In Schizosaccharomyces pombe chs2p has no chitin synthase activity but is related to septum formation.
Chitin synthesis occurs in most fungi through the action of different chitin synthase (CS) isoenzymes. In Schizosaccharomyces pombe the chs2(+) gene codes for a protein with significant similarity to CS enzymes, but lacking most of the residues considered to be essential for activity, including the QRRRW domain. Here we show that chs2p is a functional protein that localises to the growing edge of the septum but is not a CS enzyme. Strong over-expression is lethal, while moderate expression leads to a severe defect in septum formation. These results suggest that chs2p has remained through evolution to play an alternative role in septation.
Martín-García
Rebeca
R
Instituto de Microbiología Bioquímica/Departamento de Microbiología y Genética, CSIC/Universidad de Salamanca, Edificio Departamental, Room 231, Campus Miguel de Unamuno, 37007 Salamanca, Spain.
Durán
Angel
A
Valdivieso
M-Henar
MH
D000595:Amino Acid Sequence; D016923:Cell Death; D002473:Cell Wall; D012568:Schizosaccharomyces / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000254:growth & development