The influence of the Ustilago maydis REC1 gene on plasmid-chromosome recombination

The REC1 gene of U. maydis has an important but ill-defined role in DNA recombination and repair. We have examined its role in plasmid-chromosome recombination. Plasmid DNA was linearized at various locations with respect to the cloned U. maydis PYR3 gene and introduced into cells by transformation. Chromosomal integration and repair by an homologous cross-over with plasmid containing a double-strand break or gap in the PYR3 gene was markedly reduced in the absence of the REC1 gene product. Homologous replacement of the chromosomal pyr3-1 allele by a single copy of wild-type sequences from plasmid cut outside PYR3 was not found in the absence of the REC1 product. Instead, novel transformants generated in its absence suggests that ligation plays a role in their generation.