The yeast MCK1 gene encodes a protein kinase homolog that activates early meiotic gene expression

Genes Dev. 1991 Apr;5(4):533-48. doi: 10.1101/gad.5.4.533.

Abstract

We have identified a yeast gene, MCK1, that encodes a positive regulator of meiosis and spore formation. Sequence analysis revealed that MCK1 encodes a protein kinase homolog identical to YPK1, a phosphotyrosyl protein with demonstrated protein kinase activity. Increased MCK1 gene dosage accelerates the sporulation program; mck1 mutations cause delayed and decreased levels of sporulation. MCK1 is required during sporulation for maximal transcript accumulation from IME1, which encodes a meiotic activator. MCK1 is required in vegetative cells for basal IME1 expression, as evidenced by functional assays of an ime1-HIS3 fusion gene. MCK1 is also required for efficient ascus maturation. Although expression of IME1 from the GAL1 promoter restored high-level sporulation to mck1 mutants, it did not correct the ascus-maturation defect. This observation indicates that MCK1 is required, independently, for both the activation of IME1 and subsequent ascus maturation. Expression of an mck1-lacZ fusion gene was not regulated by the signals that govern meiosis. This observation is consistent with evidence that MCK1 plays a role in governing centromere function during vegetative growth as well as sporulation.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Base Sequence
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Fungal*
  • Genes, Fungal*
  • Genes, Regulator*
  • Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3
  • Kinetics
  • Meiosis*
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Plasmids
  • Protein Kinases / genetics*
  • Protein-Tyrosine Kinases / genetics*
  • Restriction Mapping
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae / cytology
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae / genetics*
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae / physiology
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae Proteins*
  • Sequence Homology, Nucleic Acid
  • Spores, Fungal / physiology

Substances

  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae Proteins
  • Protein Kinases
  • Protein-Tyrosine Kinases
  • Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3
  • MCK1 protein, S cerevisiae

Associated data

  • GENBANK/X55054