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Updated: Aug 15, 2026
Microarray Analysis for Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Published on: April 7, 2011
Genome microarray analysis of transcriptional activation in multidrug resistance yeast mutants
J DeRisi1, B van den Hazel, P Marc
1Howard Hughes Medical Institute and Department of Biochemistry, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305-5428, USA.
Abstract:
The cDNA from activated mutants of the homologous transcription factors Pdr1p and Pdr3p was used to screen DNA microarrays of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae complete genome. Twenty-six overexpressed targets of the PDR1-3 and/or PDR3-7 mutants were identified. Twenty-one are new targets, the majority of which are of unknown function. In addition to well known ABC transporters, these targets appear to be involved in transport or in membrane lipids and cell wall biosyntheses. Several of the targets seem to contribute to the cell defence against a variety of stresses. Pdr1p and Pdr3p do not act similarly on all targets. Unexpectedly, the expression of 23 other genes appeared to be repressed in the PDR1-3 and/or PDR3-7 mutants. In contrast to the majority of the activated genes, none of the repressed genes contains pleiotropic drug resistance binding sites in their promoter.
Insights
Researchers identified 26 gene targets of transcription factors Pdr1p and Pdr3p in yeast, revealing new roles in cell defense and biosynthesis. Some gene expressions were unexpectedly repressed, highlighting complex regulatory roles.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Yeast Genetics
- Transcription Factor Regulation
Background:
- Pdr1p and Pdr3p are homologous transcription factors in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
- Understanding their regulatory targets is crucial for deciphering cellular responses to stress and drug resistance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify novel target genes regulated by activated mutants of Pdr1p and Pdr3p.
- To investigate the functional roles of these targets in yeast.
- To compare the regulatory roles of Pdr1p and Pdr3p.
Main Methods:
- Screening of Saccharomyces cerevisiae complete genome DNA microarrays using cDNA from activated Pdr1p and Pdr3p mutants.
- Identification and analysis of overexpressed and repressed genes.
Main Results:
- Identified 26 overexpressed target genes, with 21 being novel, many of unknown function.
- These targets are involved in transport, membrane lipid, and cell wall biosynthesis, and cellular defense against stress.
- Unexpectedly, the expression of 23 other genes was repressed in the mutants.
- Pdr1p and Pdr3p exhibit distinct regulatory patterns on their targets.
- Repressed genes lacked known pleiotropic drug resistance binding sites in their promoters.
Conclusions:
- Pdr1p and Pdr3p regulate a diverse set of genes involved in fundamental cellular processes and stress response.
- The identification of novel targets expands our understanding of yeast transcriptional regulation.
- The distinct and repressed gene expression patterns suggest complex regulatory mechanisms beyond simple activation.
