The MET2 gene of Saccharomyces cerevisiae: molecular cloning and nucleotide sequence

Collective production of hydrogen sulfide gas enables budding yeast lacking MET17 to overcome their metabolic defect

Assimilation of sulfur is vital to all organisms. In S. cerevisiae, inorganic sulfate is first reduced to sulfide, which is then affixed to an organic carbon backbone by the Met17 enzyme. The resulting homocysteine can then be converted to all other essential organosulfurs such as methionine, cysteine, and glutathione. This pathway has been known for nearly half a century, and met17 mutants have long been classified as organosulfur auxotrophs, which are unable to grow on sulfate as their sole sulfur source. Surprisingly, we found that met17Δ could grow on sulfate, albeit only at sufficiently high cell densities. We show that the accumulation of hydrogen sulfide gas underpins this density-dependent growth of met17Δ on sulfate and that the locus YLL058W (HSU1) enables met17Δ cells to assimilate hydrogen sulfide. Hsu1 protein is induced during sulfur starvation and under exposure to high sulfide concentrations in wild-type cells, and the gene has a pleiotropic role in sulfur assimilation. In a mathematical model, the low efficiency of sulfide assimilation in met17Δ can explain the observed density-dependent growth of met17Δ on sulfate. Thus, having uncovered and explained the paradoxical growth of a commonly used "auxotroph," our findings may impact the design of future studies in yeast genetics, metabolism, and volatile-mediated microbial interactions.

Insertion mutagenesis of the yeast Candida famata (Debaryomyces hansenii) by random integration of linear DNA fragments

The feasibility of using random insertional mutagenesis to isolate mutants of the flavinogenic yeast Candida famata was explored. Mutagenesis was performed by transformation of the yeast with an integrative plasmid containing the Saccharomyces cerevisiae LEU2 gene as a selective marker. The addition of restriction enzyme together with the plasmid (restriction enzyme-mediated integration, REMI) increased the transformation frequency only slightly. Integration of the linearized plasmid occurred randomly in the C. famata genome. To investigate the potential of insertional mutagenesis, it was used for tagging genes involved in positive regulation of riboflavin synthesis in C. famata. Partial DNA sequencing of tagged genes showed that they were homologous to the S. cerevisiae genes RIB1, MET2, and SEF1. Intact orthologs of these genes isolated from Debaryomyces hansenii restored the wild phenotype of the corresponding mutants, i.e., the ability to overproduce riboflavin under iron limitation. The Staphylococcus aureus ble gene conferring resistance to phleomycin was used successfully in the study as a dominant selection marker for C. famata. The results obtained indicate that insertional mutagenesis is a powerful tool for tagging genes in C. famata.

Cloning and characterization of the gene as a selectable marker

We describe the isolation and characterization of a new biosynthetic gene, MET2, from the methylotrophic yeast Pichia pastoris. The predicted product of PpMET2 is significantly similar to its Saccharomyces cerevisiae counterpart, ScMET2, which encodes homoserine-O-transacetylase. The ScMET2 was able to complement the P. pastoris met2 strain; however, the converse was not true. Expression vectors based on PpMET2 for the intracellular and secreted production of foreign proteins and corresponding auxotrophic strains were constructed and tested for use in heterologous expression. The expression vectors and corresponding strains provide greater flexibility when using P. pastoris for recombinant protein expression.

Genome-wide analysis of the L-methionine biosynthetic pathway in Corynebacterium glutamicum by targeted gene deletion and homologous complementation

The genome sequence of Corynebacterium glutamicum, a gram-positive soil bacterium widely used as an amino acid producer, was analyzed by a similarity-based approach to elucidate the pathway for the biosynthesis of L-methionine. The functions of candidate ORFs were derived by gene deletion and, if necessary, by homologous complementation of suitable mutants. Of nine candidate ORFs (four of which were known previously), seven ORFs (cg0754 (metX), cg0755 (metY), cg1290 (metE), cg1702 (metH), cg2383 (metF), cg2536 (aecD), and cg2687 (metB)) were demonstrated to be part of the pathway while two others (cg0961 and cg3086) could be excluded. C. glutamicum synthesizes methionine in three, respectively four steps, starting from homoserine. C. glutamicum possesses two genes with similarity to homoserine acetyltransferases but only MetX can act as such while Cg0961 catalyzes a different, unknown reaction. For the incorporation of the sulfur moiety, the known functions of MetY and MetB could be confirmed and AecD was proven to be the only functional cystathionine beta-lyase in C. glutamicum, while Cg3086 can act neither as cystathionine gamma-synthase nor as cystathionine beta-lyase. Finally, MetE and MetH, which catalyze the conversion of L-homocysteine to L-methionine, could be newly identified, together with MetF which provides the necessary N(5)-methyltetrahydrofolate.

Analysis of the methionine biosynthetic pathway in the extremely thermophilic eubacterium Thermus thermophilus

Four DNA fragments that could rescue the mutations of four Met- mutants were cloned from Thermus thermophilus HB27 and their complete nucleotide sequences were determined. Two of the four fragments respectively contained the greater parts of the metF and metH genes, the predicted amino acid sequences of which showed identities of 30.8% and 32.7% with 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (EC 1.7.99.5) and vitamin B12-dependent homocysteine transmethylase (EC 2.1.1.13) of Escherichia coli. The other two DNA fragments, which overlapped one another, contained two open reading frames whose predicted amino acid sequences were respectively similar to those of O-acetylhomoserine sulfhydrylase (EC 4.2.99.10, the product of the MET17 gene) and homoserine O-acetyltransferase (EC 2.3.1.31, the product of the MET2 gene) of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The metF, metH, MET2, and MET17 genes of T. thermophilus were disrupted by introducing the heat-stable kanamycin nucleotidyltransferase gene into the genome. Each transformant showed methionine auxotrophy. Both the MET2- and MET17-disrupted mutants could grow in a minimal medium containing homocysteine but not in the same medium containing succinylhomoserine or cystathionine. In contrast, the metF- and metH-disrupted mutants could not grow in the minimal medium containing homocysteine. These results suggest that in T. thermophilus, homoserine is directly converted to homocysteine via O-acetylhomoserine and that homocysteine is methylated to synthesize methionine.

Disruption of TRI101, the gene encoding trichothecene 3-O-acetyltransferase, from Fusarium sporotrichioides

We screened a Fusarium sporotrichioides NRRL 3299 cDNA expression library in a toxin-sensitive Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain lacking a functional PDR5 gene. Fourteen yeast transformants were identified as resistant to the trichothecene 4,15-diacetoxyscirpenol, and each carried a cDNA encoding the trichothecene 3-O-acetyltransferase that is the F. sporotrichioides homolog of the Fusarium graminearum TRI101 gene. Mutants of F. sporotrichioides NRRL 3299 produced by disruption of TRI101 were altered in their abilities to synthesize T-2 toxin and accumulated isotrichodermol and small amounts of 3, 15-didecalonectrin and 3-decalonectrin, trichothecenes that are not observed in cultures of the parent strain. Our results indicate that TRI101 converts isotrichodermol to isotrichodermin and is required for the biosynthesis of T-2 toxin.

New hybrids between Saccharomyces sensu stricto yeast species found among wine and cider production strains

Two yeast isolates, a wine-making yeast first identified as a Mel+ strain (ex. S. uvarum) and a cider-making yeast, were characterized for their nuclear and mitochondrial genomes. Electrophoretic karyotyping analyses, restriction fragment length polymorphism maps of PCR-amplified MET2 gene fragments, and the sequence analysis of a part of the two MET2 gene alleles found support the notion that these two strains constitute hybrids between Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Saccharomyces bayanus. The two hybrid strains had completely different restriction patterns of mitochondrial DNA as well as different sequences of the OLI1 gene. The sequence of the OLI1 gene from the wine hybrid strain appeared to be the same as that of the S. cerevisiae gene, whereas the OLI1 gene of the cider hybrid strain is equally divergent from both putative parents, S. bayanus and S. cerevisiae. Some fermentative properties were also examined, and one phenotype was found to reflect the hybrid nature of these two strains. The origin and nature of such hybridization events are discussed.

Direct sulfhydrylation for methionine biosynthesis in Leptospira meyeri

A gene library of the Leptospira meyeri serovar semaranga strain Veldrat S.173 DNA has been constructed in a mobilizable cosmid with inserts of up to 40 kb. It was demonstrated that a Leptospira DNA fragment carrying metY complemented Escherichia coli strains carrying mutations in metB. The latter gene encodes cystathionine gamma-synthase, an enzyme which catalyzes the second step of the methionine biosynthetic pathway. The metY gene is 1,304 bp long and encodes a 443-amino-acid protein with a molecular mass of 45 kDa as determined by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The deduced amino acid sequence of the Leptospira metY product has a high degree of similarity to those of O-acetylhomoserine sulfhydrylases from Aspergillus nidulans and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. A lower degree of sequence similarity was also found with bacterial cystathionine gamma-synthase. The L. meyeri metY gene was overexpressed under the control of the T7 promoter. MetY exhibits an O-acetylhomoserine sulfhydrylase activity. Genetic, enzymatic, and physiological studies reveal that the transsulfuration pathway via cystathionine does not exist in L. meyeri, in contrast to the situation found for fungi and some bacteria. Our results indicate, therefore, that the L. meyeri MetY enzyme is able to perform direct sulfhydrylation for methionine biosynthesis by using O-acetylhomoserine as a substrate.

Metabolism of sulfur amino acids in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Sulfur amino acid biosynthesis in Saccharomyces cerevisiae involves a large number of enzymes required for the de novo biosynthesis of methionine and cysteine and the recycling of organic sulfur metabolites. This review summarizes the details of these processes and analyzes the molecular data which have been acquired in this metabolic area. Sulfur biochemistry appears not to be unique through terrestrial life, and S. cerevisiae is one of the species of sulfate-assimilatory organisms possessing a larger set of enzymes for sulfur metabolism. The review also deals with several enzyme deficiencies that lead to a nutritional requirement for organic sulfur, although they do not correspond to defects within the biosynthetic pathway. In S. cerevisiae, the sulfur amino acid biosynthetic pathway is tightly controlled: in response to an increase in the amount of intracellular S-adenosylmethionine (AdoMet), transcription of the coregulated genes is turned off. The second part of the review is devoted to the molecular mechanisms underlying this regulation. The coordinated response to AdoMet requires two cis-acting promoter elements. One centers on the sequence TCACGTG, which also constitutes a component of all S. cerevisiae centromeres. Situated upstream of the sulfur genes, this element is the binding site of a transcription activation complex consisting of a basic helix-loop-helix factor, Cbf1p, and two basic leucine zipper factors, Met4p and Met28p. Molecular studies have unraveled the specific functions for each subunit of the Cbf1p-Met4p-Met28p complex as well as the modalities of its assembly on the DNA. The Cbf1p-Met4p-Met28p complex contains only one transcription activation module, the Met4p subunit. Detailed mutational analysis of Met4p has elucidated its functional organization. In addition to its activation and bZIP domains, Met4p contains two regulatory domains, called the inhibitory region and the auxiliary domain. When the level of intracellular AdoMet increases, the transcription activation function of Met4 is prevented by Met30p, which binds to the Met4 inhibitory region. In addition to the Cbf1p-Met4p-Met28p complex, transcriptional regulation involves two zinc finger-containing proteins, Met31p and Met32p. The AdoMet-mediated control of the sulfur amino acid pathway illustrates the molecular strategies used by eucaryotic cells to couple gene expression to metabolic changes.

Homoserine O-acetyltransferase, involved in the Leptospira meyeri methionine biosynthetic pathway, is not feedback inhibited

The Leptospira meyeri serovar semaranga metX gene was identified by complementation of an Escherichia coli metA mutant, i.e., devoid of homoserine O-succinyltransferase. However, the MetX protein exhibited a homoserine O-acetyltransferase activity in agreement with its similarity to homoserine O-acetyltransferases. Reverse transcription-PCR analysis demonstrated that metX is the second gene of an operon.

Inactivation of MET10 in brewer's yeast specifically increases SO2 formation during beer production

Sulfite is widely used as an antioxidant in food production. In beer brewing, sulfite has the additional role of stabilizing the flavor by forming adducts with aldehydes. Inadequate amounts of sulfite are sometimes produced by brewer's yeasts, so means of controlling the sulfite production are desired. In Saccharomyces yeasts, MET10 encodes a subunit of sulfite reductase. Partial or full elimination of MET10 gene activity in a brewer's yeast resulted in increased sulfite accumulation. Beer produced with such yeasts was quite satisfactory and showed increased flavor stability.

Inactivation of MET2 in brewer's yeast increases the level of sulfite in beer

Brewer's yeasts sometimes produce inadequate or excessive amounts of sulfite, an antioxidant and flavour stabilizer, so means of controlling the sulfite production are desired. Understanding the physiology and regulation of the sulfur assimilation pathway of Saccharomyces yeasts is the key to change sulfite production. The MET2 gene of Saccharomyces yeasts encodes homoserine O-acetyl transferase, which catalyzes the conversion of homoserine to O-acetyl homoserine which in turn combines with hydrogen sulfide to form homocysteine, the immediate precursor of methionine. We expected that inactivation of MET2 would lead to accumulation of sulfide and derepression of the entire sulfur assimilation pathway and, therefore, possibly also to sulfite accumulation. Brewer's yeasts were constructed in which several of the four MET2 gene copies were inactivated. Sulfite production was increased in strains with one remaining MET2 gene and even more so when no active MET2 was present. In both cases, hydrogen sulfide production was also increased. To the extent that excess sulfide can be removed, this strategy may be applied to control sulfite accumulation by brewer's yeast in beer production.

Isolation and characterization of Tri3, a gene encoding 15-O-acetyltransferase from Fusarium sporotrichioides

An acetyltransferase gene (Tri3) was isolated from Fusarium sporotrichioides by complementation of a previously identified Tri3- mutant and shown to be closely linked to three other trichothecene biosynthetic pathway genes. Comparison of the Tri3 sequence with its cDNA revealed the presence of four introns. The Tri3 cDNA contains a 1,539-bp open reading frame that encodes a protein with a molecular mass of 57,418 Da. Regulation of Tri3 transcription in liquid cultures appeared identical to that of other trichothecene pathway genes. Disruption of the Tri3 gene resulted in the accumulation of deacetylated calonectrins rather than T-2 toxin. The results of whole-cell feeding experiments with Tri3- strains suggested that 15-O-acetylation is blocked. Cell-free feeding experiments confirmed that Tri3- strains are able to acetylate a trichothecene C-3 hydroxyl group but are unable to acetylate a trichothecene C-15 hydroxyl group. Our results show that Tri3 encodes an acetyltransferase that converts 15-decalonectrin to calonectrin.

Two divergent MET10 genes, one from Saccharomyces cerevisiae and one from Saccharomyces carlsbergensis, encode the alpha subunit of sulfite reductase and specify potential binding sites for FAD and NADPH

The yeast assimilatory sulfate reductase is a complex enzyme that is responsible for conversion of sulfite into sulfide. To obtain information on the nature of this enzyme, we isolated and sequenced the MET10 gene of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and a divergent MET10 allele from Saccharomyces carlsbergensis. The polypeptides deduced from the identically sized open reading frames (1,035 amino acids) of both MET10 genes have molecular masses of around 115 kDa and are 88% identical to each other. The transcript of S. cerevisiae MET10 has a size comparable to that of the open reading frame and is transcriptionally repressed by methionine in a way similar to that seen for other MET genes of S. cerevisiae. Distinct homology was found between the putative MET10-encoded polypeptide and flavin-interacting parts of the sulfite reductase flavoprotein subunit (encoded by cysJ) from Escherichia coli and several other flavoproteins. A significant N-terminal homology to pyruvate flavodoxin oxidoreductase (encoded by nifJ) from Klebsiella pneumoniae, together with a lack of obvious flavin mononucleotide-binding motifs in the MET10 deduced amino acid sequence, suggests that the yeast assimilatory sulfite reductase is a distinct type of sulfite reductase.

Defining the sequence specificity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae DNA binding protein REB1p by selecting binding sites from random-sequence oligonucleotides

We have used a random selection protocol to define the consensus and range of binding sites for the Saccharomyces cerevisiae REB1 protein. Thirty-five elements were sequenced which bound specifically to a GST-REB1p fusion protein coupled to glutathione-Sepharose under conditions in which more than 99.9% of the random sequences were not retained. Twenty-two of the elements contained the core sequence CGGGTRR, with all but one of the remaining elements containing only one deviation from the core. Of the core sequence, the only residues that were absolutely conserved were the three consecutive G residues. Statistical analysis of a nucleotide-use matrix suggested that the REB1p binding site also extends into flanking sequences with the optimal sequence for REB1p binding being GNGCCGGGGTAACNC. There was a positive correlation between the ability of the sites to bind in vitro and activate transcription in vivo; however, the presence of non-conformants suggests that the binding site may contribute more to transcriptional activation than simply allowing protein binding. Interestingly, one of the REB1p binding elements had a DNAse 1 footprint appreciably longer than other elements with similar affinity. Analysis of its sequence indicated the potential for a second REB1p binding site on the opposite strand. This suggests that two closely positioned low-affinity sites can function together as a highly active site. In addition, database searches with some of the randomly defined REB1p binding sites suggest that related elements are commonly found within 'TATA-less' promoters.

Saccharomyces carlsbergensis contains two functional MET2 alleles similar to homologues from S. cerevisiae and S. monacensis

The brewing yeast, Saccharomyces, carlsbergensis, is allopolyploid, derived from two diverged genomes. To obtain information about the possible origin of this yeast, we cloned two different S. carlsbergensis MET2 genes (encoding homoserine acetyltransferase). One has a nucleotide (nt) sequence identical or very similar to MET2 of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The other has a different sequence, but was functional in S. cerevisiae. This allele was sequenced and revealed a coding region of 486 amino acids (aa). The nt sequence of the coding region showed 82% homology to S. cerevisiae MET2, while the derived aa sequences were 94% identical. Hybridization experiments to genomic DNA of different yeast strains revealed that the divergent MET2 gene had higher sequence homology to segments from type strains of S. monacensis, S. bayanus and S. uvarum than to MET2 from S. cerevisiae. Sequencing of 330 bp of a PCR-amplified fragment of MET2 from these organisms shows that the non-S. cerevisiae-like sequence from S. carlsbergensis is identical to the corresponding sequence in S. monacensis, while it is 93% homologous with S. bayanus and S. uvarum. Our results are consistent with the proposal that S. carlsbergensis originated as a hybrid between S. monacensis and S. cerevisiae. The complete identity of the MET2 fragments from S. monacensis and the S. carlsbergensis-specific MET2 allele suggests that the hybridization must have been a quite recent event.

Nature and distribution of chromosomal intertwinings in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

To elucidate yeast chromosome structure and behavior, we examined the breakage of entangled chromosomes in DNA topoisomerase II mutants by hybridization to chromosomal DNA resolved by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. Our study reveals that large and small chromosomes differ in the nature and distribution of their intertwinings. Probes to large chromosomes (450 kb or larger) detect chromosome breakage, but probes to small chromosomes (380 kb or smaller) reveal no breakage products. Examination of chromosomes with one small arm and one large arm suggests that the two arms behave independently. The acrocentric chromosome XIV breaks only on the long arm, and its preferred region of breakage is approximately 200 kb from the centromere. When the centromere of chromosome XIV is relocated, the preferred region of breakage shifts accordingly. These results suggest that large chromosomes break because they have long arms and small chromosomes do not break because they have small arms. Indeed, a small metacentric chromosome can be made to break if it is rearranged to form a telocentric chromosome with one long arm or a ring with an "infinitely" long arm. These results suggest a model of chromosomal intertwining in which the length of the chromosome arm prevents intertwinings from passively resolving off the end of the arm during chromosome segregation.

Nature and distribution of chromosomal intertwinings in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

To elucidate yeast chromosome structure and behavior, we examined the breakage of entangled chromosomes in DNA topoisomerase II mutants by hybridization to chromosomal DNA resolved by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. Our study reveals that large and small chromosomes differ in the nature and distribution of their intertwinings. Probes to large chromosomes (450 kb or larger) detect chromosome breakage, but probes to small chromosomes (380 kb or smaller) reveal no breakage products. Examination of chromosomes with one small arm and one large arm suggests that the two arms behave independently. The acrocentric chromosome XIV breaks only on the long arm, and its preferred region of breakage is approximately 200 kb from the centromere. When the centromere of chromosome XIV is relocated, the preferred region of breakage shifts accordingly. These results suggest that large chromosomes break because they have long arms and small chromosomes do not break because they have small arms. Indeed, a small metacentric chromosome can be made to break if it is rearranged to form a telocentric chromosome with one long arm or a ring with an "infinitely" long arm. These results suggest a model of chromosomal intertwining in which the length of the chromosome arm prevents intertwinings from passively resolving off the end of the arm during chromosome segregation.

A library of yeast genomic MCM1 binding sites contains genes involved in cell cycle control, cell wall and membrane structure, and metabolism

The Saccharomyces cerevisiae MCM1 protein, which is essential for viability, participates in both transcription activation and repression as well as DNA replication. However, neither the full network of genes at which MCM1 acts nor whether MCM1 itself mediates a regulatory response is known. Thus far, sites of MCM1 action have been identified by chance during analysis of particular genes. To identify a more complete set of genes on which MCM1 acts, we isolated a library of yeast genomic sequences to which MCM1 binds and then identified known genes within this library. Fragments of genomic DNA, bound to bacterially expressed MCM1 protein, were collected on a nitrocellulose filter, cloned, and analyzed. This selected library contains a large number of genes. As expected, it is enriched for strong MCM1 binding sites and contains cell-type-specific genes known to require MCM1. In addition, it also includes sequences upstream (or near the 5' end) of a number of identified yeast genes that have not yet been shown to be controlled by MCM1. These include genes whose products are involved in (i) the control of cell cycle progression (CLN3, CLB2, and FAR1), (ii) synthesis and maintenance of cell wall or cell membrane structures (PMA1, PIS1, DIT1,2, and GFA1), (iii) cellular metabolism (PCK1, MET2, and CCP1), and (iv) production of a secreted glycoprotein which is heat shock inducible (HSP150). The previously unidentified MCM1 binding site in the essential PMA1 gene is required for expression of a PMA1:lacZ fusion gene, providing evidence that one site is functionally important. We speculate that MCM1 coordinates decisions about cell cycle progression with changes in cell wall integrity and metabolic activity. The presence in the library of three genes involved in cell cycle progression reinforces the idea that one of the functions of MCM1 is indeed analogous to that of the mammalian serum response factor.

A library of yeast genomic MCM1 binding sites contains genes involved in cell cycle control, cell wall and membrane structure, and metabolism

The Saccharomyces cerevisiae MCM1 protein, which is essential for viability, participates in both transcription activation and repression as well as DNA replication. However, neither the full network of genes at which MCM1 acts nor whether MCM1 itself mediates a regulatory response is known. Thus far, sites of MCM1 action have been identified by chance during analysis of particular genes. To identify a more complete set of genes on which MCM1 acts, we isolated a library of yeast genomic sequences to which MCM1 binds and then identified known genes within this library. Fragments of genomic DNA, bound to bacterially expressed MCM1 protein, were collected on a nitrocellulose filter, cloned, and analyzed. This selected library contains a large number of genes. As expected, it is enriched for strong MCM1 binding sites and contains cell-type-specific genes known to require MCM1. In addition, it also includes sequences upstream (or near the 5' end) of a number of identified yeast genes that have not yet been shown to be controlled by MCM1. These include genes whose products are involved in (i) the control of cell cycle progression (CLN3, CLB2, and FAR1), (ii) synthesis and maintenance of cell wall or cell membrane structures (PMA1, PIS1, DIT1,2, and GFA1), (iii) cellular metabolism (PCK1, MET2, and CCP1), and (iv) production of a secreted glycoprotein which is heat shock inducible (HSP150). The previously unidentified MCM1 binding site in the essential PMA1 gene is required for expression of a PMA1:lacZ fusion gene, providing evidence that one site is functionally important. We speculate that MCM1 coordinates decisions about cell cycle progression with changes in cell wall integrity and metabolic activity. The presence in the library of three genes involved in cell cycle progression reinforces the idea that one of the functions of MCM1 is indeed analogous to that of the mammalian serum response factor.

Cloning and characterization of the CYS3 (CYI1) gene of Saccharomyces cerevisiae

A DNA fragment containing the Saccharomyces cerevisiae CYS3 (CYI1) gene was cloned. The clone had a single open reading frame of 1,182 bp (394 amino acid residues). By comparison of the deduced amino acid sequence with the N-terminal amino acid sequence of cystathionine gamma-lyase, CYS3 (CYI1) was concluded to be the structural gene for this enzyme. In addition, the deduced sequence showed homology with the following enzymes: rat cystathionine gamma-lyase (41%), Escherichia coli cystathionine gamma-synthase (36%), and cystathionine beta-lyase (25%). The N-terminal half of it was homologous (39%) with the N-terminal half of S. cerevisiae O-acetylserine and O-acetylhomoserine sulfhydrylase. The cloned CYS3 (CYI1) gene marginally complemented the E. coli metB mutation (cystathionine gamma-synthase deficiency) and conferred cystathionine gamma-synthase activity as well as cystathionine gamma-lyase activity to E. coli; cystathionine gamma-synthase activity was detected when O-succinylhomoserine but not O-acetylhomoserine was used as substrate. We therefore conclude that S. cerevisiae cystathionine gamma-lyase and E. coli cystathionine gamma-synthase are homologous in both structure and in vitro function and propose that their different in vivo functions are due to the unavailability of O-succinylhomoserine in S. cerevisiae and the scarceness of cystathionine in E. coli.

The cefG gene of Cephalosporium acremonium is linked to the cefEF gene and encodes a deacetylcephalosporin C acetyltransferase closely related to homoserine O-acetyltransferase

The gene (cefG) encoding the acetyl coenzyme A:deacetylcephalosporin C acetyltransferase of Cephalosporium acremonium (synonym Acremonium chrysogenum) C10 has been cloned. It contains two introns and encodes a protein of 444 amino acids with an M(r) of 49,269 that correlates well with the M(r) deduced by gel filtration. The cefG gene is linked to the cefEF gene (encoding the bifunctional deacetoxycephalosporin C synthase/hydroxylase), but it is expressed in an orientation opposite that of the cefEF gene. Two transcripts of 1.2 and 1.4 kb were found in C. acremonium that correspond to the cefEF and cefG genes, respectively; the degree of expression of the cefG gene was clearly lower than that of the cefEF gene in 48-h cultures. The cloned cefG complemented the deficiency of deacetylcephalosporin acetyltransferase in the nonproducer mutant C. acremonium ATCC 20371 and restored cephalosporin biosynthesis in this strain. Heterologous expression of the cefG genes took place in Penicillium chrysogenum. The deacetylcephalosporin acetyltransferase showed a much higher degree of homology with the O-acetylhomoserine acetyltransferases of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Ascobolus immersus than with other O-acetyltransferases. The cefEF-cefG cluster of genes encodes the enzymes that carry out the three late steps of the cephalosporin biosynthetic pathway and is not linked to the pcbAB-pcbC gene cluster that encodes the first two steps of the pathway.

Molecular cloning of acetyl coenzyme A: deacetylcephalosporin C o-acetyltransferase cDNA from Acremonium chrysogenum: sequence and expression of catalytic activity in yeast

Acetyl CoA: deacetylcephalosporin C o-acetyltransferase(DCPC-ATF) catalyses the final step in the biosynthesis of cephalosporin C, the conversion of deacetylcephalosporin C to cephalosporin C. A cDNA encoding DCPC-ATF has been isolated from a cDNA library of a cephalosporin C producing fungus Acremonium chrysogenum using oligonucleotide probes based on N-terminal amino acid sequences of the enzyme. The cDNA contains a single large open reading frame for a putative precursor consisting of 12 amino acid(AA) leader peptide of unknown function, 274 AA large subunit and 126 AA small subunit at the carboxyl end. The cDNA was expressed in yeast exhibiting a functional DCPC-ATF activity. It was also indicated that the leader peptide was not essential for expression of the enzyme activity. The primary structure of DCPC-ATF shows significant homology with those of acetyl CoA: homoserine o-acetyltransferase in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Ascobolas immersus.

Cloning, nucleotide sequence, and regulation of MET14, the gene encoding the APS kinase of Saccharomyces cerevisiae

The MET14 gene of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, encoding APS kinase (ATP:adenylylsulfate-3'-phosphotransferase, EC 2.7.1.25), has been cloned. The nucleotide sequence predicts a protein of 202 amino acids with a molecular mass of 23,060 dalton. Translational fusions of MET14 with the beta-galactosidase gene (lacZ) of Escherichia coli confirmed the results of primer extension and Northern blot analyses indicating that the ca. 0.7 kb mRNA is transcriptionally repressed by the presence of methionine in the growth medium. By primer extension the MET14 transcripts were found to start between positions -25 and -45 upstream of the initiator codon. Located upstream of the MET14 gene is a perfect match (positions -222 to -229) with the previously proposed methionine-specific upstream activating sequence (UASMet). This is the same as the consensus sequence of the Centromere DNA Element I (CDEI) that binds the Centromere Promoter Factor I (CPFI) and of two regulatory elements of the PHO5 gene to which the yeast protein PHO4 binds. The human oncogenic protein c-Myc also has the same recognition sequence. Furthermore, in the 270 bp upstream of the MET14 coding region there are several matches with a methionine-specific upstream negative (URSMet) control element. The significance of these sequences was investigated using different upstream deletion mutations of the MET14 gene which were fused to the lacZ gene of E. coli and chromosomally integrated. We find that the methionine-specific UASMet and one of the URSMet lie in regions necessary for strong activation and weak repression of MET14 transcription, respectively. We propose that both types of control are exerted on MET14.

Posttranscriptional regulation of the expression of MET2 gene of Saccharomyces cerevisiae

The first step of the specific pathway for methionine biosynthesis in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae is catalyzed by the enzyme L-homoserine-O-acetyltransferase (HSTase) (EC 2.3.1.31), encoded by the MET2 gene. In order to ascertain whether there is a posttranscriptional control on the MET2 gene expression, as suggested by previous results on the expression of the cloned gene, systems for high inducible expression of MET2 gene were constructed. In these constructs the MET2 gene was cloned in yeast expression vectors under the control of an inducible yeast GAL promoter element so that the MET2 was transcribed at very high levels under induced conditions. Measurements of the specific mRNA levels showed a strong stimulation of MET2 gene transcription in yeast transformants grown on galactose as carbon source, corresponding to 50-100-fold the repressed conditions, while only a 2-fold increase of the enzymatic activity was observed. In addition, no evidence of a strong induced polypeptide of appropriate size on two dimensional gel electrophoresis was obtained. To understand the functional role of the non-coding 5' region of MET2 mRNA, we performed either a partial and a complete deletion of the 5' leader sequence, but even with these constructs an elevated mRNA level was not associated to a marked increase of the HSTase activity. These data support the idea of a posttranscriptional regulation of MET2 gene expression and show that the untranslated region of the specific mRNA is not involved in this regulatory mechanism.

Elements involved in S-adenosylmethionine-mediated regulation of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae MET25 gene

In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the MET25 gene encodes O-acetylhomoserine sulfhydrylase. Synthesis of this enzyme is repressed by the presence of S-adenosylmethionine (AdoMet) in the growth medium. We identified cis elements required for MET25 expression by analyzing small deletions in the MET25 promoter region. The results revealed a regulatory region, acting as an upstream activation site, that activated transcription of MET25 in the absence of methionine or AdoMet. We found that, for the most part, repression of MET25 expression was due to a lack of activation at this site, reinforced by an independent repression mechanism. The activation region contained a repeated dyad sequence that is also found in the promoter regions of other unlinked but coordinately regulated genes (MET3, MET2, and SAM2). We show that the presence of the two dyads is necessary for maximal gene expression. Moreover, we demonstrate that in addition to this transcriptional regulation, a posttranscriptional regulation, probably targeted at the 5' region of mRNA, is involved in MET25 expression.

Roles of O-acetyl-L-homoserine sulfhydrylases in micro-organisms

O-Acetyl-L-homoserine sulfhydrylase (EC 4.2.99.10) is essential for certain micro-organisms, functioning as a homocysteine synthase in the pathway of methionine synthesis. It participates in an alternative pathway of L-homocysteine synthesis for those microbes in which homocysteine is synthesized mainly via cystathionine. The protein can also catalyze the de novo synthesis of L-cysteine and O-alkyl-L-homoserine in some microorganisms. The enzyme possibly recycles the methylthio group of methionine.

Elements involved in S-adenosylmethionine-mediated regulation of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae MET25 gene

In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the MET25 gene encodes O-acetylhomoserine sulfhydrylase. Synthesis of this enzyme is repressed by the presence of S-adenosylmethionine (AdoMet) in the growth medium. We identified cis elements required for MET25 expression by analyzing small deletions in the MET25 promoter region. The results revealed a regulatory region, acting as an upstream activation site, that activated transcription of MET25 in the absence of methionine or AdoMet. We found that, for the most part, repression of MET25 expression was due to a lack of activation at this site, reinforced by an independent repression mechanism. The activation region contained a repeated dyad sequence that is also found in the promoter regions of other unlinked but coordinately regulated genes (MET3, MET2, and SAM2). We show that the presence of the two dyads is necessary for maximal gene expression. Moreover, we demonstrate that in addition to this transcriptional regulation, a posttranscriptional regulation, probably targeted at the 5' region of mRNA, is involved in MET25 expression.

Structure of the HOM2 gene of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and regulation of its expression

In Saccharomyces cerevisiae the HOM2 gene encodes aspartic semi-aldehyde dehydrogenase (ASA DH). The synthesis of this enzyme had been shown to be derepressed by growth in the presence of high concentrations of methionine. In the present work we have cloned and sequenced the HOM2 gene and found that the promoter region of this gene bears one copy of the consensus sequence for general control of amino acid synthesis. This prompted us to study the regulation of the expression of the HOM2 gene. We have found that ASA DH is the first reported enzyme of the related threonine and methionine pathway to be regulated by the general control of amino acid synthesis.

Molecular cloning and characterization of the met2 gene from Ascobolus immersus

We have cloned the met2 gene from Ascobolus immersus by heterologous hybridization with the MET2 gene of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. This gene codes for the homoserine O-transacetylase, one of the methionine biosynthetic enzymes. The complete nucleotide sequence of a 2910-bp DNA fragment carrying the met2 gene has been determined. The gene contains a 165-bp intron which is similar in structure to other fungal introns. The deduced amino acid (aa) sequence (518 aa residues; Mr of 57726) shows three domains with a significant level of homology with the corresponding yeast protein. Northern-blot analysis reveals at least two transcripts (2.4 and 2.1 kb) probably due to transcription termination heterogeneity, as suggested by S1-mapping experiments. Polymorphism has been observed in the met2 gene flanking regions of Ascobolus strains from two different stocks.

The Saccharomyces cerevisiae MET3 gene: nucleotide sequence and relationship of the 5' non-coding region to that of MET25

In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the expression of several genes implicated in methionine biosynthesis is co-regulated by a specific negative control. To elucidate the molecular basis of this regulation, we have cloned two of these genes, MET3 and MET25. The sequence of MET25 has already been determined (Kerjan et al. 1986). Here, we report the nucleotide sequence of the MET3 gene along with its 5' and 3' flanking regions. Plasmids bearing different deletions upstream of the transcribed region of MET3 were constructed. They were introduced into yeast cells and tested for their ability to complement met3 mutations and to respond to regulation by exogenous methionine. The regulatory region was located within a 100 bp region. The sequence of this regulatory region was compared with that of MET25. A short common sequence which occurs 250-280 bp upstream of the translation initiation codon of the gene was found. This sequence is a good candidate for the cis-acting regulatory element.

Sequence and structural features associated with translational initiator regions in yeast--a review

We have compared the translational initiator regions of 131 yeast genes. 95% utilize the first AUG from the 5' end of the message as the start codon for translation. Yeast leader regions in general are rich in adenine nucleotides (nt), have an average length of 52 nt, and are void of significant secondary structure. Sequences immediately adjacent to AUG start codons are preferred, however, the bias in nucleotide distribution (5'-A-YAA-UAAUGUCU-3') does not reflect a higher eukaryotic consensus (5'-CACCAUGG-3') with the exception of an adenine nucleotide preference at the -3 position. A minority of yeast mRNAs that contain AUG codons in the leader region that do not serve as the start codon for the primary gene product differ from the majority of mRNAs by one or more of these general properties. This analysis appears to indicate that basic features associated with yeast leader regions are consistent with a general mechanism of initiation of protein synthesis in eukaryotes, as proposed by the ribosomal 'scanning' model, but perhaps only basic features associated with ribosomal recognition of an AUG start codon are intact.