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Kre1p, the plasma membrane receptor for the yeast K1 viral toxin

Frank Breinig1, Donald J Tipper, Manfred J Schmitt

  • 1Angewandte Molekularbiologie, Universität des Saarlandes, D-66041, Saarbrücken, Germany.

Cell
|February 21, 2002
PubMed

Insights

The Saccharomyces cerevisiae K1 killer toxin uses the cell wall protein Kre1p as its receptor. This protein mediates toxin binding to the cell surface, enabling disruption of cytoplasmic membrane function and cell death.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae K1 killer strains harbor the M1 double-stranded RNA virus.
  • The virus encodes a secreted protein toxin that targets sensitive cells.
  • This toxin disrupts cytoplasmic membrane function, leading to cell death.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify the receptor responsible for M1 toxin binding and subsequent cell killing.
  • To elucidate the role of cell wall proteins in mediating toxin-cell interactions.

Main Methods:

  • Investigated toxin binding to wild-type and mutant Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains, including spheroplasts.
  • Utilized deletion mutants (Deltakre1) and genetically modified constructs (K28-Kre1p).
  • Quantified toxin binding to cell walls and spheroplasts.

Main Results:

  • Kre1p, a cell wall protein anchored to the plasma membrane, directly binds the K1 killer toxin.
  • Deltakre1 mutants exhibited complete resistance to the toxin, with significantly reduced binding.
  • Expression of a truncated Kre1p fragment (K28-Kre1p) restored toxin binding and sensitivity in spheroplasts.

Conclusions:

  • Kre1p functions as the primary membrane receptor for the Saccharomyces cerevisiae K1 killer toxin.
  • This interaction is crucial for the toxin's ability to form lethal ion channels and induce cell death.

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