Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 6, 2026
A Deep-sequencing-assisted, Spontaneous Suppressor Screen in the Fission Yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe
Published on: March 7, 2019
Benomyl resistant mutants of Schizosaccharomyces pombe cold-sensitive for mitosis
1Department of Zoology, University of Edinburgh, EH9 3JT, Edinburgh, UK.
Abstract:
We have isolated 150 benomyl resistant mutants of the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe. Seven of these mutants were found to be cold sensitive for mitosis. These mutants were the subject of physiological, cytological and genetical characterisation. Growth and division of the seven mutants were similar to the wild type strain at 35 °C. After shift from the permissive (35 °C) to the restrictive temperature (20 °C) the mutants became blocked in mitosis whilst cellular growth continued. Consequently, elongate cells were formed. Six of the seven benomyl resistant mutants became blocked in mitosis at 20 °C with a single aberrant nucleus. In every case the benomyl resistant and cold sensitive phenotype was due to a mutation in a single nuclear gene. These mutants were found to comprise a single genetic linkage group (ben4) and were unlinked to existing TBZ/MBC resistant mutants of S. pombe. Whilst no cross resistance was found in our mutants to TBZ, six of the seven mutants were super sensitive to the spindle poison CIPC. We believe that the phenotype exhibited by these mutants is consistent with a defective tubulin subunit.
Insights
Researchers identified seven cold-sensitive benomyl-resistant mutants in fission yeast (Schizosaccharomyces pombe). These mutants exhibit mitotic arrest at low temperatures, suggesting defects in tubulin subunits essential for cell division.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Genetics
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Benomyl is a fungicide that targets microtubules.
- Microtubules are crucial for cell division (mitosis).
- Understanding resistance mechanisms can reveal insights into microtubule function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate and characterize benomyl-resistant mutants of Schizosaccharomyces pombe.
- To investigate the genetic and physiological basis of benomyl resistance and cold sensitivity.
- To identify potential defects in tubulin subunits.
Main Methods:
- Isolation of benomyl-resistant mutants.
- Physiological, cytological, and genetic characterization of mutants.
- Temperature shift experiments (35°C to 20°C).
- Genetic linkage analysis.
Main Results:
- Seven cold-sensitive benomyl-resistant mutants were identified.
- Mutants arrested in mitosis at restrictive temperature (20°C) with continued cell growth.
- Six mutants showed a single aberrant nucleus at 20°C.
- Phenotypes were attributed to single nuclear gene mutations, forming a new linkage group (ben4).
- Mutants showed supersensitivity to CIPC, a spindle poison, but no cross-resistance to TBZ.
Conclusions:
- The identified mutants likely possess defects in a tubulin subunit.
- These findings provide a new tool for studying microtubule dynamics and function in fission yeast.
- The benomyl resistance and cold-sensitive phenotype are linked to specific nuclear genes.
More Related Videos
13:22Genetic Screen for Identification of Multicopy Suppressors in Schizosaccharomyces pombe
Published on: September 13, 2022
08:07Analysis of the Expression and Complexes Assembly of the Mitochondrial Respiratory Chain Proteins in the Fission Yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe
Published on: May 2, 2025
