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Two new S-phase-specific genes from Saccharomyces cerevisiae
1Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, State University of New York at Stony Brook 11794, USA.
Yeast (Chichester, England)
|September 18, 1997
Summary
Two yeast genes, Anti-Silencing Function 1 (ASF1) and ASF2, were identified. ASF1 plays a role in DNA repair and chromosome maintenance, while ASF2 affects mating type loci silencing.
Area of Science:
- Yeast genetics
- Molecular biology
- Epigenetics
Background:
- Gene silencing mechanisms in yeast are crucial for cellular processes.
- Understanding regulators of gene silencing can provide insights into genome stability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify novel yeast genes involved in regulating gene silencing.
- To characterize the function of two newly identified genes, ASF1 and ASF2.
Main Methods:
- Gene overexpression studies to assess effects on mating type loci and telomeric silencing.
- Gene sequencing to determine protein characteristics.
- Analysis of mutant phenotypes, including growth, DNA repair sensitivity, and chromosome maintenance.
Main Results:
- Overexpression of ASF1 and ASF2 derepressed silent mating type loci, with ASF2 showing a stronger effect.
- ASF1 overexpression weakened telomeric silencing, but ASF2 did not.
- ASF1 protein is evolutionarily conserved and transcribed during S phase.
- asf1 mutants exhibited poor growth, sensitivity to DNA damaging agents, and defects in minichromosome maintenance, suggesting roles in DNA repair and chromosome stability.
Conclusions:
- ASF1 and ASF2 are novel regulators of gene silencing in yeast.
- ASF1 has critical roles in DNA repair and chromosome maintenance.
- ASF2 primarily influences mating type loci silencing, while ASF1 affects both mating type and telomeric silencing.