The RGS domain-containing fission yeast protein, Rgs1p, regulates pheromone signalling and is required for mating

摘要: Background When nutritionally starved, the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe enters a cell differentiation process which leads to mating and meiosis. The Ste11 protein is key regulator of this pathway, activating transcription meiotic genes upon starvation. Results Here, we describe rgs1, member Regulator G-protein Signalling (RGS) family, as novel target gene. rgs1 expression requires both an Ste11-mediated nitrogen starvation signal pheromone-induced activation Byr2/Byr1/Spk1 MAPK pathway. We show that deletion results in sensitivity pheromone defect. Δrgs1 cells initiate pathway normally, undergoing sexual agglutination G1 arrest, while inducing pheromone-dependent transcription, but then fail fuse with partner elongating abnormal conjugation tubes. Endogenous Rgs1 tagged GFP localizes nucleus cytoplasm, localization pattern not altered during treatment. Importantly, function its C-terminal RGS domain, well central DEP domain homology present N-terminal region (Fungal-DR domain). Conclusions These demonstrate nutritional signalling. negatively regulates signalling mating, acting negative feedback loop essential for process.