RAD6+ gene of Saccharomyces cerevisiae codes for two mutationally separable deoxyribonucleic acid repair functions

Mol Cell Biol. 1981 Feb;1(2):153-7. doi: 10.1128/mcb.1.2.153-157.1981.

Abstract

The response of two mutant alleles of the RAD6+ gene of Saccharomyces cerevisiae to the ochre translational suppressor SUQ5 was determined. Both the ultraviolet sensitivity phenotype and the deficiency in ultraviolet-induced mutagenesis phenotype of the rad6-1 allele were suppressed in a [psi+] background. For the rad6-3 allele, only the ultraviolet-sensitivity phenotype was suppressible in a [psi+] background. An SUQ5 rad6-3 [psi+] strain that was examined showed the normal rad6-3 deficiency in ultraviolet-induced mutagenesis. We propose that the RAD6+ gene is divided into two cistrons, RAD6A and RAD6B. RAD6A codes for an activity responsible for the error-prone repair of ultraviolet-induced lesions in deoxyribonucleic acid but is not involved in a cell's resistance to the lethal effects of ultraviolet light. RAD6B codes for an activity essential for error-free repair of potentially lethal mutagenic damage.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Alleles
  • DNA Repair*
  • Genes, Fungal*
  • Mutation
  • Phenotype
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae / genetics*
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae / metabolism
  • Suppression, Genetic
  • Ultraviolet Rays