Factors that Repress Transcription from Coding Regions in Yeast
Author Information
Author(s): Vanessa Cheung, Gordon Chua, Nizar N. Batada, Christian R. Landry, Stephen W. Michnick, Timothy R. Hughes, Fred Winston
Primary Institution: Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School
Hypothesis
What factors normally repress cryptic transcription in the Saccharomyces cerevisiae genome?
Conclusion
A large number of chromatin- and transcription-related factors are required to repress cryptic transcription from within coding regions throughout the Saccharomyces cerevisiae genome.
Supporting Evidence
- At least 50 factors are required to repress cryptic transcription.
- Cryptic transcription occurs in at least 1,000 genes in yeast.
- Some cryptic transcripts are translated into proteins.
- A subset of cryptic transcripts is induced in wild-type cells after a nutritional shift.
- Mutants affecting chromatin structure show increased cryptic transcription.
- Cryptic promoters may serve to express alternative genetic information.
Takeaway
In yeast, there are hidden parts of genes that can make proteins, and many factors help keep these hidden. When conditions change, some of these hidden parts can be turned on to help the yeast adapt.
Methodology
Genome-wide analysis using microarray and northern analysis to identify cryptic transcription and its regulation.
Potential Biases
Potential bias in identifying cryptic transcripts from highly transcribed genes.
Limitations
The method may underestimate the actual number of cryptic transcripts due to bias towards genes with lower transcript levels.
Participant Demographics
Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains used in the study.
Statistical Information
P-Value
<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website