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Genetic interaction between the Ras-cAMP pathway and the Dis2s1/Glc7 protein phosphatase in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
1Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Tokyo, Japan.
Abstract:
The Saccharomyces cerevisiae DIS2S1/GLC7 gene encodes a type 1 protein phosphatase indispensable for cell proliferation. We found that introduction of a multicopy DIS2S1 plasmid impaired growth of cells with reduced activity of the cAMP-dependent protein kinase. In order to understand further the interaction between the two enzymes, a temperature-sensitive mutation in the DIS2S1 gene was isolated. The mutant accumulated less glycogen than wild type at the permissive temperature, indicating that activity of the Dis2s1 protein phosphatase is attenuated by the mutation. Furthermore, the dis2s1ts mutation was shown to be suppressed by a multicopy plasmid harboring PDE2, a gene for cAMP phosphodiesterase. These results indicate that the Ras-cAMP pathway interacts genetically with the DIS2S1/GLC7 gene.
Insights
The Saccharomyces cerevisiae DIS2S1/GLC7 gene, vital for cell growth, interacts with the Ras-cAMP pathway. A mutation in DIS2S1 impacts glycogen accumulation, revealing a genetic link between protein phosphatase and cAMP signaling.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Yeast Genetics
- Cellular Signaling
Background:
- The Saccharomyces cerevisiae DIS2S1/GLC7 gene encodes a type 1 protein phosphatase essential for cell proliferation.
- Protein phosphatases play critical roles in regulating cellular processes.
- The cAMP-dependent protein kinase is a key regulator of cellular metabolism and growth.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the genetic interaction between the DIS2S1/GLC7 gene and the cAMP-dependent protein kinase pathway.
- To further understand the function of the Dis2s1 protein phosphatase in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
Main Methods:
- Isolation and characterization of a temperature-sensitive mutation in the DIS2S1 gene.
- Assessing glycogen accumulation in wild-type and mutant yeast strains.
- Genetic analysis involving multicopy plasmids of DIS2S1 and PDE2.
Main Results:
- Overexpression of DIS2S1 impaired the growth of cells with reduced cAMP-dependent protein kinase activity.
- The dis2s1ts mutant exhibited reduced glycogen accumulation compared to wild type at the permissive temperature.
- The dis2s1ts mutation was suppressed by multicopy PDE2, a gene encoding a cAMP phosphodiesterase.
Conclusions:
- The results indicate a genetic interaction between the Ras-cAMP pathway and the DIS2S1/GLC7 gene.
- Disruption of Dis2s1 protein phosphatase activity affects glycogen metabolism.
- The study highlights the interplay between protein phosphatase and cAMP signaling in yeast.