Comprehensive isolation of meiosis-specific genes identifies novel proteins and unusual non-coding transcripts in Schizosaccharomyces pombe

Nucleic Acids Res. 2001 Jun 1;29(11):2327-37. doi: 10.1093/nar/29.11.2327.

Abstract

In order to isolate meiosis-specific genes in Schizosaccharomyces pombe, we have constructed a subtracted cDNA library enriched in clones whose expression is enhanced during meiosis induced by nitrogen starvation. Using northern blot analysis, we isolated 31 kinds of clones whose expression was induced in a meiosis/sporulation-specific manner. We comprehensively named them meu after meiotic expression upregulated. The transcription of 20 meu genes was found to be dependent on the mei4(+) gene, which encodes a transcription factor required for the progression of meiosis. DNA sequencing indicated that most of the meu genes encode novel proteins. Notably, five of the meu genes harbor no apparent protein coding sequences, and the transcripts form stable hairpin structures, suggesting that they may generate non-coding RNAs or antisense RNAS: The results presented here imply that RNAs are also important for the comprehensive characterization of genomic expression.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Base Sequence
  • DNA, Complementary / genetics
  • DNA, Complementary / isolation & purification
  • Fungal Proteins / genetics*
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Fungal*
  • Gene Library
  • Genes, Fungal / genetics
  • Meiosis / genetics*
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • RNA, Fungal / genetics
  • Schizosaccharomyces / genetics*
  • Schizosaccharomyces / physiology
  • Sequence Homology, Nucleic Acid
  • Spores, Fungal / genetics
  • Transcription, Genetic

Substances

  • DNA, Complementary
  • Fungal Proteins
  • RNA, Fungal

Associated data

  • GENBANK/AB016983
  • GENBANK/AB017033
  • GENBANK/AB017034
  • GENBANK/AB017617
  • GENBANK/AB054299
  • GENBANK/AB054300
  • GENBANK/AB054301
  • GENBANK/AB054302
  • GENBANK/AB054303
  • GENBANK/AB054304
  • GENBANK/AB054305
  • GENBANK/AB054306
  • GENBANK/AB054307
  • GENBANK/AB054308
  • GENBANK/AB054309
  • GENBANK/AB054310
  • GENBANK/AB054311
  • GENBANK/AB054312
  • GENBANK/AB054313
  • GENBANK/AB054314
  • GENBANK/AB054315
  • GENBANK/AB054316
  • GENBANK/AB054317
  • GENBANK/AB054318
  • GENBANK/AB054529
  • GENBANK/AB054530
  • GENBANK/AB054531
  • GENBANK/AB054532