Golf complements a GPA1 null mutation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and functionally couples to the STE2 pheromone...

We have produced a plasmid designed for the expression of heterologous G protein alpha subunits in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Introduction of these genes is by simple cassette replacement using unique restriction sites, and their expression is controlled by the regulatory sequences of the S. cerevisiae GPA1 gene. Levels of expression are therefore suitable for interaction of these heterologous proteins with elements of the yeast pheromone response pathway. We believe that this plasmid will facilitate the coupling of more members of the seven transmembrane domain superfamily of receptors, through their native G protein alpha subunit, to the yeast pheromone response pathway. The plasmid pRGP, is a stable centromeric shuttle vector with a HIS3-selectable marker. We have demonstrated that production of GPA1 from this plasmid functionally complements a gpal1- null mutation. A similar response is obtained when an alternative G protein alpha subunit, G(olf), is introduced using pRGP. We believe that this is the first example of a heterologous G protein shown to couple to a yeast pheromone receptor.