mutation is within this transfer RNA gene.

Temperature-sensitive respiratory-deficient mitochondrial mutations: isolation and genetic mapping

In order to find new genetic loci and functions on the yeast mitochondrial DNA, especially mutations affecting the mitochondrial protein synthesis apparatus, temperature sensitive mutants have been isolated after MnCl2 mutagenesis and mitochondrial and nuclear mutants classified according to their pattern of recombination with three rho- tester strains. Eighteen cold- and heat-sensitive respiratory deficient mitochondrial mutants have been isolated and localized on the mitochondrial genome by deletion mapping using 113 rho- strains. Eight of them appear to represent new loci, among which some are probably mutations of the tRNA and rRNA genes.

Modified recombination and transmission of mitochondrial genetic markers in rho minus mutants of Saccharomyces cerevisiae

A large number of primary petite (rho-) clones were isolated after ethidium bromide mutagenesis of various grande (rho+) strains of S. cerevisiae that contained the mitochondrial genetic markers, CR, ER, OIR (or OIIR), and PR. From the frequency of coretention of markers in the petites, we have deduced a probable circular order of the markers in the grande mitochondrial genome. From these primary clones several series of pure and stable petite clones were obtained and analyzed genetically. (a) In general, the omega allele is retained or lost together with the region carrying both CR and ER markers. (b) The petites that have retained only the CR marker fall into two classes: some have kept the omega allele of the grande strain they issued from; others exhibit a new omega expression. (c) The proportion of diploid petites in petite X grande crosses is independent of the presence of the omega allele. (d) In most cases, the coordinated transmission of markers observed so far in all grande X grande nonpolar corsses does not exist anymore in petites.

Assembly of the mitochondrial membrane system. XVIII. Genetic loci on mitochondrial DNA involved in cytochrome b biosynthesis

1. Fourteen cytoplasmic mutants of Saccharomyces cerevisiae with a specific deficiency of cytochrome b have been studied. The mutations have been shown to occur in two separate genetic loci, COB 1 and COB 2. These loci can be distinguished by mit- X mit- crosses. Pairwise crosses of cytochrome b mutants belonging to different loci yield 4-6% wild type recombinants corresponding to recombinational frequencies of 8-12%. In intra-locus crosses, the recombinational frequencies range from 1% to less than 0.01%. The two loci can also be distinguished by mit- X rho- crosses. Twenty rho- testers have been isolated of which ten preferentially restore mutations in COB 1 and ten others in COB 2. 2. The COB 1 and COB 2 loci have been localized on mitochondrial DNA between the two antibiotic resistance loci OLI 1 and OLI 2 in the order OLI 2-COB 2-COB 1-OLI 1. The results of mit- X mit- and mit- X rho- crosses have also been used to map the cytochrome b mutations relative to each other. The maps obtained by the two independent methods are in good agreement. 3. Mutations in COB 1 have been found to be linked to the OLI1 locus in some but not in other strains of S. cervisiae. This evidence suggests that there may be a spacer region between the two loci whose length varies from strain to strain. 4. Two mutations in COB 2 have been found to cause a loss of a mitochondrial translation product corresponding to the cytochrome b apoprotein. Instead of the wild type protein the mutants have a new low-molecular weight product which is probably a fragment of cytochrome b. The fact that the mutations revert suggests that they are nonsense mutations in the structural gene of cytochrome b.

An electron microscope study of the relative positions of the 4S and ribosomal RNA genes in HeLa cells mitochondrial DNA

The 4S RNA genes in HeLa mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) have been mapped by electron microscopy using the electron-opaque label ferritin. This method is based on the high affinity interaction between the protein, avidin,and biotin. 4S RNA, covalently coupled to biotin, was hybridized to single-stranded mtDNA. The hybrids were then labeled with ferritin-avidin conjugates. The positions of ferritin-labeled 4S RNA genes were determined relative to the rRNA genes on both heavy (H) and light (L) strands of mtDNA. This region was recognized as a duplex segment after hybridization either with rRNA in the case of H strands or with DNA complementary to rRNA in the case of L strands. Our studies suggest that at least nineteen 4S RNA genes are present in the HeLa mitochondrial genome. On the H strand, we have confirmed the nine map positions found in a previous electron microscope mapping study (Wu et al., 1972) and obtained evidence for three additional 4S RNA genes. On the L strand, seven 4S RNA genes have been mapped. The nineteen genes are distributed more or less uniformly around the genome. There is a pair of closely spaced genes, approximately 150 nucleotides apart, on the H strand, and another closely spaced pair on the L strand.