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Saccharomyces cerevisiae contains two discrete genes coding for the alpha-factor pheromone.
Nucleic Acids Research
|June 25, 1983
Summary
Researchers identified two yeast genes, MF alpha 1 and MF alpha 2, that code for alpha-factor. These genes produce different precursor proteins containing multiple copies of the alpha-pheromone, crucial for yeast mating.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Yeast Genetics
- Biochemistry
Background:
- The alpha-factor is a peptide pheromone essential for mating in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
- Understanding the genetic basis of alpha-factor production is key to studying yeast reproductive processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and characterize the genes responsible for alpha-factor synthesis in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
- To elucidate the structural differences and precursor protein organization of the identified alpha-factor genes.
Main Methods:
- In situ colony hybridization using synthetic probes based on the known alpha-pheromone amino acid sequence.
- Nucleotide sequencing of the identified genes (MF alpha 1 and MF alpha 2).
Main Results:
- Identification of two distinct genes, MF alpha 1 and MF alpha 2, encoding alpha-factor.
- MF alpha 1 contains four copies of the alpha-factor coding sequence within a larger precursor protein.
- MF alpha 2 contains two distinct copies of the alpha-factor coding sequence, differing by specific amino acid substitutions, within a different precursor protein.
Conclusions:
- The alpha-factor is derived from two distinct precursor proteins, encoded by MF alpha 1 and MF alpha 2.
- Structural variations in these genes lead to different precursor protein organizations and pheromone copies.