Structural analysis of the 5' regions of yeast SUC genes revealed analogous palindromes in SUC, MAL and GAL

CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing induces a p53-mediated DNA damage response

Here, we report that genome editing by CRISPR-Cas9 induces a p53-mediated DNA damage response and cell cycle arrest in immortalized human retinal pigment epithelial cells, leading to a selection against cells with a functional p53 pathway. Inhibition of p53 prevents the damage response and increases the rate of homologous recombination from a donor template. These results suggest that p53 inhibition may improve the efficiency of genome editing of untransformed cells and that p53 function should be monitored when developing cell-based therapies utilizing CRISPR-Cas9.

Sucrose and Saccharomyces cerevisiae: a relationship most sweet

Sucrose is an abundant, readily available and inexpensive substrate for industrial biotechnology processes and its use is demonstrated with much success in the production of fuel ethanol in Brazil. Saccharomyces cerevisiae, which naturally evolved to efficiently consume sugars such as sucrose, is one of the most important cell factories due to its robustness, stress tolerance, genetic accessibility, simple nutrient requirements and long history as an industrial workhorse. This minireview is focused on sucrose metabolism in S. cerevisiae, a rather unexplored subject in the scientific literature. An analysis of sucrose availability in nature and yeast sugar metabolism was performed, in order to understand the molecular background that makes S. cerevisiae consume this sugar efficiently. A historical overview on the use of sucrose and S. cerevisiae by humans is also presented considering sugarcane and sugarbeet as the main sources of this carbohydrate. Physiological aspects of sucrose consumption are compared with those concerning other economically relevant sugars. Also, metabolic engineering efforts to alter sucrose catabolism are presented in a chronological manner. In spite of its extensive use in yeast-based industries, a lot of basic and applied research on sucrose metabolism is imperative, mainly in fields such as genetics, physiology and metabolic engineering.

The promoter region of the carbamoyl-phosphate synthetase III gene of Squalus acanthias

Carbamoyl-phosphate synthetase III (CPSase III) of Squalus acanthias (spiny dogfish) is a nuclear-encoded mitochondrial enzyme that catalyzes glutamine-dependent formation of carbamoyl phosphate for urea synthesis. In this paper we report the results of cloning a 10-kb segment of genomic DNA which includes the region flanking the 5' end of the spiny dogfish CPSase III gene. A total of 1,295 base pairs of sequence straddling the start codon was obtained. Primer extension experiments revealed that the transcription start site is the G located 114 residues upstream of the translation start codon ATG. The first exon has 240 base pairs, including the 5' untranslated region, the coding sequence for the signal peptide (38 amino acids), and the four N-terminal amino acids of the mature enzyme. The boundary of the first exon and the first intron of the CPSase III gene is concordant with that of rat and frog (Rana catesbeiana) CPSase I, which have been suggested to have evolved from CPSase III. The putative TATA box sequence, TACAAA, is located at position -31 with an uncommonly found C at the third position. Two C/EBP binding site sequences, ATTCTGCAAG (-405 to -397) and GTGCAGTAAG (-168 to -160), were identified in the promoter region, which suggests that spiny dogfish CPSase III might be subjected to transactivation of transcription by C/EBP-related proteins, as has been reported for rat CPSase I. The preparation and binding of a recombinant RcC/EBP-1 protein (the R. catesbeiana homolog of the mammalian C/EBP alpha) to the two spiny dogfish C/EBP binding sequences are described. Two putative heat-shock binding elements were also identified in the promoter region.

Cloning and sequence analysis of the invertase gene INV 1 from the yeast Pichia anomala

A genomic library from the yeast Pichia anomala has been constructed and employed to clone the gene encoding the sucrose-hydrolysing enzyme invertase by complementation of a sucrose non-fermenting mutant of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The cloned gene, INV1, was sequenced and found to encode a polypeptide of 550 amino acids which contained a 22 amino-acid signal sequence and ten potential glycosylation sites. The amino-acid sequence shows significant identity with other yeast invertases and also with Kluyveromyces marxianus inulinase, a yeast beta-fructofuranosidase which has a different substrate specificity. The nucleotide sequences of the 5' and 3' non-coding regions were found to contain several consensus motifs probably involved in the initiation and termination of gene transcription.

Purification, cloning, and functional expression of sucrose:fructan 6-fructosyltransferase, a key enzyme of fructan synthesis in barley

Fructans play an important role in assimilate partitioning and possibly in stress tolerance in many plant families. Sucrose:fructan 6-fructosyltransferase (6-SFT), an enzyme catalyzing the formation and extension of beta-2,6-linked fructans typical of grasses, was purified from barley (Hordeum vulgare L.). It occurred in two closely similar isoforms with indistinguishable catalytic properties, both consisting of two subunits with apparent masses of 49 and 23 kDa. Oligonucleotides, designed according to the sequences of tryptic peptides from the large subunit, were used to amplify corresponding sequences from barley cDNA. The main fragment generated was cloned and used to screen a barley cDNA expression library. The longest cDNA obtained was transiently expressed in Nicotiana plumbaginifolia protoplasts and shown to encode a functional 6-SFT. The deduced amino acid sequence of the cDNA comprises both subunits of 6-SFT. It has high similarity to plant invertases and other beta-fructosyl hydrolases but only little to bacterial fructosyltransferases catalyzing the same type of reaction as 6-SFT.

Differential expression and function of two homologous subunits of yeast 1,3-beta-D-glucan synthase

1,3-beta-D-Glucan is a major structural polymer of yeast and fungal cell walls and is synthesized from UDP-glucose by the multisubunit enzyme 1,3-beta-D-glucan synthase. Previous work has shown that the FKS1 gene encodes a 215-kDa integral membrane protein (Fks1p) which mediates sensitivity to the echinocandin class of antifungal glucan synthase inhibitors and is a subunit of this enzyme. We have cloned and sequenced FKS2, a homolog of FKS1 encoding a 217-kDa integral membrane protein (Fks2p) which is 88% identical to Fks1p. The residual glucan synthase activity present in strains with deletions of fks1 is (i) immunodepleted by antibodies prepared against FKS2 peptides, demonstrating that Fks2p is also a component of the enzyme, and (ii) more sensitive to the echinocandin L-733,560, explaining the increased sensitivity of fks1 null mutants to this drug. Simultaneous disruption of FKS1 and FKS2 is lethal, suggesting that Fks1p and Fks2p are alternative subunits with essential overlapping function. Analysis of FKS1 and FKS2 expression reveals that transcription of FKS1 is regulated in the cell cycle and predominates during growth on glucose, while FKS2 is expressed in the absence of glucose. FKS2 is essential for sporulation, a process which occurs during nutritional starvation. FKS2 is induced by the addition of Ca2+ to the growth medium, and this induction is completely dependent on the Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent phosphoprotein phosphatase calcineurin. We have previously shown that growth of fks1 null mutants is highly sensitive to the calcineurin inhibitors FK506 and cyclosporin A. Expression of FKS2 from the heterologous ADH1 promoter results in FK506-resistant growth. Thus, the sensitivity of fks1 mutants to these drugs can be explained by the calcineurin-dependent transcription of FKS2. Moreover, FKS2 is also highly induced in response to pheromone in a calcineurin-dependent manner, suggesting that FKS2 may also play a role in the remodeling of the cell wall during the mating process.

Differential expression of SUC genes: a question of bases

Non-coding nucleotide sequences located 5' upstream of the transcriptional start site play an essential role in gene expression as they contain binding sites for transcription and regulatory factors. The yeast SUC gene family is a useful model to study the influence that nucleotide exchanges within the promoter regions have on their expression, since (i) these genes, regulated by glucose repression, are differentially transcribed (invertase activity produced by distinct SUC genes may show variations of about 10-fold); and (ii) promoter sequences of SUC3, SUC4, SUC5 and SUC7 are more than 99% homologous, showing only six base exchanges among all of them. Comparison of these nucleotide exchanges with the expression of each SUC gene (located either on chromosomes or on multicopy and centromeric plasmids) points out that naturally occurring base exchanges as few as one nucleotide modification (G to A transition at position -497 relative to the translational start site, C to T transition at position -460 and insertion/deletion of a T at positions -590, -586 and -435) may have a strong effect on gene expression.

A carbon source-responsive promoter element necessary for activation of the isocitrate lyase gene ICL1 is common to genes of the gluconeogenic pathway in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae

The expression of yeast genes encoding gluconeogenic enzymes depends strictly on the carbon source available in the growth medium. We have characterized the control region of the isocitrate lyase gene ICL1, which is derepressed more than 200-fold after transfer of cells from fermentative to nonfermentative growth conditions. Deletion analysis of the ICL1 promoter led to the identification of an upstream activating sequence element, UASICL1 (5' CATTCATCCG 3'), necessary and sufficient for conferring carbon source-dependent regulation on a heterologous reporter gene. Similar sequence motifs were also found in the upstream regions of coregulated genes involved in gluconeogenesis. This carbon source-responsive element (CSRE) interacts with a protein factor, designated Ang1 (activator of nonfermentative growth), detectable only in extracts derived from derepressed cells. Gene activation mediated by the CSRE requires the positively acting derepression genes CAT1 (= SNF1 and CCR1) and CAT3 (= SNF4). In the respective mutants, Ang1-CSRE interaction was no longer observed under repressing or derepressing conditions. Since binding of Ang1 factor to the CSRE could be competed for by an upstream sequence derived from the fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase gene FBP1, we propose that the CSRE functions as a UAS element common to genes of the gluconeogenic pathway.

Identification of potential target genes for Adr1p through characterization of essential nucleotides in UAS1

Adr1p is a regulatory protein in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae that binds to and activates transcription from two sites in a perfect 22-bp inverted repeat, UAS1, in the ADH2 promoter. Binding requires two C2H2 zinc fingers and a region amino terminal to the fingers. The importance for DNA binding of each position within UAS1 was deduced from two types of assays. Both methods led to an identical consensus sequence containing only four essential base pairs: GG(A/G)G. The preferred sequence, TTGG(A/G)GA, is found in both halves of the inverted repeat. The region of Adr1p amino terminal to the fingers is important for phosphate contacts in the central region of UAS1. However, no base-specific contacts in this portion of UAS1 are important for DNA binding or for ADR1-dependent transcription in vivo. When the central 6 bp were deleted, only a single monomer of Adr1p was able to bind in vitro and activation in vivo was severely reduced. On the basis of these results and previous knowledge about the DNA binding site requirements, including constraints on the spacing and orientation of sites that affect activation in vivo, a consensus binding site for Adr1p was derived. By using this consensus site, potential Adr1p binding sites were located in the promoters of genes known to show ADR1-dependent expression. In addition, this consensus allowed the identification of new potential target genes for Adr1p.

Identification of potential target genes for Adr1p through characterization of essential nucleotides in UAS1

Adr1p is a regulatory protein in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae that binds to and activates transcription from two sites in a perfect 22-bp inverted repeat, UAS1, in the ADH2 promoter. Binding requires two C2H2 zinc fingers and a region amino terminal to the fingers. The importance for DNA binding of each position within UAS1 was deduced from two types of assays. Both methods led to an identical consensus sequence containing only four essential base pairs: GG(A/G)G. The preferred sequence, TTGG(A/G)GA, is found in both halves of the inverted repeat. The region of Adr1p amino terminal to the fingers is important for phosphate contacts in the central region of UAS1. However, no base-specific contacts in this portion of UAS1 are important for DNA binding or for ADR1-dependent transcription in vivo. When the central 6 bp were deleted, only a single monomer of Adr1p was able to bind in vitro and activation in vivo was severely reduced. On the basis of these results and previous knowledge about the DNA binding site requirements, including constraints on the spacing and orientation of sites that affect activation in vivo, a consensus binding site for Adr1p was derived. By using this consensus site, potential Adr1p binding sites were located in the promoters of genes known to show ADR1-dependent expression. In addition, this consensus allowed the identification of new potential target genes for Adr1p.

A carbon source-responsive promoter element necessary for activation of the isocitrate lyase gene ICL1 is common to genes of the gluconeogenic pathway in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae

The expression of yeast genes encoding gluconeogenic enzymes depends strictly on the carbon source available in the growth medium. We have characterized the control region of the isocitrate lyase gene ICL1, which is derepressed more than 200-fold after transfer of cells from fermentative to nonfermentative growth conditions. Deletion analysis of the ICL1 promoter led to the identification of an upstream activating sequence element, UASICL1 (5' CATTCATCCG 3'), necessary and sufficient for conferring carbon source-dependent regulation on a heterologous reporter gene. Similar sequence motifs were also found in the upstream regions of coregulated genes involved in gluconeogenesis. This carbon source-responsive element (CSRE) interacts with a protein factor, designated Ang1 (activator of nonfermentative growth), detectable only in extracts derived from derepressed cells. Gene activation mediated by the CSRE requires the positively acting derepression genes CAT1 (= SNF1 and CCR1) and CAT3 (= SNF4). In the respective mutants, Ang1-CSRE interaction was no longer observed under repressing or derepressing conditions. Since binding of Ang1 factor to the CSRE could be competed for by an upstream sequence derived from the fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase gene FBP1, we propose that the CSRE functions as a UAS element common to genes of the gluconeogenic pathway.

Molecular structure of the SWA2 gene encoding an AMY1-related alpha-amylase from Schwanniomyces occidentalis

A 2.1-kb DNA fragment containing the SWA2 gene determining an alpha-amylase from Schwanniomyces occidentalis has been sequenced. It contains an open reading frame of 1521 bp which has the potential to encode a 507 amino-acid protein of M(r) 55966. Its deduced amino-acid sequence shows significant similarities to the sequence of other studied alpha-amylases. These similarities identify a consensus sequence, F(LIV)(ED)NHD, which is shared in addition by most maltases, invertases and glucoamylases.

Differential expression of the invertase-encoding SUC genes in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Invertase (INV) is encoded in Saccharomyces cerevisiae by a family of genes, comprising SUC1-SUC5 and SUC7. Production of INV is highly variable, dependent on the strain and SUC gene present in the cell. The differences in INV production derive from the structure of the genes or are dependent on the genetic background of the strain. Centromeric plasmids (based on YCp50) carrying one of the SUC genes (except SUC7) were introduced into a strain (SEY2101) lacking SUC genes. The INV produced by the transformants was dependent on the individual SUC genes, and correlated with INV mRNA levels. Plasmids in which SUC2 had been placed under control of promoters from the other SUC genes, were used to transform SEY2101 cells. The amounts of INV produced by cells carrying hybrid SUC genes were in agreement with the levels expected if the promoter controlled the expression of the SUC2 structural region. It is suggested that the differences in expression are a function of the transcription efficiency of the different SUC gene promoters, based on the divergence of 5' sequences.

Multiple copies of SUC4 regulatory regions may cause partial de-repression of invertase synthesis in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Transformation to generate multiple copies of regulatory DNA sequences has been used to study the interactions between regulatory proteins and their target sequences, since a high copy number of these sequences may titrate trans-acting regulatory proteins. We have analyzed the synthesis of invertase in yeast strains carrying different SUC genes transformed with the multiple-copy plasmid pSH143, a derivative of pJDB207 containing the promoter and upstream regulatory sequences of SUC4. The results obtained seem to be strain dependent. Under repressing conditions a high copy number of SUC4 promoter regions may cause increased expression of the invertase genes resulting in the synthesis of external glycosylated protein. A similar result was obtained under de-repressing conditions since transformants from some strains showed higher levels of activity. These results suggest that transcriptional regulatory (negative) factors may become limiting when the copy number of their target DNA sequences is increased. This effect may depend on the amount of active repressor molecules as well as on their affinity for SUC4 upstream sequences. This is discussed on the basis of the nucleotide sequences of SUC promoters.

Phenotype traits associated with different alleles at the RPS5 locus in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

The RPS5 gene has been characterised through its ability to reduce invertase production by the SUC5 gene. In this paper we show that RPS5 acts by maintaining low levels of SUC5 mRNA. We also show that RPS5 acts on the SUC1 and SUC4 genes but not on SUC2 and SUC3, which are members of the SUC family. RPS5 also shows a pleiotropic effect on the amount of mitochondrial cytochromes.

Chromatin structure of the yeast SUC2 promoter in regulatory mutants

We have previously suggested that two positioned nucleosomes are removed from the promoter of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae SUC2 gene upon depression by glucose starvation. To gain further insight into the changes accompanying derepression at the chromatin level we have studied the chromatin structure of the SUC2 promoter in several mutants affecting SUC2 expression. The non-derepressible mutants snf1, snf2 and snf5 present a chromatin structure characteristic of the repressed state, irrespective of the presence or absence of glucose. The non-repressible mutants, mig1 and ssn6, as well as the double mutant snfs sn6 exhibit an opened chromatin structure even in the presence of glucose. These results suggest that the DNA-binding protein encoded by MIG1 is necessary to produce the characteristic pattern of repressed chromatin and that the SNF1 protein kinase is sufficient to produce the derepressed chromatin pattern. A model is presented for the transitions that result in opening up of the chromatin structure.

Polymeric genes MEL8, MEL9 and MEL10--new members of alpha-galactosidase gene family in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

We used a combination of genetic hybridization analysis and electrokaryotyping with radioactively labelled MEL1 gene probe hybridization to isolate and identify seven polymeric genes for the fermentation of melibiose in strain CBS 5378 of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (syn. norbensis). Four of the MEL genes, i.e. MEL3, MEL4, MEL6 and MEL7, were allelic to those found in S. cerevisiae strain CBS 4411 (syn. S. oleaginosus) whereas three genes, i.e. MEL8, MEL9 and MEL10 occupied new loci. Electrokaryotyping showed that all seven MEL genes in CBS 5378 were located on different chromosomes. The new MEL8, MEL9 and MEL10 genes were found on chromosomes XV, X/XIV and XII, respectively.

Extragenic suppressors of yeast glucose derepression mutants leading to constitutive synthesis of several glucose-repressible enzymes

Saccharomyces cerevisiae regulatory genes CAT1 and CAT3 constitute a positive control circuit necessary for derepression of gluconeogenic and disaccharide-utilizing enzymes. Mutations within these genes are epistatic to hxk2 and hex2, which cause defects in glucose repression. cat1 and cat3 mutants are unable to grow in the presence of nonfermentable carbon sources or maltose. Stable gene disruptions were constructed inside these genes, and the resulting growth deficiencies were used for selecting epistatic mutations. The revertants obtained were tested for glucose repression, and those showing altered regulatory properties were further investigated. Most revertants belonged to a single complementation group called cat4. This recessive mutation caused a defect in glucose repression of invertase, maltase, and iso-1-cytochrome c. Additionally, hexokinase activity was increased. Gluconeogenic enzymes are still normally repressible in cat4 mutants. The occurrence of recombination of cat1::HIS3 and cat3::LEU2 with some cat4 alleles allowed significant growth in the presence of ethanol, which could be attributed to a partial derepression of gluconeogenic enzymes. The cat4 complementation group was tested for allelism with hxk2, hex2, cat80, cid1, cyc8, and tup1 mutations, which were previously described as affecting glucose repression. Allelism tests and tetrad analysis clearly proved that the cat4 complementation group is a new class of mutant alleles affecting carbon source-dependent gene expression.

Comparison of the nucleotide sequences of a yeast gene family. II. Analysis of spontaneous deletions and insertions

We compared the nucleotide sequences of 3 yeast invertase genes in regions where the homology is better than 90%. In the noncoding region 40 gaps of 1-61 bases were found. This is about half as much as the nucleotide substitutions in the same sequences. We grouped the gaps into 5 categories by their length and the characteristics of their sequences. Group I gaps are about 20 nucleotides long and are flanked by repeated sequence of 6 bases which may trigger the deletion of one of the repeats and the sequence between the repeats. Group II gaps are characterized by a small repeated sequence which is missing in one of the invertase genes. Gaps which occur in sequences exclusively made up of one of the 4 bases are summarized in group III. The 4 gaps in group IV do not show any of these sequence characteristics and they are all just one base long. A 61 nucleotide sequence found in only one of the invertase genes seems to be of complex origin. We conclude that small repeated sequences or monotonous sequences are prone to deletion or insertion mutations.

Comparison of the nucleotide sequences of a yeast gene family. I. Distribution and spectrum of spontaneous base substitutions

The nucleotide sequences of closely related members of a gene family can be used to investigate spontaneous mutations. Here we analyse the sequences of different yeast invertase genes which are more than 93% identical in the coding region and share some very similar, but not identical sequences in the noncoding flanking regions. Since all except one of the invertase genes are active, most of the base substitutions are silent. Within the coding region the base substitutions are unevenly distributed, indicating that parts of the genes were homogenized, probably via gene conversion. Transitions occurred more frequently than transversions in both, coding and noncoding regions. In the coding region pyrimidine transitions were the most abundant event due to silent changes mainly in the third codon position. In the noncoding region pyrimidine and purine transitions were found at equal frequencies. Transversions inverting base pairs (A-T and G-C) outnumber transversions changing base pairs (A-C and G-T). While the spectrum of mutations in the coding region is influenced by selective pressure to maintain the amino acid sequence, the spectrum in the noncoding region may be much less affected by selective pressure.

Molecular cloning and expression in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Neurospora crassa of the invertase gene from Neurospora crassa

A plasmid (named pCN2) carrying a 7.6 kb BamHI DNA insert was isolated from a Neurospora crassa genomic library raised in the yeast vector YRp7. Saccharomyces cerevisiae suco and N. crassa inv strains transformed with pNC2 were able to grow on sucrose-based media and expressed invertase activity. Saccharomyces cerevisiae suco (pNC2) expressed a product which immunoreacted with antibody raised against purified invertase from wild type N. crassa, although S. cerevisiae suc+ did not. The cloned DNA hybridized with a 7.6 kb DNA fragment from BamHI-restricted wild type N. crassa DNA. Plasmid pNC2 transformed N. crassa Inv- to Inv+ by integration either near to the endogenous inv locus (40% events) or at other genomic sites (60% events). It appears therefore that the cloned DNA piece encodes the N. crassa invertase enzyme. A 3.8 kb XhoI DNA fragment, derived from pNC2, inserted in YRp7, in both orientation, was able to express invertase activity in yeast, suggesting that it contains an intact invertase gene which is not expressed from a vector promoter.

Base substitutions in the 5' non-coding regions of two naturally occurring yeast invertase structural SUC genes cause strong differences in specific invertase activities

Gene SUC4 produced about four fold more invertase activity than did gene SUC5. However, these genes differ in only three positions located in the 5' non-coding region. The difference in gene expression between SUC4 and SUC5 must be due to the G to A transition (position-497) and/or the C to T transition (position -460) in the upstream activator sequences. The sequence TACAAA present in SUC5 can play the same role than the TATAAA box of SUC4.