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UBA 1: an essential yeast gene encoding ubiquitin-activating enzyme
J P McGrath1, S Jentsch, A Varshavsky
1Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge 02139.
The EMBO Journal
|January 1, 1991
Summary
The yeast UBA1 gene encodes the essential ubiquitin-activating enzyme (E1). Its protein product is crucial for forming ubiquitin-protein conjugates, vital for cell viability in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Yeast Genetics
Background:
- Ubiquitin conjugation is a critical post-translational modification.
- This process requires an ATP-dependent activation step involving the ubiquitin-activating enzyme (E1).
- The E1 enzyme forms a thiolester bond with activated ubiquitin.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate and functionally analyze the gene for the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae ubiquitin-activating enzyme.
- To confirm the gene's role in ubiquitin conjugation and cell viability.
Main Methods:
- Gene isolation and functional analysis of the UBA1 gene in yeast.
- Expression of the UBA1 protein in E. coli.
- Gene deletion studies in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
Main Results:
- The UBA1 gene encodes a 114 kd protein with nucleotide-binding motifs.
- Recombinant yeast UBA1 protein demonstrated ubiquitin-activating enzyme activity in E. coli.
- Deletion of the UBA1 gene was lethal in yeast.
Conclusions:
- The yeast UBA1 gene is essential for encoding the ubiquitin-activating enzyme.
- Ubiquitin-protein conjugate formation, mediated by E1, is indispensable for cell viability.