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Updated: Jul 19, 2026
09:45
Measuring mRNA Levels Over Time During the Yeast S. cerevisiae Hypoxic Response
Published on: August 10, 2017
The yeast genome may harbor hypoxia response elements (HRE)
Túlio César Ferreira1, Libi Hertzberg2, Max Gassmann3
1Laboratório de Biologia Molecular, Departamento de Biologia Celular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, DF, 70910-900, Brazil.
Summary
Researchers investigated baker's yeast for a protein analogous to hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1). They identified 24 yeast genes with potential hypoxia response elements (HREs), suggesting a conserved oxygen-sensing mechanism.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) is a crucial transcription factor regulating cellular responses to low oxygen.
- HIF-1 comprises HIF-1alpha and HIF-1beta subunits; HIF-1alpha is stabilized under hypoxia, forming an active complex that binds to hypoxia response elements (HREs).
- While conserved in mammals, HIF-1 subunits are absent in Saccharomyces cerevisiae (baker's yeast).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential existence of a HIF-1 analogous protein in baker's yeast.
- To identify potential hypoxia response elements (HREs) within the yeast genome.
- To explore conserved oxygen-sensing mechanisms across species.
Main Methods:
- Utilized probabilistic motif search tools to screen the Saccharomyces cerevisiae genome for HRE sequences.
- Analyzed identified motifs for their probability of being functional HREs (p-value < 0.1).
- Classified genes containing putative HREs based on their biological functions.
Main Results:
- Identified 24 yeast genes containing motifs with a high probability of being HREs.
- These genes were categorized according to their involvement in various biological processes.
- The findings suggest the presence of HREs in the yeast genome.
Conclusions:
- Saccharomyces cerevisiae may possess hypoxia response elements (HREs).
- Evidence suggests the existence of a transcription factor analogous to HIF-1 in yeast.
- This indicates a potentially conserved mechanism for sensing and responding to oxygen level changes.
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