Abstract
CUP2 is a regulatory gene controlling expression of CUP1, which encodes the Cu-binding yeast metallothionein. CUP2, which is identical to the ACE1 gene, encodes a Cu-regulated DNA-binding protein. The CUP2 protein contains a cysteine-rich DNA-binding domain dependent on Cu+ and Ag+ ions which bind the cysteine residues and direct the refolding of the metal-free apoprotein. CUP2 mutant alleles from Cu-sensitive yeast strains have point mutations affecting the DNA-binding activity. These results establish CUP2 as the primary sensor of intracellular Cu+ in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, functioning as a Cu+-regulated transcriptional activator.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
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Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
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Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
MeSH terms
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Amino Acid Sequence
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Base Sequence
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Copper / metabolism
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DNA, Fungal / genetics
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DNA-Binding Proteins / genetics
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DNA-Binding Proteins / metabolism*
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Fungal Proteins / genetics
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Fungal Proteins / metabolism*
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Gene Expression Regulation
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Genes, Fungal
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Genes, Regulator
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Metallothionein / genetics
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Metallothionein / metabolism*
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Molecular Sequence Data
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Mutation
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Saccharomyces cerevisiae / genetics
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Saccharomyces cerevisiae / metabolism
Substances
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DNA, Fungal
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DNA-Binding Proteins
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Fungal Proteins
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Copper
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Metallothionein