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Distinct steps in yeast spore morphogenesis require distinct SMK1 MAP kinase thresholds
1Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19107, USA.
Genetics
|April 2, 1999
Summary
The SMK1 mitogen-activated protein kinase is essential for yeast spore development. Quantitative changes in SMK1 activity coordinate multiple steps in spore morphogenesis and differentiation.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Spore morphogenesis in Saccharomyces cerevisiae is a complex process.
- The SMK1 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) is implicated in this process.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of SMK1 in spore wall assembly and morphogenesis.
- To determine how different SMK1 activities affect spore development.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of smk1 null and missense mutants.
- Assessment of spore wall structures and resistance phenotypes.
- Gene dosage studies of a hypomorphic smk1 allele.
Main Results:
- smk1 mutants exhibit distinct, coordinated defects in spore wall formation.
- Increasing SMK1 gene dosage rescues later stages of spore morphogenesis and resistance.
- Reduced wild-type SMK1 expression recapitulates smk1 allelic phenotypes.
Conclusions:
- SMK1 is required for multiple, sequential steps in yeast spore morphogenesis.
- Quantitative SMK1 activity levels coordinate distinct events within this differentiation program.