The Transcriptional Regulator Ume6 is a Major Driver of Gene Expression during Gametogenesis in Budding Yeast
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ABSTRACT: Early meiotic genes (EMGs) encompass an important subset within the developmental program of gametogenesis. Regulation of EMGs is achieved through the recognition of a common regulatory element in their promoters by the transcription factor Ume6. Proper meiotic execution requires the timely expression of EMGs, which is achieved through the adoption of the meiotic regulator Ime1 by Ume6. While it is known that Ime1’s binding to Ume6 promotes EMG expression, the mechanism of EMG activation remains unclear. Two competing models have been proposed: (1) Ime1 converts Ume6 to a coactivator complex, and (2) Ime1 binding targets Ume6 for degradation. Using a combination of tools including meiotic synchronization, temporally controlled protein depletion, protein-protein interaction engineering, and transcriptomics, here we address this conundrum. We identify 160 genes that are directly regulated by Ime1-Ume6, including UME6 itself. Removal of Ume6 shortly before meiotic entry is detrimental to EMG activation and gamete formation, whereas tethering of Ume6 to a heterologous activation domain is sufficient to trigger EMG expression and to generate viable gametes in the absence of Ime1. We conclude that Ime1-Ume6 functions as a coactivator complex. While Ume6 is indispensable for EMGs expression, Ime1 primarily serves as an evolutionarily tuned activation domain for Ume6.
ORGANISM(S): Saccharomyces cerevisiae
PROVIDER: GSE226769 | GEO | 2023/06/30
REPOSITORIES: GEO
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