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A cytoplasmic factor involved in the expression of resistance to C8-ATC in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
1Wroclaw University, Department of Genetics, Poland.
Abstract:
A dozen mutants of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, resistant to C8-ATC have been characterized. C8-ATC was previously established as a biologically toxic compound. Frequency of mutants (10(-7)) was typical for spontaneous mutations. One very stable mutant was characterized extensively. The genetical analysis revealed that resistance in this mutant was determined by single-gene mutation. The rho 0 cells, obtained by ethidium bromide (EB) mutagenesis of the resistant strain, were completely devoid of resistance. A large percentage of rho- cells, obtained by a moderate EB treatment of resistant cells were still able to express resistance to C8-ATC. Therefore we hypothesized that, in our particular strain, a cytoplasmic factor is involved in nuclear determination of resistance.
Insights
Researchers studied Saccharomyces cerevisiae mutants resistant to the toxic compound C8-ATC. Findings suggest a cytoplasmic factor influences nuclear gene resistance in this yeast strain.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Genetics
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- C8-ATR is a biologically toxic compound.
- Mutants of Saccharomyces cerevisiae resistant to C8-ATR were generated and characterized.
- Spontaneous mutation frequency was typical, around 10(-7).
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize C8-ATR resistant mutants of Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
- To investigate the genetic basis of C8-ATR resistance.
- To explore the potential involvement of cytoplasmic factors in resistance.
Main Methods:
- Characterization of a dozen C8-ATR resistant Saccharomyces cerevisiae mutants.
- Extensive analysis of one stable mutant.
- Genetic analysis including ethidium bromide (EB) mutagenesis to generate rho 0 and rho- cells.
Main Results:
- One stable mutant exhibited single-gene mutation determining resistance.
- Rho 0 cells (lacking mitochondrial DNA) were completely sensitive to C8-ATR.
- A significant percentage of rho- cells (partially lacking mitochondrial DNA) retained C8-ATR resistance.
Conclusions:
- Resistance to C8-ATR in this specific Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain is influenced by a nuclear gene.
- A cytoplasmic factor, likely mitochondrial, plays a role in the expression of this nuclear-determined resistance.