Cloning the REC1 gene of Ustilago maydis

The REC1 gene of Ustilago maydis plays a key role in homologous recombination and the repair of damaged DNA. In order to understand the nature and functions of the gene product, the gene has been cloned by functional complementation. A 3.8 kb cloned fragment complements the pleiotropic mitotic phenotype of different rec1 alleles. It does not complement the UV sensitivity of two other sensitive mutants. Disruption of the chromosomal copy of the 1.566 kb open reading frame within this fragment reproduces the rec1 pleiotropic phenotype. Furthermore, in diploids this disrupted reading frame is unable to complement previously characterised rec1 alleles.