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Updated: Jun 7, 2026
A Deep-sequencing-assisted, Spontaneous Suppressor Screen in the Fission Yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe
Published on: March 7, 2019
Isolation of synthetic lethal mutations in the rsm1-null mutant of fission yeast
DongGeRaMi Moon1, Yun-Sun Park, Cha-Yeon Kim
1School of Biological Sciences and Chemistry, Sungshin Women's University, Seoul 136-742, Republic of Korea.
Abstract:
To identify mutations in genes that are genetically linked to rsm1, we performed a synthetic lethal genetic screen in the fission yeast, Schizosaccharomyces pombe. Four mutations that showed synthetic lethality in combination with the rsm1null allele were isolated from approximately 320,000 colonies and defined in three complementation groups. One mutant (SLrsm1) exhibited a significant accumulation of poly(A)(+) RNA in the nucleus under synthetic lethal conditions, while the rest had no mRNA export defects. In addition, some genes (spmex67, rae1, or mlo3) required for mRNA export complemented the growth defects of the identified mutants. These results suggest that the isolated mutants contain mutations in genes that are involved in mRNA export and/or pre-mRNA retention.
Insights
Researchers identified new gene mutations linked to rsm1 in yeast using a synthetic lethal screen. These mutations affect mRNA export and RNA processing, offering insights into gene regulation.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
- Cell Biology
Background:
- The gene rsm1 plays a role in cellular processes.
- Understanding genetic interactions is crucial for deciphering gene function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify genes genetically linked to rsm1 through synthetic lethality.
- To investigate the role of these genes in mRNA processing and export.
Main Methods:
- Performed a large-scale synthetic lethal genetic screen in Schizosaccharomyces pombe.
- Isolated and characterized four mutations exhibiting synthetic lethality with rsm1.
- Assessed mRNA export and nuclear RNA accumulation in mutant strains.
Main Results:
- Four mutations synthetically lethal with rsm1 were identified.
- One mutant showed significant nuclear poly(A)(+) RNA accumulation, indicating a defect in mRNA export.
- Other identified genes complemented the growth defects, suggesting involvement in mRNA export or pre-mRNA retention.
Conclusions:
- The identified mutations are likely in genes involved in mRNA export or pre-mRNA retention.
- This study provides new genetic links to rsm1 and potential regulators of mRNA nuclear export.
