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M Aigle

Publications and source records attributed to M Aigle.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Cloning, sequence analysis and overexpression of a Saccharomyces cerevisiae endopolygalacturonase-encoding gene (PGL1).

Only a few yeast strains produce pectin-degrading enzymes such as pectin esterases and depolymerases (hydrolases and lyases). Strain SCPP is the only known Saccharomyces strain to produce these pectinases. One of these pectolytic enzymes. PGL1-encoded endopolygalacturonase (EC 3.2.1.15), hydrolyses the alpha-1,4-glycosidic bonds within the rhamnogalacturonan chains in pectic substances. This paper presents the cloning and sequencing of the first S. cerevisiae gene involved in pectin degradation. Few differences were found between the two deduced amino acid sequences encoded by PGL1-1 from a pectolytic (PG+) strain (SCPP) and PGL1-2 from a non-pectolytic (PG-) strain (X2180-1B). Similarities were found with other polygalacturonases from plants and other microorganisms. Of the two S. cerevisiae genes, only the one isolated from strain SCPP was able, by overexpression, to confer endopolygalacturonase activity to a laboratory strain of S. cerevisiae. Overexpression of PGL1-1 gene in a non-pectolytic strain resulted in halo formation on polygalacturonic acid-containing agar plates stained with ruthenium red.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Rvs167p, the budding yeast homolog of amphiphysin, colocalizes with actin patches.

In this report, we have shown that the yeast amphiphysin-like protein Rvs167p was localized mainly in small cortical patches throughout the cell in unbudding cells. During budding, the patches were polarized at bud emergence site. During mating, Rvs167p was concentrated at the tip of the shmoo. Rvs167p colocalized with actin patches during yeast vegetative growth and mating. Complete disruption of the actin cytoskeleton using Latrunculin-A did not affect Rvs167p localization in patches throughout the cell. In rvs167 mutant cells, actin patches are mislocalized and in rvs161 or abp1 mutant cells, Rvs167p localization is not affected. These observations suggest that Rvs167p may localize the actin cortical complex properly. Finally, the amphiphysin-conserved N-terminal domain of Rvs167p, called the BAR domain, was required but not sufficient for the correct localization of the protein.

Actins↗

Genetic and functional relationship between Rvsp, myosin and actin in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

The rvs mutants display phenotypes close to those described for the actin mutants: disorganization of the actin cytoskeleton, random budding of the diploids, loss of polarity and sensitivity to salt. Mutations in the RVS genes lead to synthetic lethality with a set of mutations in the actin gene, ACT1. This synthetic lethality is allele-specific regarding the act1 mutations, pointing to a region on the actin molecule where contacts with the myosin head have been described. The possible involvement of a myosin in a vital function fulfilled both by the Rvsp proteins and actin is strengthened further by the fact that the double mutants rvs167, myo1 and rvs167, myo2 are lethal and severely affected in growth respectively. These data support the idea that actin, myosin and Rvsp proteins are linked in a common functional pathway in yeast.

Actins↗

Protein-protein interaction between the RVS161 and RVS167 gene products of Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

As previous studies indicated that the RVS161 and RVS167 gene products of Saccharomyces cerevisiae seem to be involved in the same cellular function, we considered the possibility of a complex between the proteins encoded by these two genes. Using the two hybrid system, we have shown that Rvs167p interacts with Rvs161p, through its N-terminal domain which contains predicted coiled-coil structures. Moreover, if a tagged Rvs 167p protein was immuno adsorbed under non-denaturing conditions, it brought along the Rvs161p protein. These results confirmed the hypothesis of an in vivo complex between the two proteins.

Blotting, Western↗

Functional assessment of the yeast Rvs161 and Rvs167 protein domains.

Mutations in RVS161 and RVS167 yeast genes induce identical phenotypes associated to actin cytoskeleton disorders. The whole Rvs161 protein is similar to the amino-terminal part of Rvs167p, thus defining a RVS domain. In addition to this domain, Rvs167p contains a central glycine-proline-alanine rich domain and a SH3 domain. To assess the function of these different domains we have expressed recombinant Rvs proteins in rvs mutant strains. Phenotype analysis has shown that the RVS and SH3 domains are necessary for phenotypical complementation, whereas the GPA domain is not. Moreover, we have demonstrated that the RVS domains from Rvs161p and Rvs167p have distinct roles, and that the SH3 domain needs the specific RVS domain of Rvs167p to function. These results suggest that Rvs161p and Rvs167p play distinct roles, while acting together in a common function.

Actins↗

First characterization of the phosphonoacetaldehyde hydrolase gene of Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

The phnX gene encoding the phosphonoacetaldehyde hydrolase (phosphonatase) from the Gram-negative bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa A237 has been cloned and its sequence determined. The open reading frame consists of 825 nucleotides specifying a protein of 275 amino acid residues corresponding to a predicted molecular weight of 29929. The deduced amino acid sequence of PhnX did not share significant amino acid sequence similarity with any other polypeptide. Expression of the phosphonoacetaldehyde hydrolase coding sequence in Escherichia coli under control of the E. coli tac promoter resulted in the production of enzymatically active protein with an affinity constant similar to that of the phosphonoacetaldehyde hydrolase purified from P. aeruginosa A237. This is the first nucleic sequence report of the phosphonoacetaldehyde hydrolase, an enzyme involved in the carbon-phosphorus bond cleavage.

Acetaldehyde↗

Cloning of the multicopy suppressor gene SUR7: evidence for a functional relationship between the yeast actin-binding protein Rvs167 and a putative membranous protein.

The rvs161 and rvs167 mutant cells exhibit several identical phenotypes including sensitivity to several different growth conditions and morphological defects such as alteration of the actin cytoskeleton and budding patterns. The selection of genes that, when overexpressed, are able to suppress the reduced viability upon carbon starvation of the rvs167 mutant strain, has allowed the cloning of the SUR7 gene (Accession Number Z46729x11). We showed that the suppressive ability of the overexpressed SUR7 gene concerns all the rvs167 phenotypes. However, this suppression is only partial since the rvs167-suppressed strain is not of wild-type phenotype. Moreover, SUR7 is also able to suppress partially the phenotypes exhibited by the rvs161 and rvs167 and rvs161 mutant strains. The SUR7 gene encodes a putative integral membrane protein with four transmembrane domains. Furthermore, sequence comparisons revealed that Sur7p and two other proteins, Yn1194p and Yd1222p, present significant sequence and structural similarities. Taken together, these results strongly suggest that the Rvs161 and Rvs167 proteins act together in relation with Sur7p. Moreover, the putative transmembranous character of Sur7p suggests a membrane localization of the Rvs function, a localization which is consistent with the different rvs phenotypes and the actin-Rvs167p interaction.

Actins↗

Incidence of SUC-RTM telomeric repeated genes in brewing and wild wine strains of Saccharomyces.

When over-expressed, RTM yeast genes confer resistance to the toxicity of molasses. They are found in distiller's and baker's industrial yeasts in multiple copies, scattered on the telomeres and physically linked to the telomeric SUC genes. Because these genes are absent from some laboratory strains, we explored the genomes of other industrial yeasts (brewing strains) and wine wild strains. A collection of 47 wine yeast strains (S. cerevisiae and S. bayanus) and 15 brewing strains, lager, ale and possible ancestors (S. monacensis, S. paradoxus and S. carlsbergensis) were screened for the presence of RTM genes. Only three wine strains and all brewing strains proved to contain RTM sequences in different copy numbers. PCR and chromosome blotting confirm the presence of SUC sequences in tandem with RTM. Moreover, analysis of the entire S. cerevisiae genome sequence shows that three other, non-telomeric, genes related to RTM are scattered on different chromosomes.

Genes, Fungal↗

Development of a polymerase chain reaction/restriction fragment length polymorphism method for Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Saccharomyces bayanus identification in enology.

Several yeast strains of the species Saccharomyces cerevisiae, S. bayanus and S. paradoxus, first identified by hybridization experiments and measurements of DNA/DNA homology, were characterized using polymerase chain reaction/restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR/RFLP) analysis of the MET2 gene. There was no exception to the agreement between this method and classical genetic analyses for any of the strains examined, so PCR/RFLP of the MET2 gene is a reliable and fast technique for delimiting S. cerevisiae and S. bayanus. Enological strains classified as S. bayanus, S. chevalieri, and S. capensis gave S. cerevisiae restriction patterns, whereas most S. uvarum strains belong to S. bayanus. Enologists should no longer use the name of S. bayanus for S. cerevisiae Gal strains, and should consider S. bayanus as a distinct species.

Base Sequence↗

Characterization of a new gene family developing pleiotropic phenotypes upon mutation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

The aim of this paper is to gather and complete data about four members of a new gene family. Mutation in SUR4 gene was originally selected as a suppressor of defects caused by mutations in RVS161 or RVS167 genes. Cloning and sequencing of the SUR4 gene were performed. The deduced protein contains six putative transmembrane domains. Sequence comparison revealed that two yeast genes, FEN1 and JO343, shared significant similarities with SUR4. Mutants for SUR4 and FEN1 have the same pleiotropic phenotype, including bud localization defects, resistance to an immunosuppressor and resistance to ergosterol biosynthesis inhibitors. The double inactivation of SUR4 and FEN1 genes is lethal. These data and other aspects implicating SUR4 in glucose metabolism, suggest an involvement of these genes in the dynamics of cortical actin cytoskeleton in response to nutrient availability. Moreover, the existence of a fourth homologous gene in C. elegans extends the family to pluricellular organisms.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Actin cytoskeleton and budding pattern are altered in the yeast rvs161 mutant: the Rvs161 protein shares common domains with the brain protein amphiphysin.

The actin cytoskeleton cells is altered in rvs161 mutant yeast, with the defect becoming more pronounced under unfavorable growth conditions, as described for the rvs167 mutant. The cytoskeletal alteration has no apparent effect on invertase secretion and polarized growth. Mutations in RVS161, just as in RVS167, lead to a random budding pattern in a/alpha diploid cells. This behavior is not observed in a/a diploid cells homozygous for the rvs161-1 or rvs167-1 mutations. In addition, sequence comparisons revealed that amphiphysin, a protein first found in synaptic vesicles of chicken and shown to be the autoantigen of Stiff Man syndrome, presents similarity with both Rvs proteins. Furthermore, limited similarities with myosin heavy chain and tropomyosin alpha chain from higher eukaryotic cells allow for the definition of a possible consensus sequence. The finding of related sequences suggests the existence of a function for these proteins that is conserved among eukaryotic organisms.

Actins↗

Functional expression in Saccharomyces cerevisiae of the Lactococcus lactis mleS gene encoding the malolactic enzyme.

Malolactic fermentation, a crucial step in winemaking, results mostly in degradation by lactic acid bacteria of L-malic acid into L-lactic acid. This direct decarboxylation is catalysed by the malolactic enzyme. Recently we, and others, have cloned the mleS gene of Lactococcus lactis encoding malolactic enzyme. Heterologous expression of mleS in Saccharomyces cerevisiae was tested to perform simultaneously alcoholic and malolactic fermentations by yeast. mleS gene was cloned in a yeast multicopy vector under a strong promoter. Malolactic activity was present in crude extracts of recombinant yeasts. Malic acid degradation was tested during alcoholic fermentation in synthetic media and must. Yeasts expressing the mleS gene actually produced L-lactate from L-malate; nevertheless malate degradation was far from complete.

Base Sequence↗

Evidence for a branched pathway in the polarized cell division of Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Cells of Saccharomyces cerevisiae can choose a bud site in one of two different spatial patterns (axial or bipolar) determined by their mating type. Genes important for bud-site selection have been identified and a linear model describing the hierarchy of these genes was proposed. We have uncovered a new class of genes which is required only for the bipolar pattern. The phenotype of the corresponding mutants coupled with epistasis experiments with some budding mutants already described suggest the existence of specific genes for the bipolar pathway.

Cell Division↗

RTM1: a member of a new family of telomeric repeated genes in yeast.

We have isolated a new yeast gene called RTM1 whose overexpression confers resistance to the toxicity of molasses. The RTM1 gene encodes a hydrophobic 34-kD protein that contains seven potential transmembrane-spanning segments. Analysis of a series of industrial strains shows that the sequence is present in multiple copies and in variable locations in the genome. RTM loci are always physically associated with SUC telomeric loci. The SUC-RTM sequences are located between X and Y' subtelomeric sequences at chromosome ends. Surprisingly RTM sequences are not detected in the laboratory strain X2180. The lack of this sequence is associated with the absence of any SUC telomeric gene previously described. This observation raises the question of the origin of this nonessential gene. The particular subtelomeric position might explain the SUC-RTM sequence amplification observed in the genome of yeasts used in industrial biomass or ethanol production with molasses as substrate. This SUC-RTM sequence dispersion seems to be a good example of genomic rearrangement playing a role in evolution and environmental adaptation in these industrial yeasts.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Complete DNA sequence of yeast chromosome II.

In the framework of the EU genome-sequencing programmes, the complete DNA sequence of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae chromosome II (807 188 bp) has been determined. At present, this is the largest eukaryotic chromosome entirely sequenced. A total of 410 open reading frames (ORFs) were identified, covering 72% of the sequence. Similarity searches revealed that 124 ORFs (30%) correspond to genes of known function, 51 ORFs (12.5%) appear to be homologues of genes whose functions are known, 52 others (12.5%) have homologues the functions of which are not well defined and another 33 of the novel putative genes (8%) exhibit a degree of similarity which is insufficient to confidently assign function. Of the genes on chromosome II, 37-45% are thus of unpredicted function. Among the novel putative genes, we found several that are related to genes that perform differentiated functions in multicellular organisms of are involved in malignancy. In addition to a compact arrangement of potential protein coding sequences, the analysis of this chromosome confirmed general chromosome patterns but also revealed particular novel features of chromosomal organization. Alternating regional variations in average base composition correlate with variations in local gene density along chromosome II, as observed in chromosomes XI and III. We propose that functional ARS elements are preferably located in the AT-rich regions that have a spacing of approximately 110 kb. Similarly, the 13 tRNA genes and the three Ty elements of chromosome II are found in AT-rich regions. In chromosome II, the distribution of coding sequences between the two strands is biased, with a ratio of 1.3:1. An interesting aspect regarding the evolution of the eukaryotic genome is the finding that chromosome II has a high degree of internal genetic redundancy, amounting to 16% of the coding capacity.

Base Composition↗

Cloning and sequence analysis of the gene encoding Lactococcus lactis malolactic enzyme: relationships with malic enzymes.

Malolactic enzyme is the key enzyme in the degradation of L-malic acid by lactic acid bacteria. Using degenerated primers designed from the first 20 N-terminal amino acid sequence of lactococcal malolactic enzyme, a 60-bp DNA fragment containing part of the mleS gene was amplified from Lactococcus lactis in a polymerase chain reaction. This specific probe was used to isolate two contiguous fragments covering the gene as a whole. The 1.9-kb region sequenced contains an open reading frame of 1623 bp, coding a putative protein of 540 amino acids. The deduced amino acid sequence reveals that lactococcal putative protein (Mlep) is highly homologous to the malic enzyme of other organisms. Expression of the mleS gene in Escherichia coli results in malolactic activity.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Sequence analysis of a 31 kb DNA fragment from the right arm of Saccharomyces cerevisiae chromosome II.

The nucleotide sequence of a 31,352 bp fragment from chromosome II of Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been determined and analysed. The fragment originates from the right arm of chromosome II, located between the GAL7,10,1 and the PHO3,5 loci, at a distance of about 130 kb from the centromere. The sequence contains a tRNA tandem repeat and 17 open reading frames (ORFs) larger than 100 amino acids. One of them extends into adjacent DNA and is incomplete. The two tRNA genes, coding for a tRNA(asp) and a tRNA(arg), and three of the ORFs, had been sequenced previously, i.e. HSP26, SEC18, and UBC4. Four other ORFs showed similarity with yeast genes; amino acid transporter genes, the RAD54, SNF2 and STH1 family, the SPS2 gene and the bromodomain of SPT7, respectively. Two showed homology with sequences from other organisms, i.e. with a Plasmodium falciparum gene encoding a surface antigen and with a gene from Saimirine herpes virus respectively. Three ORFs, YBR0726, YBR0735 and YBR0740 are completely contained in YBR0727, YBR0734 and YBR0739 respectively, and thus probably do not represent real genes. Two ORFs, YBR0727 and YBR0745 most likely contain an intron.

Base Sequence↗