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Updated: Jul 8, 2026
Rapid Identification of Chemical Genetic Interactions in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Published on: April 5, 2015
Identification of small molecules inducing apoptosis by cell-based assay using fission yeast deletion mutants
Kyung-Sook Chung1, Nam-Hui Yim, Seung-Hee Lee
1Functional Genomics, KRIBB, Yusong, Daejeon 305-806, South Korea.
Abstract:
The cell-based assay using yeast deletion mutants has been recognized as an efficient analysis to discover therapeutic compounds and reveal their mode of action. In this study, S. pombe deletion mutants-based HTS screening was carried out to identify potential anti-cancer agents. The NCI chemical library of 5700 compounds was screened using kit strains, which consisted of S. pombe mutants harboring deletions in genes involved in DNA repair and mitotic control. During the screening, we identified 40 compounds conferring growth inhibition of S. pombe. Their anti-tumorigenic properties were examined by phenotypic effect on S. pombe, flow cytometry and apoptosis analysis of human cancer. Here, we report hit compounds inducing apoptosis for development of anti-cancer agents suggesting that S. pombe deletion mutants are useful in identifying potential anti-cancer agents in human cancer therapeutics.
Insights
This study used yeast deletion mutants to screen for anti-cancer drugs. Researchers identified 40 compounds that inhibit yeast growth and induce apoptosis in human cancer cells, showing potential for new cancer therapeutics.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Cell-based assays with yeast deletion mutants are effective for discovering therapeutic compounds and their mechanisms of action.
- High-throughput screening (HTS) using these mutants offers a promising avenue for identifying novel anti-cancer agents.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify potential anti-cancer agents through HTS of the NCI chemical library using Schizosaccharomyces pombe (S. pombe) deletion mutants.
- To evaluate the anti-tumorigenic properties of identified hit compounds.
Main Methods:
- Screened 5700 compounds from the NCI chemical library against S. pombe deletion mutants involved in DNA repair and mitotic control.
- Assessed anti-tumorigenic effects by examining phenotypic changes in S. pombe, flow cytometry, and apoptosis analysis in human cancer cells.
Main Results:
- Identified 40 compounds that inhibited the growth of S. pombe.
- Confirmed that several hit compounds induce apoptosis in human cancer cells, indicating anti-cancer potential.
Conclusions:
- S. pombe deletion mutants are valuable tools for discovering potential anti-cancer agents.
- The identified hit compounds warrant further investigation for the development of novel human cancer therapeutics.
