Project description:We report the application of DHS-Seq and digital genomic footprinting to study chromatin changes and transcription factor-DNA binding upon long-term Hsp90 depletion utilizing the temperature-sensitive allele G170D. By generating about 86 and 85.6 million reads for wild type and mutant, we were able to reconstitute the chromatin accessibility and the transcription factor-DNA binding maps under regular conditions and under conditions where Hsp90 was long-term inactivated. We find that there is a global reduction of transcription factor binding sites with concurrent loss of open chromatin upon Hsp90 inactivation. This data was used in conjunction with our previous work involving DHS-Seq studies and short-term Hsp90 depletion (GEO GSE88875) to distinguish the affected transcription factor networks and the chromatin changes upon short- and long-term Hsp90 depletion. We identified two different modes of Hsp90 operation on transcription factor activities – short-term inactivation of Hsp90 altered transcription factor DNA binding activities, whereas long-term Hsp90 inactivation affected the steady-state levels of transcription factors. Overall, this study shows that Hsp90 regulates multiple transcription factor protein families and modulates chromatin architecture on a genome-wide scale.
Project description:Nonylphenol (NP), is a bioaccumulative environmental estrogen that is widely used as a nonionic surfactant. We have previously examined short-term effects of NP on yeast cells using microarray technology. In the present study, we investigated the long-term impacts of NP on Saccharomyces cerevisiae BY4742 cells by analyzing genome-wide transcriptional profiles using RNA-sequencing. We used 2 mg/L NP concentration exposure for 40 days. Gene expression analysis showed that a total of 948 genes were differentially expressed. Of these, 834 genes were downregulated, while 114 genes were significantly upregulated. GO enrichment analysis revealed that 369 GO terms were significantly affected by NP exposure. Further analysis showed that many of the differentially expressed genes were associated with oxidative phosphorylation, iron and copper acquisition, autophagy, pleiotropic drug resistance and cell cycle progression and related processes such as DNA and mismatch repair, chromosome segregation, spindle checkpoint activity, and kinetochore organization. Overall, these results provide considerable information and a comprehensive understanding of the long-term effects of NP at the gene expression level.
Project description:Whole-genome transcriptional response of S. cerevisiae to an increase in temperature from 28°C to 41°C under well-controlled conditions. Two subsequent phases of response with very different dynamics: a short term response for the first hour after the temperature increase and a long term one for up to six hours. The initial response was strongest with almost half of the ORFs being induced or repressed to a statistically significant level (here 1.5 fold). The data was grouped based on the function of the encoded proteins. Analysis showed that the cells overexpressed genes involved in energy conservation processes. Genes encoding molecular chaperones were overexpressed as well, presumably to counteract the effect of the temperature increase on protein denaturation. Furthermore, genes encoding parts of the translation and transcription systems were repressed temporarily, in line with the observed lag in growth. More detailed analysis of certain small groups of genes involved in energy metabolism supported the notion that, although the expression level of genes represent a part of the stress response, they cannot be directly linked to the level of activity of their products.
Project description:We determined that extrachromosomal 2μ plasmid was present in 67 of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae 100-genome strains; in addition to variation in the size and copy number of 2μ, we identified three distinct classes of 2μ. We identified 2μ presence/absence and class associations with populations, clinical origin and nuclear genotypes. We also screened genome sequences of S. paradoxus, S. kudriavzevii, S. uvarum, S. eubayanus, S. mikatae, S. arboricolus and S. bayanus strains for both integrated and extrachromosomal 2μ. Similar to S. cerevisiae, we found no integrated 2μ sequences in any S. paradoxus strains. However, we identified part of 2μ integrated into the genomes of some S. uvarum, S. kudriavzevii, S. mikatae and S. bayanus strains, which were distinct from each other and from all extrachromosomal 2μ. We identified extrachromosomal 2μ in one S. paradoxus, one S. eubayanus, two S. bayanus and 13 S. uvarum strains. The extrachromosomal 2μ in S. paradoxus, S. eubayanus and S. cerevisiae were distinct from each other. In contrast, the extrachromosomal 2μ in S. bayanus and S. uvarum strains were identical with each other and with one of the three classes of S. cerevisiae 2μ, consistent with interspecific transfer.
Project description:BackgroundMatings between different Saccharomyces sensu stricto yeast species produce sexually sterile hybrids, so individuals should avoid mating with other species. Any mechanism that reduces the frequency of interspecific matings will confer a selective advantage. Here we test the ability of two closely-related Saccharomyces sensu stricto species to select their own species as mates and avoid hybridisation.ResultsWe set up mate choice tests, using five independently isolated pairs of species, in which individual germinating spores were presented with the opportunity to mate either with a germinating spore of their own species or with a germinating spore of the other species. For all five strain pairs, whether a S. cerevisiae or S. paradoxus occupies the role of "chooser" strain, the level of hybridisation that is observed between the two species is significantly lower than would be expected if mates were selected at random. We also show that, overall, S. cerevisiae exhibited a stronger own-species preference than S. paradoxus.ConclusionPrezygotic reproductive isolation is well known in higher organisms but has been largely overlooked in yeast, an important model microbe. Here we present the first report of prezygotic reproductive isolation in Saccharomyces. Prezygotic reproductive isolation may be important in yeast speciation or yeast species cohesion, and may have evolved to prevent wasted matings between different species. Whilst yeast has long been used as a genetic model system, little is known about yeast in the wild. Our work sheds light on an interesting aspect of yeast natural behaviour: their ability to avoid costly interspecific matings.