Abstract
The transcription of meiosis-specific genes, as well as the initiation of meiosis, in the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae depends on IME1. IME1 encodes a transcriptional activator which lacks known DNA binding motifs. In this study we have determined the mode by which Ime1 specifically activates the transcription of meiotic genes. We demonstrate that Ime1 is recruited to the promoters of meiotic genes by interacting with a DNA-binding protein, Ume6. This association between Ime1 and Ume6 depends on both starvation and the activity of a protein kinase, encoded by RIM11 In the absence of Ime1, Ume6 represses the transcription of meiotic genes. However, in the presence of Ime1, or when Ume6 is fused in frame to the Gal4 activation domain, Ume6 is converted from a repressor to an activator, resulting in the transcription of meiosis-specific genes and the formation of asci.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
MeSH terms
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Base Sequence
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Binding Sites
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DNA-Binding Proteins / metabolism*
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Fungal Proteins / metabolism*
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Gene Expression Regulation, Fungal
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Genes, Fungal*
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Genotype
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Meiosis
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Models, Genetic
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Molecular Sequence Data
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Nuclear Proteins / metabolism*
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Oligodeoxyribonucleotides
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Recombinant Fusion Proteins / metabolism
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Repressor Proteins*
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Saccharomyces cerevisiae / cytology*
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Saccharomyces cerevisiae / genetics
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Saccharomyces cerevisiae / metabolism*
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Saccharomyces cerevisiae Proteins*
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Suppression, Genetic
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Trans-Activators / metabolism*
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Transcription Factors / metabolism*
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Transcription, Genetic
Substances
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DNA-Binding Proteins
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Fungal Proteins
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GAL4 protein, S cerevisiae
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IME1 protein, S cerevisiae
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Nuclear Proteins
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Oligodeoxyribonucleotides
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Recombinant Fusion Proteins
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Repressor Proteins
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Saccharomyces cerevisiae Proteins
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Trans-Activators
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Transcription Factors
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UME6 protein, S cerevisiae