Population analysis of the deinduction kinetics of galactose long-term adaptation mutants of yeast

Ongoing resolution of duplicate gene functions shapes the diversification of a metabolic network

The evolutionary mechanisms leading to duplicate gene retention are well understood, but the long-term impacts of paralog differentiation on the regulation of metabolism remain underappreciated. Here we experimentally dissect the functions of two pairs of ancient paralogs of the GALactose sugar utilization network in two yeast species. We show that the Saccharomyces uvarum network is more active, even as over-induction is prevented by a second co-repressor that the model yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae lacks. Surprisingly, removal of this repression system leads to a strong growth arrest, likely due to overly rapid galactose catabolism and metabolic overload. Alternative sugars, such as fructose, circumvent metabolic control systems and exacerbate this phenotype. We further show that S. cerevisiae experiences homologous metabolic constraints that are subtler due to how the paralogs have diversified. These results show how the functional differentiation of paralogs continues to shape regulatory network architectures and metabolic strategies long after initial preservation.

Stochastic galactokinase expression underlies GAL gene induction in a GAL3 mutant of Saccharomyces cerevisiae

GAL1 and GAL3 are paralogous signal transducers that functionally inactivate Gal80p to activate the Gal4p-dependent transcriptional activation of GAL genes in Saccharomyces cerevisiae in response to galactose. Unlike a wild-type strain, the gal3∆ strain shows delayed growth kinetics as a result of the signaling function of GAL1. The mechanism ensuring that GAL1 is eventually expressed to turn on the GAL switch in the gal3∆ strain remains a paradox. Using galactose and histidine growth complementation assays, we demonstrate that 0.3% of the gal3∆ cell population responds to galactose. This is corroborated by flow cytometry and microscopic analysis. The galactose responders and nonresponders isolated from the galactose-adapted population attain the original bimodal state and this phenotype is found to be as hard wired as a genetic trait. Computational analysis suggests that the log-normal distribution in GAL4 synthesis can lead to bimodal expression of GAL80, resulting in the bimodal expression of GAL genes. Heterozygosity at the GAL80 but not at the GAL1, GAL2 or GAL4 locus alters the extent of bimodality of the gal3∆ cell population. We suggest that the asymmetric expression pattern between GAL1 and GAL3 results in the ability of S. cerevisiae to activate the GAL pathway by conferring nongenetic heterogeneity.

A yeast catabolic enzyme controls transcriptional memory

It has been postulated that chromatin modifications can persist through mitosis and meiosis, thereby securing memory of transcriptional states. Whether these chromatin marks can self-propagate in progeny independently of relevant trans-acting factors is an important question in phenomena related to epigenesis. "Adaptive cellular memory" displayed by yeast cells offers a convenient system to address this question. The yeast GAL genes are slowly activated by Gal4 when cells are first exposed to galactose, but their progeny, grown in glucose media, exhibit a fast activation mode upon re-exposure to this sugar. This "galactose memory" persists for several generations and was recently proposed to involve chromatin modifications and perinuclear topology of the GAL genes cluster. Here, we perform a heterokaryon assay demonstrating that this memory does not have a chromatin basis but is maintained by cytoplasmic factor(s) produced upon previous galactose induction. We show that Gal3, the cytoplasmic rate-limiting factor that releases the Gal4 activator, is dispensable for preserving galactose memory. Instead, the important memory determinant is a close Gal3 homolog, the highly expressed Gal1 galactokinase, the residual activity of which preserves memory in progeny cells by rapidly turning on the Gal4 activator upon cells' re-exposure to galactose.

Molecular characterization of MRG19 of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Implication in the regulation of galactose and nonfermentable carbon source utilization

We have reported previously that multiple copies of MRG19 suppress GAL genes in a wild-type but not in a gal80 strain of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. In this report we show that disruption of MRG19 leads to a decrease in GAL induction when S. cerevisiae is induced with 0.02% but not with 2.0% galactose. Disruption of MRG19 in a gal3 background (this strain shows long-term adaptation phenotype) further delays the GAL induction, supporting the notion that its function is important only under low inducing signals. As a corollary, disruption of MRG19 in a gal80 strain did not decrease the constitutive expression of GAL genes. These results suggest that MRG19 has a role in GAL regulation only when the induction signal is weak. Unlike the effect on GAL gene expression, disruption of MRG19 leads to de-repression of CYC1-driven beta-galactosidase activity. MRG19 disruptant also showed a twofold increase in the rate of oxygen uptake as compared with the wild-type strain. ADH2, CTA1, DLD1, and CYC7 promoters that are active during nonfermentative growth did not show any de-repression of beta-galactosidase activity in the MRG19 disruptant. Western blot analysis indicated that MRG19 is a glucose repressible gene and is expressed in galactose and glycerol plus lactate. Experiments using green fluorescent protein fusion constructs indicate that Mrg19p is localized in the nucleus consistent with the presence of a consensus nuclear localization signal sequence. Based on the above results, we propose that Mrg19p is a regulator of galactose and nonfermentable carbon utilization.

Transcriptional control of the GAL/MEL regulon of yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae: mechanism of galactose-mediated signal transduction

In the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the interplay between Gal3p, Gal80p and Gal4p determines the transcriptional status of the genes needed for galactose utilization. The interaction between Gal80p and Gal4p has been studied in great detail; however, our understanding of the mechanism of Gal3p in transducing the signal from galactose to Gal4p has only begun to emerge recently. Historically, Gal3p was believed to be an enzyme (catalytic model) that converts galactose to an inducer or co-inducer, which was thought to interact with GAL80p, the repressor of the system. However, recent genetic analyses indicate an alternative 'protein-protein interaction model'. According to this model, Gal3p is activated by galactose, which leads to its interaction with Gal80p. Biochemical and genetic experiments that support this model provided new insights into how Gal3p interacts with the Gal80p-Gal4p complex, alleviates the repression of Gal80p and thus allows Gal4p to activate transcription. Recently, a galactose-independent signal was suggested to co-ordinate the induction of GAL genes with the energy status of the cell.

Multiple signals regulate GAL transcription in yeast

Gal4p activates transcription of the Saccharomyces GAL genes in response to galactose and is phosphorylated during interaction with the RNA polymerase II (Pol II) holoenzyme. One phosphorylation at S699 is necessary for full GAL induction and is mediated by Srb10p/CDK8 of the RNA Pol II holoenzyme mediator subcomplex. Gal4p S699 phosphorylation is necessary for sensitive response to inducer, and its requirement for GAL induction can be abrogated by high concentrations of galactose in strains expressing wild-type GAL2 and GAL3. Gal4p S699 phosphorylation occurs independently of Gal3p and is responsible for the long-term adaptation response observed in gal3 yeast. SRB10 and GAL3 are shown to represent parallel mechanisms for GAL gene induction. These results demonstrate that Gal4p activity is controlled by two independent signals: one that acts through Gal3p-galactose and a second that is mediated by the holoenzyme-associated cyclin-dependent kinase Srb10p. Since Srb10p is regulated independently of galactose, our results suggest a function for CDK8 in coordinating responses to specific inducers with the environment through the phosphorylation of gene-specific activators.

Vectors allowing amplified expression of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae Gal3p-Gal80p-Gal4p transcription switch: applications to galactose-regulated high-level production of proteins

The Gal4, Gal80, and Gal3 proteins of Saccharomyces cerevisiae constitute a galactose-responsive regulatory switch for GAL gene promoters. The low cellular levels of these proteins have hampered mechanistic studies and limit the utility of the GAL gene promoters for high-yield production of endogenous and exogenous proteins. We have constructed two new vectors, pMEGA2 and pMEGA2-DeltaURA3, that increase the level of the Gal4p-Gal80p-Gal3p switch proteins under conditions that preserve the Gal3p-Gal80p-Gal4p stoichiometries required for normal switch function. Cells carrying pMEGA2 show 15- to 20-fold more Gal4p and 30- to 40-fold more Gal3p and Gal80p than cells lacking pMEGA2. These high levels of Gal4p, Gal80p, and Gal3p do not perturb the integrity of galactose-inducible regulation. Cells that carry pMEGA2 exhibit normal galactose-induction kinetics for the chromosomal MEL1 gene expression and normal, albeit slower, log-phase growth. Insertion of the MEL1 gene into pMEGA2 provides a 24- to 30-fold increase in the Mel1 protein. Cells carrying a 2-microm-based URA3-selectable plasmid containing a GAL1pro:lacZ reporter gene and a second plasmid, pMEGA2-DeltaURA3, produce 12-fold more beta-galactosidase than cells carrying only the GAL1pro:lacZ reporter plasmid. The performance of the MEGA plasmids in providing amplified production of the Gal3, Gal80, and Gal4 proteins should prove useful in investigations of the mechanistic aspects of these transcription switch proteins and in work aimed at achieving high-level, galactose-regulatable production of proteins in yeast.

Galactokinase encoded by GAL1 is a bifunctional protein required for induction of the GAL genes in Kluyveromyces lactis and is able to suppress the gal3 phenotype in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

We have analyzed a GAL1 mutant (gal1-r strain) of the yeast Kluyveromyces lactis which lacks the induction of beta-galactosidase and the enzymes of the Leloir pathway in the presence of galactose. The data show that the K. lactis GAL1 gene product has, in addition to galactokinase activity, a function required for induction of the lactose system. This regulatory function is not dependent on galactokinase activity, as it is still present in a galactokinase-negative mutant (gal1-209). Complementation studies in Saccharomyces cervisiae show that K. lactis GAL1 and gal1-209, but not gal1-r, complement the gal3 mutation. We conclude that the regulatory function of GAL1 in K. lactis soon after induction is similar to the function of GAL3 in S. cerevisiae.

Galactokinase encoded by GAL1 is a bifunctional protein required for induction of the GAL genes in Kluyveromyces lactis and is able to suppress the gal3 phenotype in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

We have analyzed a GAL1 mutant (gal1-r strain) of the yeast Kluyveromyces lactis which lacks the induction of beta-galactosidase and the enzymes of the Leloir pathway in the presence of galactose. The data show that the K. lactis GAL1 gene product has, in addition to galactokinase activity, a function required for induction of the lactose system. This regulatory function is not dependent on galactokinase activity, as it is still present in a galactokinase-negative mutant (gal1-209). Complementation studies in Saccharomyces cervisiae show that K. lactis GAL1 and gal1-209, but not gal1-r, complement the gal3 mutation. We conclude that the regulatory function of GAL1 in K. lactis soon after induction is similar to the function of GAL3 in S. cerevisiae.

The yeast IMP1 gene is allelic to GAL2

We have found that many laboratory strains of yeast are defective in galactose metabolism owing to a recessive mutation in the previously characterized nuclear gene, IMP1. This defect leads to a requirement for mitochondrial function for growth on, and metabolism of, galactose. Genetic background affects the degree to which cells are defective. In particular, alleles of GAL3 affect the ability to score the Imp phenotype. We have found that in imp1 strains, transcriptional induction of the galactose inducible genes (GAL1, 2, 7 + 10, MEL1) is normal, but galactose transport is reduced in both rho+ and rho0 cells. This phenotype is normally associated with mutations in GAL2, the galactose permease. Although the growth phenotypes of gal2 and imp1 mutants are distinct, we found that the transformation of imp1 rho0 strains with a plasmid containing the GAL2 gene allows these strains to grow on galactose. Initial genetic analyses did not demonstrate linkage between the GAL2 and IMP1 genes owing to the effects of an unlinked gene on the Imp phenotype. By disrupting the GAL2 gene in an Imp+ background, we have shown that IMP1 and GAL2 segregate as tightly linked genes. Based on these data, we believe that imp1 is a partially defective allele of the GAL2 gene.

The mechanism of inducer formation in gal3 mutants of the yeast galactose system is independent of normal galactose metabolism and mitochondrial respiratory function

Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells defective in GAL3 function exhibit either one of two phenotypes. The gal3 mutation in an otherwise normal cell causes a 2-5-day delay in the galactose triggered induction of GAL/MEL gene transcription. This long term adaptation (LTA) phenotype has been ascribed to inefficient inducer formation. The gal3 mutation causes a noninducible phenotype for GAL/MEL transcription if cells are defective in Leloir pathway function, in glycolysis or in respiratory function. It was recently shown that multiple copies of the intact GAL1 gene partially suppress the LTA phenotype of gal3 cells. Here we report that constitutively expressed GAL1 restored gal3 mutants to the rapidly inducible phenotype characteristic of wild-type cells and conferred rapid inducibility to gal3 gal10, gal3 gal7 or gal3 rho- strains that are normally noninducible. As shown by immunoblot analysis, the GAL1-mediated induction exhibits phosphorylation of the GAL4 protein, suggesting a mechanism similar to GAL3-mediated induction. Altogether our results indicate that the deciding factor in the inducibility of the GAL/MEL genes in gal3 strains is the Gal3p-like activity of Gal1p. Based on the above we conclude that inducer formation does not require normal metabolism of galactose nor does it require mitochondrial respiratory function. These conclusions vitiate previous explanations for gal3 associated long-term adaptation and noninducible phenotypes.

Analysis of the GAL3 signal transduction pathway activating GAL4 protein-dependent transcription in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

The Saccharomyces cerevisiae GAL/MEL regulon genes are normally induced within minutes of galactose addition, but gal3 mutants exhibit a 3-5-day induction lag. We have discovered that this long-term adaptation (LTA) phenotype conferred by gal3 is complemented by multiple copies of the GAL1 gene. Based on this result and the striking similarity between the GAL3 and GAL1 protein sequences we attempted to detect galactokinase activity that might be associated with the GAL3 protein. By both in vivo and in vitro tests the GAL3 gene product does not appear to catalyze a galactokinase-like reaction. In complementary experiments, Escherichia coli galactokinase expressed in yeast was shown to complement the gal1 but not the gal3 mutation. Thus, the complementation activity provided by GAL1 is not likely due to galactokinase activity, but rather due to a distinct GAL3-like activity. Overall, the results indicate that GAL1 encodes a bifunctional protein. In related experiments we tested for function of the LTA induction pathway in gal3 cells deficient for other gene functions. It has been known for some time that gal3gal1, gal3gal7, gal3gal10, and gal3 rho- are incapable of induction. We constructed isogenic haploid strains bearing the gal3 mutation in combination with either gal15 or pgi1 mutations: the gal15 and pgi1 blocks are not specific for the galactose pathway in contrast to the gal1, gal7 and gal10 blocks. The gal3gal5 and gal3pgi1 double mutants were not inducible, whereas both the gal5 and pgi1 single mutants were inducible. We conclude that, in addition to the GAL3-like activity of GAL1, functions beyond the galactose-specific GAL1, GAL7 and GAL10 enzymes are required for the LTA induction pathway.

Yeast regulatory gene GAL3: carbon regulation; UASGal elements in common with GAL1, GAL2, GAL7, GAL10, GAL80, and MEL1; encoded protein strikingly similar to yeast and Escherichia coli galactokinases

GAL3 gene expression is required for rapid GAL4-mediated galactose induction of the galactose-melibiose regulon genes in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Here we show by Northern (RNA) blot analysis that GAL3 gene expression is itself galactose inducible. Like the GAL1, GAL7, GAL10, and MEL1 genes, the GAL3 gene is severely glucose repressed. Like the MEL1 gene, but in contrast to the GAL1, GAL7, and GAL10 genes, GAL3 is expressed at readily detectable basal levels in cells grown in noninducing, nonrepressing media. We determined the sequence of the S. cerevisiae GAL3 gene and its 5'-noncoding region. Within the 5'-noncoding region of the GAL3 gene, we found two sequences similar to the UASGal elements of the other galactose-melibiose regulon genes. Deletion analysis indicated that only the most ATG proximal of these sequences is required for GAL3 expression. The coding region of GAL3 consists of a 1,275-base-pair open reading frame in the direction of transcription. A comparison of the deduced 425-amino-acid sequence with the protein data bank revealed three regions of striking similarity between the GAL3 protein and the GAL1-specified galactokinase of Saccharomyces carlsbergensis. One of these regions also showed striking similarity to sequences within the galactokinase protein of Escherichia coli. On the basis of these protein sequence similarities, we propose that the GAL3 protein binds a molecule identical to or structurally related to one of the substrates or products of the galactokinase-catalyzed reaction.

GAL11 protein, an auxiliary transcription activator for genes encoding galactose-metabolizing enzymes in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Normal function of the GAL11 gene is required for maximum production of the enzymes encoded by GAL1, GAL7, and GAL10 (collectively termed GAL1,7,10) in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Strains bearing a gal11 mutation synthesize these enzymes at 10 to 30% of the wild-type level in the induced state. In a DNA-RNA hybridization experiment, the gal11 effect was shown to be exerted at the transcription level. Yeast cells bearing the gal11 mutation were shown to grow on glycerol plus lactate more slowly than the wild type. We isolated recombinant plasmids carrying the GAL11 gene by complementation of the gal11 mutation. When the GAL11 locus was disrupted by insertion of the URA3 gene, the resulting yeast cells (gal11::URA3) exhibited phenotypes almost identical to those of the gal11 strains, with respect to both galactose utilization and growth on nonfermentable carbon sources. Deficiency of Gal4, the major transcription activator for GAL1,7,10, was epistatic over the gal11 defect. The Gal11 deficiency lowered the expression of GAL2 but not that of MEL1 or GAL80; expression of these genes is also known to be dependent on GAL4 function. We determined the nucleotide sequence of GAL11, which is predicted to encode a 107-kilodalton protein with stretches of polyglutamine and poly(glutamine-alanine). An alpha-helix-beta-turn-alpha-helix structure was found in a distal part of the predicted amino acid sequence. A possible role of the GAL11 product in the regulation of galactose-inducible genes is discussed.

GAL11 protein, an auxiliary transcription activator for genes encoding galactose-metabolizing enzymes in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Normal function of the GAL11 gene is required for maximum production of the enzymes encoded by GAL1, GAL7, and GAL10 (collectively termed GAL1,7,10) in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Strains bearing a gal11 mutation synthesize these enzymes at 10 to 30% of the wild-type level in the induced state. In a DNA-RNA hybridization experiment, the gal11 effect was shown to be exerted at the transcription level. Yeast cells bearing the gal11 mutation were shown to grow on glycerol plus lactate more slowly than the wild type. We isolated recombinant plasmids carrying the GAL11 gene by complementation of the gal11 mutation. When the GAL11 locus was disrupted by insertion of the URA3 gene, the resulting yeast cells (gal11::URA3) exhibited phenotypes almost identical to those of the gal11 strains, with respect to both galactose utilization and growth on nonfermentable carbon sources. Deficiency of Gal4, the major transcription activator for GAL1,7,10, was epistatic over the gal11 defect. The Gal11 deficiency lowered the expression of GAL2 but not that of MEL1 or GAL80; expression of these genes is also known to be dependent on GAL4 function. We determined the nucleotide sequence of GAL11, which is predicted to encode a 107-kilodalton protein with stretches of polyglutamine and poly(glutamine-alanine). An alpha-helix-beta-turn-alpha-helix structure was found in a distal part of the predicted amino acid sequence. A possible role of the GAL11 product in the regulation of galactose-inducible genes is discussed.

Yeast regulatory gene GAL3: carbon regulation; UASGal elements in common with GAL1, GAL2, GAL7, GAL10, GAL80, and MEL1; encoded protein strikingly similar to yeast and Escherichia coli galactokinases

GAL3 gene expression is required for rapid GAL4-mediated galactose induction of the galactose-melibiose regulon genes in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Here we show by Northern (RNA) blot analysis that GAL3 gene expression is itself galactose inducible. Like the GAL1, GAL7, GAL10, and MEL1 genes, the GAL3 gene is severely glucose repressed. Like the MEL1 gene, but in contrast to the GAL1, GAL7, and GAL10 genes, GAL3 is expressed at readily detectable basal levels in cells grown in noninducing, nonrepressing media. We determined the sequence of the S. cerevisiae GAL3 gene and its 5'-noncoding region. Within the 5'-noncoding region of the GAL3 gene, we found two sequences similar to the UASGal elements of the other galactose-melibiose regulon genes. Deletion analysis indicated that only the most ATG proximal of these sequences is required for GAL3 expression. The coding region of GAL3 consists of a 1,275-base-pair open reading frame in the direction of transcription. A comparison of the deduced 425-amino-acid sequence with the protein data bank revealed three regions of striking similarity between the GAL3 protein and the GAL1-specified galactokinase of Saccharomyces carlsbergensis. One of these regions also showed striking similarity to sequences within the galactokinase protein of Escherichia coli. On the basis of these protein sequence similarities, we propose that the GAL3 protein binds a molecule identical to or structurally related to one of the substrates or products of the galactokinase-catalyzed reaction.

Genetic and molecular analysis of the GAL3 gene in the expression of the galactose/melibiose regulon of Saccharomyces cerevisiae

During the galactose adaptation period of a Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain bearing a naturally occurring gal3 allele, we found a longer induction lag and slower rate of accumulation of GAL10 and MEL1 RNAs compared to wild-type strains. A strain of genotype gal3 gal1 gal7 is noninducible for MEL1 gene expression, but this expression block is bypassed by overexpression of the GAL4 gene or by deletion of the GAL80 gene, either of which causes a constitutive phenotype. An otherwise wild-type strain that bears a chromosomal gal3 gene disruption mutation does not produce wild-type GAL3 RNA and exhibits induction comparable to a strain bearing the naturally occurring gal3. Based on this array of results, we conclude that the GAL3 gene product executes its function at a point before GAL4 mediated transcription of the GAL1-10-7 and MEL1 genes. Thus, the data are consistent with the previously advanced hypothesis that the GAL3 gene product functions to synthesize the inducer or coinducer molecule. In experiments in which the presence of either the plasmid-carried cloned GAL3 gene or the plasmid-carried cloned GAL1-10-7 genes allows MEL1 induction of a gal3 gal1 gal7 cell, we find that loss of the plasmid results in the shutoff of MEL1 expression even when galactose is continuously present. Either GAL3 function or GAL1-10-7 functions are therefore required for both the initiation and the maintenance of the induced state. Since the strains bearing either the naturally occurring gal3 allele or the gal3 disruption (null) allele do induce, the plasmid loss experiments indicate the existence of two completely independent induction initiation-maintenance pathways, one requiring GAL3 function, the other requiring GAL1-10-7 function. Finally, Northern blot analysis reveals two major GAL3 transcripts that differ in size by approximately 500 nucleotides.

Regulation of galactokinase (GAL1) enzyme accumulation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

The regulation of GAL1 RNA and enzyme synthesis has been investigated in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. We have shown that the induction of GAL10 and GAL1 RNAs is coordinate. GAL1 RNA transcripts appear within 4.5 to 6 min and galactokinase synthesis within 6 to 9 min. Steady-state RNA levels were reached within 50 min and the steady-state rate of galactokinase enzyme synthesis within 40-50 min. From these kinetic studies, the initial induction of GAL1 enzyme activity is apparently under transcriptional control. In addition, during early induction, two galactokinase enzyme activities were detected; a major stable form and a minor unstable form.

Inducible N-acetyglucosamine-binding protein in yeasts

Addition of N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) to the medium elicits an immediate synthesis of a specific GlcNAc-binding protein in yeasts. Synthesis of this protein requires the continuous presence of GlcNAc as the inducer and is inhibited completely by the inhibitors of ribonucleic acid and protein syntheses. Furthermore, this protein has been partially purified from GlcNAc-grown Candida albicans cells and is quite distinct from the other induced enzymes of the GlcNAc catabolic pathway. A good correlation between the level of GlcNAc-binding protein and GlcNAc uptake capacity of the cells during induction was observed. Some of the sugars, e.g., N-acetylmannosamine, N-acetylgalactosamine, and glucose, had a similar competitive effect on the binding of GlcNAc as well as on its uptake. Furthermore, both the binding and uptake activities were sensitive to sulfhydryl reagents.

Genetic co-regulation of galactose and melibiose utilization in Saccharomyces

The gal3 mutation of Saccharomyces, which is associated with an impairment in the utilization of galactose, has been shown to be pleiotropic, causing similar impairments in the utilization of melibiose and maltose. Milibiose utilization and alpha-galactosidase production are directly controlled by the galactose regulatory elements i, c, and GAL4. The fermentation of maltose and the induction of alpha-glucosidase are regulated independently of the i, c, GAL4 system. The production of alpha-galactosidase and galactose-1-phosphate uridyl transferase is coordinate in galactokinaseless strains. Galactose serves as a nonmetabolized, gratuitous inducer of alpha-galactosidase in strains lacking the genes for one or more of the Leloir pathway enzymes.

Dilution kinetic studies of yeast populations: in vivo aggregation of galactose utilizing enzymes and positive regulator molecules

By use of a selective medium containing ethidium bromide, population analyses of yeast galactose long-term adaptation mutants (gal3) in the process of deadaptation in the absence of galactose have been performed. The analysis of diploid strains homozygous for the gal3 locus but heterozygous for different combinations of the other mutant galactose loci, which thus have reduced amounts of the gene products of those loci, have demonstrated that, in addition to the two permease units determined in a previous study, a cell requires one complex of the Leloir pathway enzymes and two complexes specified by the Gal4 locus to be readily induced. From the consideration of these complexes as being aggregated molecules which are diluted out as units (i.e., if such a molecule were a dimer, it would not dissociate into monomers) during cell growth, the in vivo aggregation of these enzymes and the Gal4 gene product could be studied. The data indicate that the function of the Gal4 gene product is to activate a Leloir enzyme complex. It is postulated that the gal3 phenotype is the result of such strains' inability to actively synthesize an endogenous co-inducer which allows wild-type cells to be readily induced upon exposure to galactose.