The DEAD-box RNA helicase, Dhh1, functions in mating by regulating Ste12 translation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
The DEAD-box RNA helicase, Dhh1, is a member of a highly conserved subfamily designated RCK/p54 helicases. Dhh1 functions as mRNA decapping activator, and is localized to discrete cytoplasmic foci known as processing bodies (P-bodies). Here, we describe the essential roles of Dhh1 in the yeast mating pathway. A dhh1 deletion mutation caused a significant decrease in the protein level of Ste12, a mating-specific transcription factor, resulting in severe mating defects. We examined the accumulation of Dhh1-GFP in P-bodies during mating. Following pheromone treatment, the P-body intensity and number increased in wild-type cells, while dhh1 mutant cells failed to show P-body formation. Both the mating and P-body phenotypes of dhh1 were suppressed by overexpression of STE12 or CAF20 encoding an eIF4E inhibitor. In wild-type cells, CAF20 overexpression led to an increased level of Ste12 protein as well as highly developed P-bodies. We propose that Dhh1 and Caf20 regulate the Ste12 protein expression and the Ste12 protein level is associated with P-body formation during mating.
Ka
Minhan
M
Department of Microbiology, School of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Chungnam National University, Yuseong-Gu, Gung-Dong 220, Daejeon 305-764, Republic of Korea.
Park
Young-Un
YU
Kim
Jinmi
J
D053487:DEAD-box RNA Helicases / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D015966:Gene Expression Regulation, Fungal / Q000502:physiology; D049452:Green Fluorescent Proteins / Q000235:genetics; D016297:Mutagenesis, Site-Directed; D039502:Nuclear Cap-Binding Protein Complex / Q000096:biosynthesis; D015388:Organelles / Q000378:metabolism; D010675:Pheromones / Q000494:pharmacology; D014176:Protein Biosynthesis / Q000502:physiology; D011993:Recombinant Fusion Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology; D012441:Saccharomyces cerevisiae / Q000187:drug effects / Q000201:enzymology / Q000502:physiology*; D029701:Saccharomyces cerevisiae Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000502:physiology*; D014157:Transcription Factors / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*
D039502:Nuclear Cap-Binding Protein Complex; D010675:Pheromones; D011993:Recombinant Fusion Proteins; C489241:STE12 protein, S cerevisiae; D029701:Saccharomyces cerevisiae Proteins; D014157:Transcription Factors; D049452:Green Fluorescent Proteins; C445083:DHH1 protein, S cerevisiae; D053487:DEAD-box RNA Helicases