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Pleiotropy of the de novo-originated gene MDF1
Dan Li1, Zhihui Yan2, Lina Lu2
1State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Kunming, Yunnan 650223, People's Republic of China.
Abstract:
MDF1 is a young de novo-originated gene from a non-coding sequence in baker's yeast, S. cerevisiae, which can suppress mating and promote vegetative growth. Our previous experiments successfully demonstrated how Mdf1p binds to the key mating pathway determinant MATα2 to suppress mating. However, how Mdf1p promotes growth and fulfills the crosstalk between the yeast mating and growth pathways are still open questions. Thus, the adaptive significance of this new de novo gene remains speculative. Here, we show that Mdf1p shortens the lag phase of S. cerevisiae by physically interacting with SNF1, the governing factor for nonfermentable carbon source utilization, and thereby confers a selective advantage on yeasts through the rapid consumption of glucose in the early generational stage in rich medium. Therefore, MDF1 functions in two important molecular pathways, mating and fermentation, and mediates the crosstalk between reproduction and vegetative growth. Together, our results provide a comprehensive example of how a de novo-originated gene organizes new regulatory circuits and thereby confers a selective advantage on S. cerevisiae to allow exquisite adaptation to the changing environment.
Insights
The new gene MDF1 in yeast suppresses mating and promotes growth by interacting with SNF1. This adaptation helps yeast rapidly consume glucose, conferring a selective advantage.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Yeast Genetics
- Evolutionary Biology
Background:
- The de novo gene MDF1 in Saccharomyces cerevisiae (S. cerevisiae) suppresses mating and promotes vegetative growth.
- Previous work showed Mdf1p binds MATα2 to inhibit mating, but its role in growth and pathway crosstalk was unclear.
- The adaptive significance of MDF1 remained speculative.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the molecular mechanisms by which Mdf1p promotes yeast growth.
- To understand the crosstalk between yeast mating and growth pathways mediated by MDF1.
- To determine the adaptive significance of the de novo gene MDF1.
Main Methods:
- Investigated Mdf1p's interaction with SNF1, a key regulator of carbon source utilization.
- Assessed the impact of Mdf1p on the lag phase of S. cerevisiae.
- Analyzed the selective advantage conferred by MDF1 under specific growth conditions.
Main Results:
- Mdf1p physically interacts with SNF1, influencing nonfermentable carbon source utilization.
- Mdf1p shortens the lag phase in S. cerevisiae.
- This interaction confers a selective advantage by enabling rapid glucose consumption in rich media.
Conclusions:
- MDF1 mediates crosstalk between mating and fermentation pathways, linking reproduction and vegetative growth.
- The de novo gene MDF1 organizes new regulatory circuits, enabling adaptation to environmental changes.
- MDF1 provides a comprehensive example of de novo gene evolution and its role in adaptation.
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