ras-Related gene sequences identified and isolated from Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Area of Science:

• Molecular Biology
• Genetics
• Biochemistry

Background:

• The ras gene family, including Harvey and Kirsten murine sarcoma virus oncogenes (v-rasH, v-rasK) and their cellular homologs (c-rasH, c-rasK), encodes 21,000 molecular weight proteins (p21ras).
• Ras genes are conserved across diverse species, from vertebrates to Drosophila melanogaster.

Purpose of the Study:

• To detect ras-related genes in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
• To isolate and characterize these yeast ras-related genes for functional studies.

Main Methods:

• Screening yeast DNA for ras-related sequences using hybridization probes.
• Isolation of molecular clones (c-rassc-1, c-rassc-2).
• DNA sequencing and amino acid homology analysis.

Main Results:

• Two ras-related genes, c-rassc-1 and c-rassc-2, were detected and isolated from Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
• Both yeast clones hybridized specifically to mammalian ras DNA probes.
• Sequencing of c-rassc-1 showed significant amino acid homology with the mammalian c-rasH gene product.

Conclusions:

• Ras-related genes are present in yeast, indicating ancient conservation of this gene family.
• The isolated yeast clones provide a model system for investigating the fundamental cellular roles of ras genes.
• Further studies using Saccharomyces cerevisiae can elucidate the normal functions of ras-related genes.